The NHHRI

06/04/2026

We are proud to announce that registration is now open for the National Hispanic Health Research Institute (NHHRI) Inaugural Conference 2026.

From Raíces to Research: Where Community Knowledge Becomes Scientific Power
📅 November 20–21, 2026
📍 Connecticut Convention Center | Hartford, Connecticut

This inaugural gathering will bring together researchers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates from across the country to advance a new model for community-centered research and health equity.
Conference highlights include:
• National leaders shaping the future of Hispanic health research
• Discussions on community-based participatory research, health equity, and artificial intelligence
• Opportunities to connect with researchers, policymakers, and community organizations
• A closer look at the Conexión 360 Model and its real-world impact

For too long, Hispanic and Latino communities have been the subjects of research rather than the drivers of it. This conference is about building a future where community knowledge informs policy, practice, and scientific discovery.

Space is limited. Register today:
📌 https://www.nhhri.org/nhhri-inaugural-conference

organizations in need of a registration code may contact Fernanda Durand at [email protected].

06/03/2026

NHHRI CEO Ken Barela and members of his team attended the 23rd Annual in Leadership Symposium, joining leaders from across the region for a day of leadership, connection, and empowerment.
During the event, Barela also had the opportunity to meet civil rights leader Dolores Huerta , whose decades of advocacy have helped shape generations of community leadership and civic engagement.
Thank you to Latinas in Leadership for convening this important gathering and advancing opportunities for Latina leaders across sectors.

06/03/2026

NHHRI CEO Ken Barela joins more than 150 Latino nonprofit leaders from across the nation in Washington, D.C. for the Nacional hosted by .
This important gathering brings together leaders committed to advancing opportunity, health, economic mobility, and prosperity for communities through advocacy, collaboration, and action. From Congressional meetings to discussions on healthcare, immigration, and emerging technologies, these conversations help shape the future of the communities we serve.
We are proud to have CEO Ken Barela representing NHHRI and contributing to national conversations that strengthen Latino communities across the country. 🇺🇸🫱🏾‍🫲🏽

05/22/2026

Data has the power to strengthen, support, and elevate community voices.

Universidad Ana G. Méndez demonstrates what forward-thinking institutional leadership can look like by embedding research into its programs and investing in community-informed approaches to health innovation.

Universities that recognize the importance of integrating research early, intentionally, and in partnership with communities are helping shape the future of public health and healthcare delivery. NHHRI is proud to partner with institutions advancing this kind of vision and looks forward to building alongside more leaders committed to strengthening community-centered research ecosystems.

Narrated by NHHRI CEO Kenneth Barela, this video highlights the power of strategic collaboration in shaping more responsive and impactful research.

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Antonio Tijerino President, NHHRI LAB member & CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, who will be presented with the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica (Real Orden de Isabel la Católica), one of Spain’s highest honors.
Read more https://lnkd.in/gv7Etv-w

05/20/2026

Our very own NHHRI Leadership Advisory Board Member, Antonio Tijerino, is being recognized by Spain with one of their highest honors: Royal Order Isabel de Catolica.

We are honored and proud to work with you, Antonio.
Congratulations!

A huge congratulations to our own Antonio Tijerino President & CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, who will be presented with the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica (Real Orden de Isabel la Católica), one of Spain’s highest honors.

“I am profoundly honored and humbled by this tremendous recognition, but mostly I consider the ‘Real Orden’ as a challenge to build stronger cultural and service driven bridges between Spain and Hispanic communities across the Americas,” said Tijerino.

This distinction recognizes an individual’s impact and service to Spain and their contribution to strengthening international relations.

“I have applauded the work of Ambassador Ángeles Moreno Bau in strengthening U.S.–Spain current and historical ties, promoting Spanish as an essential and more valued language in the U.S. among Latinos and all Americans, and fostering cultural and economic collaboration.” Read more https://hhflink.org/4uVtdOs

05/18/2026

We are proud to announce:
The National Hispanic Health Research Institute (NHHRI) Inaugural Conference 2026

From Raíces to Research: Where Community Knowledge Becomes Scientific Power

📅 November 20–21, 2026
📍 Connecticut Convention Center
🔗 Register Now: https://www.nhhri.org/nhhri-inaugural-conference

If you are a partner organization in need of a registration code, please contact Fernanda Durand at [email protected].

For too long, Hispanic and Latino communities have been the subjects of research rather than the drivers of it. It’s time to change that.

This inaugural conference will bring together leaders, researchers, community organizations, and policymakers from across the country to advance a new model for community-centered research and health equity.

Featured throughout the conference:
• Keynote speakers shaping the future of Hispanic health research
• Panels on community-based participatory research, health equity, and AI implementation
• Networking opportunities with researchers, policymakers, and community organizations
• Showcasing the Conexión 360 Model and its real-world applications
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Space is limited. Register today and share this invitation with colleagues, partners, and community members who believe in the power of community-driven research.

We look forward to seeing you there.

05/18/2026

Research is not confined to journals, laboratories, or data tables. It lives in the questions we ask, the communities we listen to, and the solutions we build together.

Every dataset represents people. Every insight has the potential to shape policy, improve health, strengthen education, protect our environment, and create lasting impact.

As we begin a new week, may we remember that meaningful research is not only about discovery but it is about responsibility, curiosity, and the commitment to move knowledge into action.

Tell us what your research is on in the comments!

05/15/2026

🎉 We are proud to celebrate that the Hispanic Health Council — the founding organization behind the National Hispanic Health Research Institute (NHHRI) — has been named a 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award winner for Professional Development
This recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to investing in people, leadership, innovation, and community impact. As NHHRI continues advancing community-centered research and health equity nationwide, we are grateful to be rooted in an organization that prioritizes growth, mentorship, and purpose-driven work.
The award, presented by Energage, is based entirely on employee feedback through a research-backed engagement survey.

05/14/2026

Mental health is health. ❤️

This Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Hispanic Health Research Institute (NHHRI) is highlighting the urgent need for more equitable, culturally competent mental health care for Latino and historically underserved communities.

Research continues to show that language barriers, stigma, limited access to care, and systemic inequities prevent many individuals and families from receiving the support they deserve. That’s why community-centered research matters.

When care reflects culture, language, and lived experience, outcomes improve.

Learn more at
NHHRI.org