Latino leadership is rising in Oregon, and this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast & Summit Unidos 2025 will highlight that momentum. On Monday, Sept. 15, at the Salem Convention Center, hundreds of leaders, professionals and advocates will gather for a
day of strategy, connection and empowerment.
This year’s program is especially significant as the community faces complex challenges that call for unity and action. Headlining the event is Dr. Juan Andrade Jr., one of the most influential Latino voices in U.S. history. Dr. Andrade has been recognized five times as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States. He is one of only four Latinos in history to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal, awarded for his contributions to democracy. With a career spanning civil rights, voter registration and leadership development across the United States and Latin America, he brings an unmatched perspective to this year’s summit.
“Leadership is not about titles, it’s about service,” said Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. “At Unidos 2025, we will come together to learn, strategize and commit to building a stronger and more inclusive future for Latinos in Oregon and across the country.”
The Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast & Summit is organized by PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network, a nonprofit coalition of more than 100 Latino leaders, organizations, businesses and allies working to advance civic participation, economic mobility and community empowerment across the state.
Unidos 2025 reflects the cross-sector strength of Latino leadership. This year’s summit brings together leaders in civic engagement, business and entrepreneurship, and health equity, offering strategies and solutions to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s
opportunities. The program begins at 8 a.m. with a community resource fair and breakfast, followed by the keynote address from Dr. Andrade. Afternoon forums will focus on civic leadership and empowerment, business and entrepreneurship, and Latino health and equity. Sessions will include workshops, panels and interactive discussions designed to give participants actionable plans, strategies and frameworks to apply in their communities and organizations.
“This event is about more than recognition — it’s about action,” said Jaime Rodriguez, board chair of PODER. “Latino leaders are shaping Oregon’s future, and Unidos 2025 is where we align our vision, strengthen our networks and move forward together.”
Event details
Location: Salem Convention Center
Date: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Includes: Breakfast, keynote, resource fair, lunch and all summit sessions
For details and registration, visit www.poderoregon.org/unidos2025.
About PODER
PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network, is a nonprofit representing more than 500 Latino
leaders, organizations, businesses, public employees, community members and allies across
Oregon. PODER builds collective power and capacity to advance social, economic and civic
prosperity for all.