While Latino non-profits, including the UnidosUS Affiliate Network, have navigated acute adversity just as impactful as COVID-19 throughout time. Charles Kamasaki, UnidosUS Senior Advisor, with over 35 years of experience in the non-profit sector, highlighted lessons learned from previous crises and offered his perspective on why the UnidosUS Affiliate Network will not just survive this, but how it can thrive in our new environment. Maricela García, CEO at Gads Hill Center moderated the conversation, elevating questions from the network.

Affiliate leaders shared questions and comments with Janet Murguía and UnidosUS Leadership on the inequities exacerbated by the pandemic by providing safety nets to families in need, addressing racism within our community, and empowering Latinos to vote during the historic 2020 Presidential Election.

UnidosUS Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, Susan Collins shared a breakdown of Election results, and what they mean for advocacy moving forward. The panel also included UnidosUS Affiliates. Promise Arizona and Hispanic Unity of Florida sharing their best practices, such as the importance of working in collaboration with Affiliates and other local nonprofit organizations and stakeholders to engage communities and elected officials to ensure the needs of the Latino community is heard at the local, state, and federal levels.