Virginia LULAC Represents the Commonwealth at the 2026 LULAC National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas

Virginia LULAC was proud to attend the 2026 LULAC National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, joining thousands of LULAC members, community leaders, elected officials, advocates, and partners from across the United States. What began as an opportunity to represent Virginia quickly became an inspiring reminder that we are part of a movement much larger than ourselves, one dedicated to advancing civil rights, educational opportunity, civic engagement, and service to Latino communities nationwide. The convention brought together leaders from across the country to discuss the issues most impacting Latino communities while celebrating the strength, diversity, and future of our community.

Virginia's delegation consisted of Alicia Denis, Aramis Rojas, and Christopher Concepcion, each participating in workshops and discussions that reflected the broad range of issues LULAC champions every day.

During the convention, we were also pleased to reconnect with our friends and colleagues from the Washington, D.C. region, Andy Perez and Graciela Aponte-Díaz, whose continued partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing opportunities for Latino communities.

One of the most memorable moments of the convention was participating in LULAC Gives Back, where service once again took center stage. Through a partnership between LULAC National and Tyson Foods, more than 40,000 pounds of protein were donated to food banks and community organizations throughout the Fort Worth region to help families experiencing food insecurity. At the same event, the American Federation of Teachers generously donated more than 1,000 books and LEGO educational sets for children, families, and educators, helping expand access to learning and opportunity. The event was a powerful reminder that LULAC's commitment to service extends far beyond advocacy and into direct action that strengthens communities across America.

Throughout the convention, attendees heard from an impressive lineup of national leaders and advocates. Among the keynote speakers were U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Nevada Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar, who spoke about civic participation, leadership, and the growing influence of Latino communities across the country.

Convention attendees also learned about LULAC National's new nationwide voter engagement initiative, launched in partnership with some of the nation's leading Latino civic engagement organizations, including Latino Victory Fund, Mi Familia Vota, and the UnidosUS Action Fund. Together, these organizations are coordinating one of the largest Latino voter mobilization efforts in the country, combining voter registration, year-round community organizing, trusted messengers, and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts to encourage Latino communities across the United States to register, vote, and make their voices heard at the ballot box. The coalition will support voter registration, education, and Get Out The Vote efforts in communities across the country, with particular attention to states and congressional districts where Latino voter participation can have a significant impact on election outcomes.

Each member of the Virginia delegation attended specialized sessions aligned with their interests and areas of advocacy.

Alicia Denis participated in the Women's Conference panel focusing on Latina mental health. The discussion addressed the many responsibilities Latina women often carry simultaneously, including family caregiving, professional responsibilities, community leadership, financial pressures, and the emotional challenges created by discrimination, immigration concerns, and economic uncertainty. The session encouraged open conversations about stress, burnout, anxiety, grief, healing, and resilience while emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health within Latino communities.

The panel featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Charito Cisneros, President and Founder of the New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce, whose work has helped generations of Latino beauty professionals develop successful careers and businesses. Joining her was Maria Concha, founder of Manifesting Ninja, entrepreneur, mindset coach, actress, writer, and producer, who shared inspiring perspectives on confidence, purpose, and personal growth.

Christopher Concepcion attended the LGBTQIA+ Convening, which celebrated the continued growth of Rainbow Councils throughout LULAC and reinforced the organization's commitment to ensuring LGBTQIA+ members are represented at every level of leadership. The session highlighted that inclusion is not simply an aspiration but a core value of LULAC, creating space for LGBTQIA+ members and allies to build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure every member of the Latino community has a seat at the table.

Aramis Rojas attended a session presented by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) focused on combating extremism and hate in the United States. The discussion, led by ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt, explored current challenges facing communities across the nation while emphasizing the importance of coalition-building, education, and standing together against antisemitism, extremism, and all forms of hatred.

One of the most historic moments of the convention came during the LULAC National Assembly, where delegates overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment creating a National Vice President for LGBTQ Affairs. This historic vote officially establishes LGBTQ representation within LULAC's national leadership structure and reflects the organization's continued commitment to ensuring that every member of the Latino community has a voice in shaping the future of the organization.

Beyond the scheduled programming, the convention provided invaluable opportunities to network with LULAC leaders from across the country, exchange ideas, learn from successful council initiatives, and build relationships that will strengthen Virginia LULAC's work in the years ahead. Those conversations reminded us that while every council serves its own local community, together we form one national movement working toward equal opportunity and justice for all.

Virginia LULAC extends its sincere gratitude to LULAC National, the convention organizers, sponsors, volunteers, presenters, and every member who helped make this year's convention such a tremendous success. We return to Virginia energized, inspired, and ready to continue serving our communities with renewed purpose.

The ideas, partnerships, and inspiration we gained in Fort Worth will help guide Virginia LULAC as we continue expanding our impact across the Commonwealth through advocacy, service, civic engagement, and leadership development.

We look forward to joining our LULAC family once again at next year's National Convention as we continue working together to build stronger communities, empower Latino families, and create opportunities for future generations.

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About Virginia LULAC

Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

Contact:

virginialulacofficial@gmail.com | valulac.org