Community Symposiums

Since 2015, the LLI has convened nationally-recognized experts in business, film, media, politics, and more to share insights on the Latino community. By applying both leading academic research and real-life experiences to critical conversations, the Institute effectively illuminates the challenges and opportunities of our demographic destiny. Throughout the year, the LLI hosts public symposiums on a variety of topics. These community forums will address education, ethnicity and race, energy and the environment, civic engagement, foreign policy and national security, health care, and immigration.

Education

Power In Knowledge: Latinos Represent Colorado’s Talent Pipeline of Tomorrow (2019)

The LLI and The Education Trust partnered to lead an expert discussion that revealed relevant data about Colorado’s educational landscape. Panelists discussed evidence-based practices that can increase Latino student achievement and supply Colorado’s future workforce. Across the K-16 pipeline, the dynamics of a growing population create opportunities and challenges for educators, policymakers, and families.

With the 8th largest Latino population in the U.S., Colorado is projected to show a continued increase in Latino population growth over the next several decades. Today, K-12 Latino enrollment in Colorado public schools is at 33 percent compared to the overall Latino population of 21 percent. Currently, Colorado has the second largest degree attainment equity gap in the country. According to the Bell Policy Center, in 2020, 75 percent of jobs in Colorado will require a postsecondary credential, according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Thus, filling this workforce pipeline is not only Colorado’s test, it is also the Latino community’s greatest educational opportunity.

International Relations

Power In Migration Symposium (2019)

The LLI partnered with the Center for American Progress and the George W. Bush Institute to present a lunch discussion about migration managment efforts and the United States’ economic competititveness. The symposium emphasized how to get migration right in the Americas, the important role immigrants play in the U.S. economy, and why it matters as a national and regional interest along with our standing in the global economy. The discussion focused on the real challenges – and opportunities – of migration, highlighting the driver’s of today’s migration in the Americas, and explaining the economic growth opportunities of properly understood and managed migration.

U.S. & Mexico Relations Symposium (2018)

The LLI and WorldDenver presented “Discussion on U.S. Mexico Relations,” in partnership with the Center for American Progress, the McCain Institute, the Wilson Center Mexico Institute, and the George W. Bush Institute. The symposium invited state governments and stakeholders in the U.S./Mexico relationship to participate in conversations about the need to preserve and strengthen one of the United States’ most important and complex relationships. This symposium featured former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle and Ambassador John Feeley.

Domestic Policy

Puerto Rico: Forging a Path Forward Symposium (2018)

The LLI, Josef Korbel School of International Studies Latin America Center and Boricuas Unidos en la Diásposa, presented “Puerto Rico: Forging a Path Forward.” The symposium aimed to provide historical context to Puerto Rico’s current state of affairs and raise the profile of Puerto Rico in Denver and nationally. The symposium leveraged expert opinions to stimulate debate on ways forward after the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria. The discussion featured nationally recognized author and journalist, Juan González.

Workforce & Economy

Power In Numbers: Latinos Fueling Colorado’s Economic Growth and Workforce Symposium (2018)

The Latino Leadership Institute co-hosted the “Power In Numbers: Latinos Fueling Colorado’s Economic Growth and Workforce” symposium in partnership with the Denver Business Journal. The sold-out event was attended by nearly 150 business and community leaders from across the Denver Metro area.

Demographic, business and industry experts from across sectors presented relevant data on growth trends of Colorado’s Latino community and discussed the strategies companies are employing to maximize market share while fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.