On October 23, 2025, more than 250 civic, corporate, and community leaders gathered at the Museum of Science in Boston to celebrate two decades of Conexión. The evening united alumni, mentors, and allies to honor a legacy of developing visionary leaders who are shaping a more inclusive and innovative future, and to launch the next chapter of our collective impact.

An Evening of Connection and Celebration

Ray Suarez, journalist and host of PBS’s Wisdom Keepers, and Nicolás D’Onofrio, leader at Boston Children’s Hospital and proud Conexión alumnus, guided guests through an inspiring program of leadership, reflection, and community.

Founder and CEO Phyllis Barajas opened the evening by reflecting on Conexión’s journey, from a bold idea in 2005 to a nationally recognized model for leadership development.

“Twenty years later, we stand on the shoulders of those who believed in what was possible—not just for one organization, but for an entire generation of leaders,” Barajas said.

Alumna Jill Valdés Horwood, Chief Climate and Resilience Officer for Massport, captured the essence of Conexión’s impact:

“It was the first time I was in a room with really smart, driven Latinos and Latinas. It empowered me in a different way and allowed me to do my job, representing the diversity of Boston, with a new, more authentic lens.”

Make Your Mark Campaign: Investing in What’s Next

The celebration marked the official launch of the Make Your Mark Campaign, supporting leadership scholarships and a national impact study to measure Conexión’s long-term influence.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised over $43,000 in donations by the end of the evening— creating immediate momentum for the opportunities ahead.

Two Decades of Measurable Impact

Our alumni are leading change:

• 600 alumni across corporate, civic, and nonprofit sectors
• 83% credited Conexión with fueling their career growth
• Alumni lead teams across nationally recognized organizations including Merck, Liberty Mutual, TJX, Boston Children’s Hospital, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, as well as regional leaders such as Eastern Bank and Alkermes, shaping the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

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