Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Event photos can be found here
San Jose, CA – This week, Hispanic Federation convened top voices from over 130 tech industry, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors at Encuentro Digital 2026, its signature digital skilling and workforce development summit, to chart a path forward.
Throughout the event, corporate and philanthropic leaders highlighted opportunities for engaging the Latino workforce more meaningfully in the tech sector and drew attention to the barriers to entry that persist across the country. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the American economy, Latino workers and families remain at risk being of left behind.
“AI is fundamentally changing the workplace and how our economy functions. At Encuentro Digital we brought together leaders who are working to reduce the digital divide and equip underserved communities with the skills necessary to tap into Artificial Intelligence. Between now and 2030, Latinos will account for four out of five new workers in the United States. Investing in Latino digital skilling is necessary for building a more inclusive workforce. Together, we are ensuring that underserved communities are in the rooms where AI is being built and governed, not just as consumers of technology but as drivers of change,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation.
Since 2019, more than 52 organizations have worked with Hispanic Federation’s workforce development initiative to help over 30,000 people gain the skills needed to work in tech, an effort that has led to an average salary increase of more than $11,500, some have gone on to earn six figure salaries. Many of the leaders who gathered for this event are also some of the organizations who Hispanic Federation has worked with to provide workforce development programs in communities across the country for underserved communities.
“Digital NEST serves Latinx youth living just beyond Silicon Valley in communities left behind in the tech boom,” said Jacob Martinez, founder and CEO of Digital NEST, a workforce development nonprofit. “We know firsthand the high cost of economic displacement caused by inequitable access to wealth and power. As AI accelerates, we have the power to demand shared benefit from the tech industry. By expanding Latinx representation and amplifying our voices in tech leadership and governance, we ensure our communities help shape the future of this economy.”
“Tech innovation should come from all of us and benefit all of us. At Code the Dream we share Hispanic Federation’s commitment to building a more inclusive tech industry for Latinos. Our apprenticeship program opens opportunities for software developers from communities underrepresented in tech. Apprentices gain real-world experience and then use that experience to launch new, life-changing careers,” said Rachel Frenkel, Associate Director for Code the Dream.
“Civil rights protections in AI tools help everyone, especially Latinos and all communities most often pushed to the margins. They can ensure that AI doesn’t discriminate. That it’s unbiased. That it works for everyone. Latinos must be at the table at any discussion around federal AI legislation, because we know what our communities need. I’m grateful that Hispanic Federation provides spaces where we can create affirmative tech future made by us, for us,” said Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, Vice President for the Center for Civil Rights and Technology at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights..
###
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.
