On June 29 and 30, the annual UnidosUS Conference took place in Austin, Texas. Hundreds of community leaders, civil rights advocates, students, and representatives of organizations from across the United States participated in conferences and workshops focused on discussing current challenges, exchanging ideas, and developing action plans. The event reinforced a powerful message: by staying united and engaged, communities can strengthen democracy and protect civil rights.
UnidosUS made several conference sessions and panel discussions available online through its social media platforms and YouTube channel, allowing audiences nationwide to participate in the event. One of the most compelling sessions was the closing panel, “Our Vote, Our Democracy: The Roadmap to the 2026 Midterm Elections.” National leaders agreed that the future of democracy depends on organizations working together and bringing reliable information directly to communities.
Moderated by David Hood-Nuño, a Reuters correspondent, the panel featured Clarissa Martínez de Castro, Vice President of the UnidosUS Latino Vote Initiative; Héctor Sánchez Barba, President and CEO of Mi Familia Vota; Katherine Pichardo, President and CEO of the Latino Victory Foundation; and Juan Proaño, CEO of the LULAC Institute.
The discussion focused on a new strategic alliance among these organizations aimed at sharing information, strengthening collaboration, and expanding the reach of community-based work. Together, these groups represent a network of more than 400 Latino elected officials through Latino Victory, as well as a growing talent pipeline designed to strengthen representation and civic engagement across the country.
Clarissa Martínez de Castro stated, “Latinos are everywhere; we are like Pedro Pascal, and we are also like The Fantastic Four.” She added, “Being courteous does not mean we cannot be courageous. This is the time to be brave, to stay united, and to activate each of our superpowers, because we know that when we work together, we are even stronger.”
The second panel, moderated by Claudia Ruiz, Senior Civil Rights Advisor at UnidosUS, featured April England Albright, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Voters Matter Fund; Michael Mireles of the Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE); and Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latino.
The conversation centered on protecting voting rights and building stronger connections between organizations and the communities they serve. Panelists emphasized that community empowerment is not a new concept, but rather the result of generations of organizing and advocacy by Latino, Black, and other communities whose efforts have contributed significantly to the nation’s progress.
The central message that emerged from the two-day conference was clear: this is the time to organize, strengthen partnerships, and continue creating spaces where organizations can connect people to power. By doing so, every voice can be heard, and democracy can continue to grow stronger from the ground up. The conference also reaffirmed that when communities share resources and ideas, build alliances, and work toward common goals, they strengthen their organizations and help create a more resilient and powerful future for everyone.
