Dear Conexión friends, allies, and family,

I am deeply honored to welcome you to Conexión’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.  Tonight, we come together to mark an important milestone and to honor an extraordinary journey that began in 2005, when shifting demographics and growing challenges inspired the vision to prepare HispanicLatino leaders to meet the needs of our communities, our organizations, and our country.

Over the last two decades, what began with just 10 participants in our first cohort has grown to nearly 60 participants per cohort today, creating a national network of nearly 600 alumni.  We have expanded from serving leaders in Massachusetts alone to nurturing talent across 26 states and Puerto Rico. Along this journey, more than 200 executive mentors have provided their wisdom and support, with 82% of alumni staying connected post-program, and 83% crediting Conexión with fueling their career growth. These outcomes reflect not only growth in numbers, but also deep, transformational and lasting impact.

This evening is both a tribute to those who have been with us since the beginning, including cherished members of our Conexión familia who are no longer with us, and a call to action to embrace our collective responsibility to do more than we ever dreamed possible. As I reflected on whether to mark this milestone, it became clear that the moment calls for it. At moments when divisiveness seems to pull us apart, Conexión’s mission becomes even more urgent: to move from fragmentation to collaboration, from isolation to comunidad. Conexión—Spanish for “connections”—reminds us of the power of bringing people together across backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives for the greater good.  That is why the X in Conexión is at the heart of our celebration. It is both a reminder that leadership is never built alone and a symbol of the work we are doing—Making Our Mark In The World and creating a brighter future for all.

Tonight, we also honor the mentors whose generosity and guidance have shaped our leaders, and the allies and sponsors who understand the importance of access and leadership development for our country and for organizations. Conexión has stood as a beacon for HispanicLatino leadership for twenty years, and our resolve to build a brighter tomorrow remains stronger than ever. United, we will continue to cultivate leaders who not only succeed in their fields but also strengthen the fabric of our communities and our country.

Phyllis Barajas
Founder & CEO, Conexión

6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m …… Welcome Reception & Live Music Greeting

7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m …… Anniversary Program (Speakers & Awards)

• • Welcome Remarks – Ray Suarez, Master of Ceremonies, and Nicolás D’Onofrio, Co-Host
• • Presenting Sponsor Acknowledgment – Phyllis Barajas
• • Educate: “Macro Issues in 2005 vs. Today”—Why Conexión was founded and what’s changed
    • Panel discussion with Ray Suarez & Jesse Treviño, facilitated by Phyllis Barajas
  • Engage: “The Power of Mentorship—Building Careers, Confidence, and Community”
    • Panel discussion with Jill Valdés Horwood, Jon Santiago, and Jeff Fuhrer, facilitated by Nicolás D’Onofrio
  • Empower: Honoring Our Leaders – Greg Flores & Phyllis Barajas
• • Fundraising Call to Action – Greg Flores and Nicolás D’Onofrio
• • Closing – Ray Suarez

8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m …… Networking Reception

About Conexión

Grounded in Robert Putnam’s theory of social capital, Conexión’s model emphasizes mentorship with C-suite, senior leaders and entrepreneurs from across industries. This network of trust and guidance creates a ripple effect of empowerment across generations, preparing leaders to navigate cultural intersections with authenticity and purpose.

Conexión was launched in 2005, when a group of Boston social entrepreneurs came together to discuss the nexus between shifting demographics and the economic complexities facing the country. Out of that conversation came a bold vision: to create a channel that would identify and fast-track HispanicLatino talent ready to step into greater responsibility, ensuring that our communities, organizations, and nation could thrive. The initial impetus was clear: as the second largest and youngest demographic in the United States, HispanicLatinos were essential to the country’s future vitality, yet too often excluded from leadership pipelines. Forward-thinking companies and organizations across all sectors recognized the growing demand for prepared HispanicLatino leaders, and Conexión was created to meet that moment.

How to Get Involved

Volunteer:
Conexión volunteers get access to exclusive thought-leadership events, access to a network of leaders and champions of leadership and talent development, and an opportunity to become an ambassador for an impactful non-profit. 

Interested in volunteering with Conexión? Fill out this form. 

Mentor:
At Conexión, mentors are C-suite, senior leaders and entrepreneurs, from all backgrounds with experience working across cultures and sectors. We pair mentors to our program mentees to provide person-centered approach to leadership development, personalized guidance, expanded access to social networks, and direct connection to decision-makers across industries.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Fill out this form. 

Donate:
With your support, Conexión can continue to develop inclusive, values-driven leaders who are shaping industries and sectors, influencing policy, and driving change across communities nationwide. United, we will continue to cultivate leaders who not only succeed in their fields but also strengthen the fabric of our communities and our country.

Consider donating to the future of Conexión here.