Salem, Ore. — PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network, is set to host its 17th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast & Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at the Salem Convention Center. The event, themed “Built on Hope. Carried Forward by Community,” aims to honor past generations while empowering today’s leaders across the state.
Keynote and Awards Highlight Community Impact
Founder and executive director Anthony Veliz said the gathering has become a vital space for Oregon’s Latino community to celebrate heritage, recognize leadership and forge relationships that move neighborhoods forward. “Latino Oregonians are an important part of Oregon’s story and we are helping shape what comes next,” Veliz said.
Dr. Juana Bordas, author, leadership expert and founder of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, will deliver the keynote address titled “The Vision, Power and Inclusiveness of Latino Leadership.” Bordas was the first Latina to receive the International Leadership Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
During the awards ceremony, PODER will honor three Oregon residents for their service. Jaime Miranda, owner of M&M Marketplace in Hillsboro, receives the Heart of the Community Award. Nurse Leda Garside, bilingual and bicultural, is named the Legacy Leadership Award recipient. Diane Bocking‑Byrd, a licensed professional counselor, will be recognized as Ally of the Year, presented by OYEN Emotional Wellness Center.
Full Day of Programming for Families and Professionals
The summit runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a breakfast celebration, a community resource fair, a networking lunch and an afternoon of concurrent sessions. Six breakout tracks will explore technology, government, sports, civic leadership and family well‑being.
A panel on Latinas in technology will include engineers from Nike and Microsoft, showcasing pathways for women in high‑tech fields. The civic leadership session will feature elected and aspiring officials such as State Rep. Lesly Munoz (District 22), Hillsboro City Councilor Olivia Alcaire and state Senate candidate Myrna Munoz, discussing public‑service partnerships with state agencies.
Additional sessions will draw lessons from sports leadership, examine public‑service collaborations, and address generational well‑being in Latino families, offering practical tools for parents and community organizers.
Why This Matters for Oregon’s Latino Community
By bringing together business owners, educators, health professionals and public officials, the summit reinforces the role of faith, family and individual liberty in building stronger neighborhoods. Attendees will leave with new connections, resources and a shared vision for the future of Oregon’s vibrant Latino population.
Registration is open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend the breakfast and resource fair. For more information, visit PODER’s website or contact the organization directly.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
