For immediate release: March 25, 2026
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation’s Fourth Annual Encuentro of North Carolina Latino Organizations Strengthens Community Resilience and Advances Equity
Summit brought together nonprofit leaders and elected officials to address Latino community concerns and elevate their voices in the policy discourse
Raleigh, NC – Encuentro of North Carolina Latino Organizations, brought 100 people from Latino-led organizations, and allies for a vital summit to forge partnerships and map strategies for navigating the complex challenges facing our communities. The conference featured workshops and collaborative sessions focused on how immigration enforcement, limited access to healthcare, and other issues are impacting Latinos. The theme this year is Raising Our Voices: Shaping Our Future. You can see select photos from the event here.
“North Carolina’s Latino community is one of the youngest, fastest growing, and most resilient in this entire country. Every day, we face new challenges brought on by federal policies that continue to harm us – from militarized immigration actions that have torn our families apart – to decisions that threaten our health and drive up our cost of living. This is why this Encuentro matters – when we come together, our voices carry real power. Together, we don’t just survive. We advocate, we organize, and we shape the future we deserve,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation.
“This is more than a gathering – it is a lifeline that our communities need now more than ever,” said Lariza Garzón, Director for NC and Midsouth Operations. “Latinos across this state are facing mounting pressures on every front: lack of access to healthcare, economic inequality, and the constant threat of displacement. Families are living in fear due to heavy-handed and often violent immigration enforcement that tears through our neighborhoods and separates loved ones without mercy or due process. We will continue building with our partners until every Latino family in this state has access to the services that are essential to thrive and care for loved ones.”
“Hispanic Federation’s annual Encuentro of North Carolina Latino Organizations is a vital gathering that brings together many Hispanic community leaders, advocates, and partners from across the state. It provides an invaluable space not only to connect and build relationships, but also to reflect on the transformative work being done to uplift and empower our communities. For leaders like me, events like this are essential; they allow us to share our challenges and triumphs, exchange ideas, and strengthen our sense of community. By coming together, we can amplify our collective impact and create greater opportunity for Hispanic families across North Carolina,” said Angelica Santibanez, Executive Director of Salud Sin Fronteras.
“Casa Azul looks forward to joining our colleagues across the state every year at Encuentro. It is a space for learning, camaraderie, and joy. Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without the support that Hispanic Federation provides its partners. Every year the content gets better and the community gets larger. Estamos muy excited to be at Encuentro!” said Flor Herrera-Picasso, Executive Director of Casa Azul de Wilson.
“I’ve been part of Encuentro since the first one, and each year it grows with more purpose. There is something powerful about being in a space with Latino leaders who truly understand the work because they live it every day. That kind of connection matters,” said Alejandro Garcia, Founder of Valores.
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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.
