Welcome to the 2025 Leadership Summit. We’re delighted that you’ve joined us.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. CT

Registration Opens

Join us as we gather the most influential Latino leaders from around the country to exchange insights, forge connections, and shape the narrative of what’s possible in this pivotal moment for our community and our country at the 2025 Leadership Summit: The Latino Decade.

Expect this year’s summit to unfold like a powerful story told in five acts.

10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. CT
Opening Ceremony: The Latino Decade Starts Now
Location: Feinberg Theatre (2nd Floor)

In our opening ceremony, we’ll ground ourselves in the realities of today’s shifting landscape—economic uncertainty, disruption, and reinvention—and explore how Latino leaders are not only adapting but also built for this moment and actively shaping what comes next.

10:50 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. CT
Inside the Mind of a Billion-Dollar Builder: Fernando De Leon’s Story
Location: Feinberg Theatre (2nd Floor)

Join us for a special live taping of The Latino Majority podcast featuring Fernando De Leon, founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the few Mexican American billionaires, De Leon shares his story of resilience and success.

In conversation with The Latino Majority host and The Alumni Society cofounder Pedro A. Guerrero, De Leon discusses building wealth, driving impact, and the rising influence of the Latino community across industries. Don’t miss this powerful look at leadership, legacy, and lasting change.

11:20 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. CT
The Evolving Global Trade Landscape: Making ‘Sense’ of the ‘Chaos’
Location: Feinberg Theatre (2nd Floor)

The global economy is being redefined. Supply chains are shifting, alliances are evolving, and policy is all over the map. What’s really going on? The headlines don’t always tell the full story.

In this thought-provoking session, global strategist Hernan Saenz breaks down the forces driving today’s economic fragmentation. From rising protectionism to nearshoring and the reindustrialization of the U.S., Saenz will offer a clear-eyed view of what’s really happening behind the headlines—and what it means for your business.

11:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT – Breakout Sessions

You’re the protagonist of The Latino Decade. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical insights, or hands-on engagement, this is your moment to lead, connect, and contribute. Choose from the following breakout sessions and member activation.

Breakout 1 – The Latina Decade: Power in the C-Suite
Location: Classroom 421 (4th Floor)

Let’s talk The Latina Decade. Latinas aren’t just rising—they’re reshaping leadership at the highest levels. In a time when women’s rights face mounting challenges, this session calls on us to close gaps, break barriers, and create new opportunities. Join a panel of trailblazing executives as they share how they navigate disruption and redefine power in today’s C-suite.

Breakout 2 – The Future of Work: Thriving Across Generations
Location: Classroom 423A (4th Floor)

Today’s workplace is more generationally diverse than ever—Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and boomers work side-by-side amid deep cultural and political divides. Leaders must unite teams across age, experience, and beliefs while driving performance and connection.

This session explores how inclusive leadership can turn generational and ideological differences into a competitive advantage by fostering innovation and trust.

Breakout 3 – Storytelling as Your Superpower–Learning Sprint
Location: Feinberg Theatre (2ndFloor)

Most people think they’re sharing stories, but in reality, they’re just talking about themselves! Your story is your edge—own it. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a bold anchor story that connects, inspires, and elevates.

An anchor story is a personal story from a formative moment in your life that reveals the “why” and “how” behind your werk, fostering trust and deep connection with your audience. Learn how to show up with authenticity and purpose whether you’re on stage, networking, or leading within your organization.

Infuse your Latinidad into every narrative—powerfully, naturally, and beyond the DEI buzzwords. This is your voice. Your moment. Let’s make it resonate.

Breakout 4 – Build Something with Michael Cerdá: From Scrappy Startups to Tech Titans
Location: Classroom 423B (4th Floor)

Join us for an exclusive session with Michael Cerdá, author of Build Something and former Chief Product Officer at global giants like Goldman Sachs, The Walt Disney Company, Meta, Vevo, Myspace, TelevisaUnivision, and more. With over two decades of experience leading innovation, building exceptional teams, and scaling businesses at top-tier companies, Michael shares invaluable lessons learned from his remarkable career.

In this candid talk, Michael takes you through his journey—from the scrappy startup world to shaping the future with industry giants. Build Something isn’t just a book; it’s a masterclass in leadership, vulnerability, resilience, and building teams that thrive in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an executive seeking purpose, Michael’s insights will inspire you to take bold steps and create something meaningful.

Breakout 5 – Member Activation: Network-Building with Impact
Location: Classroom 422 (4th Floor)

This isn’t just team-building—it’s member-building with heart. Make connections while making a difference. Join this hands-on activity to assemble care kits for Chicago’s Common Pantry, one of the city’s longest-running food pantries dedicated to supporting neighbors in need. Together, we’ll make a difference—one kit, one conversation at a time.

PRESENTED BY

12:45 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. CT – Impact Luncheon

1:00 p.m. – 1:05 p.m. CT
Opening Words
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

Our mainstage program resumes with an invigorating luncheon. Join us as we gather around the table to continue our journey of learning and collaboration, fueling ourselves for the afternoon ahead.

1:05 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. CT
The Latino Decade: Building Legacy and Power Through the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

Explore how Latino influence is reshaping America with three board members and the executive director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. This panel will discuss the museum’s role in preserving Latino heritage amid political challenges, plus the economic and organizational strategies behind this landmark project.

1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. CT
The Anthem of The Latino Decade
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

This powerful, participatory session led by the acclaimed Koren Brothers and our Master of Ceremonies invites our community into a unique experience: the live creation of a musical anthem that reflects the spirit of the Latino Decade. Together, we’ll cocreate a song that captures who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

No musical experience required—just a willingness to show up, be seen, and lend your voice to something bigger. This is more than a performance. It’s a moment of collective meaning-making. A song not just about us but by us.

2:55 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. CT
Table Talks
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

Pick your topic, find your table, and jump in! Table Talks are themed conversations designed to spotlight what matters most to you—and to us as a comunidad.

Each table is built for real talk: everyone contributes, everyone connects. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and full of purpose. With music up and vibes high, this is networking the way it should be.

SCROLL TO VIEW ALL 20 TABLE TALKS TOPICS

4:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. CT – Mainstage Program: Keynote Session & Special Recognitions

4:00 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. CT
Legacy Moments & Special Recognition
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

TAS Cofounder Ricardo Anzaldua offers brief remarks, followed by a special tribute to our longest-standing Legacy Partner and the presentation of our inaugural Vanguard Leadership Award. Presented for the first time at our 10th annual Leadership Summit, this award is a milestone moment honoring a trailblazing leader whose impact and values reflect the very spirit of The Alumni Society.

4:10 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. CT
Keynote Session: Insuring the Future: Latino Leadership at the Helm of Industry Transformation
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

The insurance industry is at a pivotal moment of transformation, with demographic shifts reshaping the customer base, workforce, and leadership pipeline. Latinos, as the fastest-growing segment in the US, are poised to drive major changes in the sector.

Led by The Alumni Society cofounder Ricardo Anzaldua, this conversation will provide an insider’s perspective on how Latino leadership is shaping the future of the industry and what it means for the next generation of executives.

4:40 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
Special Performance: The Anthem of The Latino Decade and Closing Remarks
Location: Crown Family Great Hall (9th Floor)

Led by the Koren Brothers and our Master of Ceremonies, we end on a high note with a shared performance of the anthem we’ve created together—a powerful symbol of joy, strength, and the limitless potential of our collective voice. A fitting close to a transformative journey.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT
Unwind and Connect: Cocktail Reception
Location: Gallery 10 (10th Floor)

Join us for our annual cocktail reception. Relax and unwind with delicious drinks, appetizers, and engaging conversations as we toast to the success of our conference. Enjoy one of the most stunning views of Chicago and take the opportunity to reflect on the day’s learnings, network with industry experts, and forge lasting connections.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT
The Portrait Studio
Location: Gallery 10 (10th Floor)

The fan-favorite Portrait Studio is back, presented by Anywhere Real Estate. Get a polished, professional headshot that reflects your leadership. Whether for LinkedIn or your next big opportunity, this is your moment to put your best face forward because in real estate and business, first impressions matter. Space is limited—arrive early!

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07:00 p.m. CT

Event Concludes