HIspanic Federation is proud to mark the 30th anniversary of the SOMOS conference, the largest and most significant legislative event for New York State’s Latinos. This year's gathering, which convened from March 24 to March 26 in Albany, held a special significance as our community acknowledged the work of our pionero and pionera state legislators and their historic success in building a powerful platform for driving a unified Latino agenda. As a key organizer working in partnership with NYS Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, the Chair of New York’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Legislative Task Force, and Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, the Chair of the Somos Board of Directors, the Hispanic Federation worked to honor the vision of these amazing leaders by coordinating panels, workshops and seminars on issues ranging from immigration to education.
This year’s Bienvenida Reception was co-hosted by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, and set the tone for an inspirational conference that encouraged leaders within the Latino community to fight for justice in the challenging years that lay ahead. The reception included distinguished speakers such as New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli and Acting Brooklyn D.A., Eric Gonzalez. During the reception, Monsignor Sullivan accepted an award on behalf of Catholic Charities for recognition of 100 years of service. The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute was also recognized for its outstanding work and leadership. The conference keynote address was delivered by U.S. Senator from Nevada Catherine Cortez Masto, the first Latina to be elected to the U.S Senate.
“This year more than ever, the SOMOS conference played a critical role for New York's Latino community," José Calderón said. "The space served as a platform for information sharing, collaboration and motivation. At a time when our community faces a barrage of attacks from the federal government, SOMOS solidified the message that New York's leaders stand ready to protect and advance the hope and aspirations of our people."
