Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez joins for a fireside chat to discuss issues affecting Latinos in the Midwest
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Milwaukee, WI – On Thursday, nearly 100 Latino nonprofit leaders, philanthropy partners, and community advocates convened for Hispanic Federation’s second annual Encuentro Midwest to chart a path forward in the face of these mounting challenges. Hispanic Federation’s Encuentros are regional gatherings of partners to build capacity, engage with local elected officials, and build networks to elevate the Latino community concerns.
Latinos, the largest minority across the Midwest, continue to bear the brunt of aggressive federal policies that have upended households, shuttered access to critical services, and destabilized entire communities. Throughout the event, leaders shared their work to strengthen their state’s Latino-serving organizations, advance a bold advocacy agenda, build the long-term infrastructure their communities deserve, and discuss the importance of Latino voter education and mobilization during the 2026 midterm elections.
A fireside chat between Frankie Miranda, Hispanic Federation President and CEO, and Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez focused on the state of Latino communities in the Midwest, the role of nonprofit leaders in advancing equity, and the policy landscape shaping Latino families today.
“The Midwest is home to millions of Latino families who are navigating unprecedented challenges – from immigration enforcement to cuts in essential services. Encuentro Midwest is where we turn shared struggle into collective strategy, and collective strategy into lasting power. We are here to listen, to organize, and to fight for the future our communities deserve,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO, Hispanic Federation.
“Latino families in Wisconsin and across the Midwest are working hard, raising their kids, and contributing to our communities every single day. Nonprofit leaders like the Hispanic Federation are on the front lines – connecting families to care, fighting for dignity, and building a better future. That’s the work that moves things forward. I’m grateful to Frankie and his team for bringing us together, and I’m proud to stand with them in fighting for a Wisconsin that works for everyone,” said Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez.
Leaders representing eight states joined local and state elected officials committed to advancing an equitable agenda for Latino communities. The Regional Encuentros are in addition to Encuentro Nacional that takes place annually in Washington, D.C. and brings partners from across the country to meet with and advocate directly with representatives on Capitol Hill.
Hispanic Federation’s Midwest office has allocated $5.6 million in funding since 2020 in the Midwest with roughly $1.6 million allocated in just the past year.
“The Latino community in Wisconsin and across the Midwest is resilient, organized, and ready to fight for what we deserve. Events like Encuentro Midwest remind us that we are not alone in this work and that when we unite our voices and our organizations, we create the kind of sustained change our families need now and for generations to come,” said Darryl Morin, National President & Chairman of the Board, Forward Latino.
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
