Everyone Counts at LEAD Summit X

With the theme “¡Su Voto Es Su Voz!” Everyone Counts, the Latino Education and Advocacy Days (LEAD) Summit X brought together teaching professionals and educators, researchers, academics, scholars, administrators, independent writers and artists, policy and program specialists, students, parents, civic leaders, activists and advocates – all sharing a common interest and commitment to education issues that impact Latinos to help them define the future.  A series of panel presentations and keynote speeches throughout the event focused on the idea that every voice counts and civic engagement is vital. Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to register to vote – and vote – as well as participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. Keynote speakers included Alex Padilla, California’s Secretary of State, and Maria del Rosario “Rosie” Castro, a Mexican-American civil rights activist and educator from San Antonio, Texas. Two longtime leaders, role models and champions for education in the Latino community were this year’s honorary co-chairs: Concepción “Concha” Rivera was the madrina de honor and José Angel Gutiérrez was the padrino de honor. The impact of the LEAD Summit has been broad over its 10 years. The California Assembly, since 2010, has declared the last week of March every year as a statewide week of advocacy for Latino education. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Latino Legislative Caucus, in letters to LEAD, have also lent their support by encouraging participation in the summit.