The inaugural student-led LBJ Latino Policy Research Symposium is focused on critical issues affecting the Latino community in Texas and the United States. Topics include immigration policies, healthcare disparities, the 2024 election, environmental justice, and education. Join us on April 5.
Texas is one of the most vibrant and diverse states in the nation, where more than half of the students attending Texas public schools and over one-third of students enrolled in higher education identify as Hispanic or Latino. In 2020, UT Austin qualified for the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation for the first time, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, which is granted to a small group of colleges and universities committed to accelerating Latino student success. We prepare the next generation of leaders, and this symposium offers an opportunity to showcase high impact policy research.
Thank you to our student organizers:
- Gladys Acosta & Darla Torres, Co-Chairs
- Adolfo Cervantes & Geraldine Fandiño, Vice-Chairs
- Raul “Neto" Longoria, Logistics Director
- Yulissa Chavez, Marketing Director
- Ali Linan, Secretary
- Jose Silva, Unidos Co-Chair
- Oriana Lozano Castro, Panel Coordinator
- Edgar Felix, Panel Coordinator
- Marlene G. Plua, Panel Coordinator
Join us for a day filled with innovative learning and empowerment through thoughtful discussion and inquiry on important topics impacting Latinos. Your Knowledge is Your Power -Tu Conocimiento es Tu Poder.
RSVP to the 2024 LBJ Latino Policy Research Symposium today!
AGENDA- April 5
Breakfast and Check in (8-9 AM)
Welcome (8:30-8:45 AM)
JR DeShazo, Dean, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Introduction of Steering Committee (8:45-9 AM)
Gladys Acosta & Darla Torres, Steering Committee Co-Chairs
Panel 1: The Process of Passing Immigration and Border Policies (9-10 AM)
Explore the historical analysis, bipartisanship, and roadblocks that have hindered true immigration policy reform. A discussion on the impact of rhetoric used by political figures on border communities and immigrants in the U.S, as well as the constitutionality of Operation Lone Star and the laws that the state of Texas has implemented in the border. Panel Coordinators: Ali Linan & Edgar Felix
Featuring:
-
Fernando Garcia, Executive Director, Border Network for Human Rights
-
The Honorable Eddie Morales Jr, TX State Rep (HD 74– Eagle Pass)
-
Tony Payan, Director, Rice University Baker Institute Center for the United States and Mexico
-
Moderator: Ana Oaxaca Carrasco, UT Provost Early Career Fellow, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Panel 2: Addressing Healthcare Disparities in the Latino Community (10:10-11:10 AM)
Explore barriers in accessing healthcare, successful programs to promote healthcare awareness, and policy changes to reduce healthcare disparities. Panel Coordinators: Neto Longoria & Oriana Lozano Castro
Featuring:
-
Perla Cavazos, Deputy Administrator, Central Health
-
Deborah Parra-Medine, Executive Director, Center for Health Equity, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Sciences Campus
-
The Honorable David Stout, County Commissioner Pct. 2 – El Paso
-
Moderator: Jacqueline L. Angel, Wilbur J. Cohen Professor of Health and Social Policy and Professor of Sociology
Panel 3: Latino Identities in Texas and the U.S. (11:20 AM-12:20 PM)
Explore the concept of identity among Latinos in the United States, addressing the dual cultural and national influences and how they shape the experiences and self-perception of Latino Americans. Panel Coordinators: Darla Torres & Geraldine Fandiño
Featuring:
-
Chris Cutkelvin, Director of Student Access and Civic Education, LBJ School of Public Affairs
-
Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, Professor, Moody College of Communication; Director, Center for Mexican American Studies; Director of the VOCES - Oral History Project
-
Paul Saldaña, President and Principal, Saldaña Public Relations
-
Moderator: To be announced
LUNCH (12:20-1:30 PM)
RSVP required, limited seats
Panel 4: Texas Latinos and the 2024 Elections (1:30-2:30 PM)
Explore the demographic shifts we are seeing within the Latino community in Texas, including the shift in political party ideologies, and discuss what top policy issues will motivate Latinos to vote this cycle. Panel Coordinator: Gladys Acosta
Featuring:
-
The Honorable Gina Hinojosa, TX State Representative, HD 49-Austin; Chair, House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC)
-
Richard Pineda, Associate Professor, Department of Communication; Director, Sam Donaldson Center for Communication Studies, The University of Texas at El Paso
-
The Honorable Jason Villalba, Chairman and CEO, Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation
-
Moderator: Angie Gutierrez, Assistant Professor, Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
Panel 5: Achieving an Equitable, Low-Carbon Economy in Underserved Communities in Texas (2:40-3:40 PM)
Explore the challenges faced by marginalized and underserved communities on the frontlines of environmental and economic impacts and examine ways to address barriers, promote representation and amplify the voices of Latino communities in shaping clean energy job initiatives. Panel Coordinator: Marlene Plua
Featuring:
-
Susana Almanza, Executive Director, PODER
-
Jaime Longoria, Executive Director, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency
-
Miriam Solis, Assistant Professor of Community and Regional Planning, UT Austin
-
Moderator: Miguel A. Pavon, Adjunct Professor, LBJ School, UT Austin
Panel 6: The State of Education for Latinos in Texas (3:50-4:50 PM)
Explore the current state of public and higher education in Texas by discussing available educational opportunities and policies that impact the over 50% of the students attending Texas public schools and over 30% of students enrolled in our institutions of higher education who identify as Hispanic or Latino. Panel Coordinator: Gladys Acosta
Featuring:
-
Isela Almaguer, Houston Endowed Chair, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
-
Jacob Cottingham, Senior Director, Government Relations, Texas Association of Community Colleges
-
Julia Cuevas-Guerra, Assistant Professor, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Matias Segura, Superintendent, Austin Independent School District
-
Moderator: Chloe Sikes, Deputy Director of Policy, Intercultural Development Research Association
Closing Remarks (4:50-5 PM)
Unidos Co-President Jose Silva