Avangrid’s Post

he Texas Legislature convenes next month, bringing a wave of legislation that could directly impact communities of color. Now more than ever, we must unite and amplify our voices to protect the progress we've made and advocate for our shared future.   Join us this Friday, December 6, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM for the Leadership and Business Summit, hosted by five influential Hispanic organizations. This critical event will provide the tools and strategies needed to address upcoming challenges and ensure our communities have a seat at the table where decisions are made.   Free Summit Registration - bit.ly/4g3GrBr   Why Attend? Gain insights into policies affecting our communities. Collaborate with fellow leaders to strengthen our collective voice. Equip yourself with resources to lead and advocate effectively.   Texas has been a majority-minority state since 2014. It’s time we start acting like it.   Be part of the movement. Join TAMACC, HWNT, HABLA, EGBI, the Hispanic Contractors Association, and others at the 2024 Leadership and Business Summit as we take steps to defend decades of progress and shape a stronger Texas.   Reserve your spot today and make your voice heard! - bit.ly/4g3GrBr     Summit Schedule   Program Begins with a Complimentary Lunch   11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch Served Complimentary hot lunch buffet catered by Miss Reds.   Luncheon Speaker 12:14 PM: Lila Valencia, City Demographer at the City of Austin   Program Schedule 1:00 PM: Welcome and Introductions 1:15 PM: Keynote Speaker Cónsul General of Mexico Humberto Hernández Haddad “The Importance of the Texas-Mexico Trade Alliance”   Panel Discussions 2:00 PM: Panel I How do immigration policies, deportation practices, and proposed legislation impact our workforce and cost of living? 3:00 PM: Panel II The State of Latino Health in Texas: Breaking Barriers to Accessing Quality Care 4:00 PM: Panel III The Impact of Dismantling D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) on Communities of Color   Networking Reception 5:15 PM: Networking Reception   Look forward to seeing you there Free Summit Registration - bit.ly/4g3GrB

📢 NDIA’s State of Digital Inclusion in the States is here! This is a comprehensive resource for state leaders, policymakers, and advocates to learn how states are bridging the digital divide through community engagement, affordability initiatives, and more 🌎✨ 🔗 Explore the resource here: https://lnkd.in/ddggiNke

As one of the co-founders of letstalkroundtable.com and other projects, I am deeply committed to fostering a platform that not only encourages but necessitates meaningful dialogue among all members of our community. Our mission is to transform the dynamics between leadership and advocacy, creating a space where real conversations can lead to real change. At Let’s Talk Roundtable, we believe that leadership should function hand-in-hand with advocacy. By engaging leaders from various sectors—including community advocates, law enforcement, and local government—we aim to create a holistic dialogue that respects and incorporates diverse perspectives. This approach is not just about sharing ideas; it’s about actively listening and responding to the concerns that affect our community. Our discussions focus on pressing systemic issues, such as the challenges of racial and xenophobic behavior within institutions. These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary. By bringing these issues to the forefront in a constructive manner, we can begin to unravel the complexities of these problems and work toward comprehensive solutions. Leadership, in the context of Let’s Talk Roundtable, goes beyond traditional roles. It is about facilitating conversations that might otherwise be avoided and acting as a bridge between divided communities. Our platform ensures that all voices are not only heard but are integral to the policymaking process. This collaborative approach enhances transparency and builds trust, which are essential for effective governance and community relations. As we continue to build and grow Let’s Talk Roundtable, I am reminded daily of the power of conversation. It is through our discussions that we uncover the shared values that bind us, despite our differences. It is here, in the nexus of leadership and advocacy, that we find the path forward—a path paved with respect, understanding, and a commitment to action. Thank you in advance for joining us in this crucial dialogue. Together, we can shape a future that reflects the best of what our community has to offer.

Public Policy New Voices Europe - Cohort 4 (2025) Applications for Cohort 4 (2025) of the Public Policy New Voices Europe program are now open. This initiative by Salzburg Global Seminar seeks to empower emerging leaders in public policy to amplify their impact and influence in Europe. Program Details: • Eligibility: Emerging leaders and professionals in public policy across Europe. • Focus: Empowering diverse voices to shape the future of public policy in Europe. • Program Duration: Details provided upon selection. • Application Deadline: 17 January 2025, 5:00 PM CET Application Process: 1. Review Program Details: • Visit the official program page: https://lnkd.in/ertMS7Gg 2. Prepare Required Documents: • Updated CV or résumé. • Personal statement outlining your experience and aspirations in public policy. • Letters of recommendation (if specified). 3. Submit Your Application: • Ensure all materials are uploaded through the official portal before the deadline. Why Apply? The Public Policy New Voices Europe program offers: • Opportunities to connect with like-minded policy professionals across Europe. • Training and mentorship to enhance leadership skills and policy influence. • Access to a global network of Salzburg Global Fellows. Take this opportunity to make a lasting impact in public policy! Learn More and Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/ertMS7Gg

If you're attending this year’s #AspenIdeas Festival, be sure to check out tomorrow's panel, “Can the Future of Democracy Be Found Through Work?” This discussion will take place on Tuesday, 6/25 from 8:10–08:55 am MDT in the Koch Building - Booz Allen Hamilton Room. Panelists will include The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program’s own  Liba Wenig Rubenstein - Director, Aspen Business Roundtable on Organized Labor,  Matt Helmer - Managing Director, Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program and  Natalie Foster - President, Economic Security Project / Fellow, Economic Opportunities Program  along with Roy E. Bahat, Head, Bloomberg Beta, Carolyn Cawley, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Deepti Doshi - Co-Director, New_ Public. The discussion will center around whether the essence of democracy can be revitalized through our workplaces. As Americans, we're often expected to be active in our political roles while keeping personal views outside of our professional environments. Yet, as the lines between work and societal engagement blur, new possibilities emerge for fostering democratic values. This will be a compelling discussion on how enhancing participation, representation, and decision-making at work could be the key to restoring our faith in democracy. From #EmployeeOwnership and labor unions to broader #EconomicRights, we'll delve into innovative frameworks that could redefine and integrate democratic practices in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/dKRWWKYx

Are you part of an elected board? Learn how to navigate public comments with our insightful tips. Check out our blog post now! #Transparency #DiligentCommunity

Are you part of an elected board? Learn how to navigate public comments with our insightful tips. Check out our blog post now! #Transparency #DiligentCommunity

Today, I reflect with a heavy heart on the recent decisions that have closed doors for many of us working to represent and help vulnerable communities. The Trump administration’s dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies, coupled with a halt to federal grants and funding, has directly impacted my work as a social scientist and advocate for equitable climate change solutions. As a Hispanic Puerto Rican, U.S. veteran, and someone deeply committed to community resilience and justice, these actions feel like a rejection of the very values that should guide public service. My work relies on federal funding to address critical challenges like climate change and systemic inequities. Without it, not only my role but the work itself—the voices we amplify, the data we analyze, the solutions we propose—has been silenced in this space. This is not just about me; it’s about the communities that depend on science, advocacy, and representation to address urgent challenges. Despite this setback, I remain committed to finding new pathways to contribute to the fight for equity, inclusion, and sustainable solutions. To everyone in this space, especially those fighting for inclusion and justice: let’s continue to push forward together, even when the systems we trust turn away.

Are you part of an elected board? Learn how to navigate public comments with our insightful tips. Check out our blog post now! #Transparency #DiligentCommunity

I usually don’t write personal posts on LinkedIn, but today is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, and I have something to say. 💃   I don’t just have Hispanic heritage—I AM Hispanic. I didn’t realize how much this part of my identity would shape how I’m seen in the U.S. until I moved here.   If you're a Hispanic immigrant, you’ve probably been labeled as the one "from the third world" at least once. Some assume we’re uneducated—I’ve even been asked if I rode a horse to school. 🏇 (No, I walked.)   Many think we’re only suited for manual labor. It’s not surprising that a significant number of Hispanic workers in the U.S. are in construction, agriculture, cleaning, food preparation, and maintenance. What I’ve learned here is that many of us live in survival mode because, in Latin America, there’s no time for hesitation. You have to adapt, learn fast, and when you fall, you get up quickly and keep moving.   Sure, Latin America may not be as technologically advanced, and corruption is a reality. But that does not define who we are as workers, professionals, or people.   We are resourceful. We are loyal. We are adaptable. We are resilient.   As Hispanic, I often feel like we have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves—to show we can, and that we’re worth it. But this isn’t a story of struggle; it’s a story of strength. 💪   So to company leaders, I'd like to say: Give Hispanic/Latino employees a real chance 🙌 —not just this month, but every month. A chance at growth, leadership, and a voice in decision-making.   There is incredible talent and potential in our community. Invest in us, and you’ll see we’re more than capable of driving success and innovation. All we need is a fair chance. 💗 #HispanicHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritage #HispanicWoman