Latino Leaders Network

07/30/2026

The Latino Leaders Network proudly congratulates our Chairman and Founder, Mickey Ibarra, on being honored tonight with the prestigious Maclovio Barraza Leadership Award at the UnidosUS Awards Gala in Austin.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates Mickey's more than 50 years of public service and his unwavering commitment to advancing Latino leadership, civic engagement, and creating opportunities for future generations. Through the Latino Leaders Network, his vision has inspired thousands of leaders across the country.

Join us in celebrating Mickey and all of this evening's honorees by tuning into the Awards Gala live stream.

🗓️ Thursday, July 30
🕢 7:30–9:30 PM CDT

🎥 Watch the live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/N1-v7Ksiqm0

Congratulations, Mickey, on this extraordinary honor!

07/14/2026

The Latino Leaders Network is proud to recognize Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, as our latest Leader Spotlight.

As CEO of one of the world's leading seaports, Dr. Hacegaba leads an organization that processes nearly 10 million container units and $300 billion in goods annually, supporting nearly 3 million jobs across the United States. He oversees more than 600 employees, manages an $834 million annual budget, and directs the nation's largest $3.2 billion port capital improvement program.

With more than 26 years of leadership experience spanning the public and private sectors, Dr. Hacegaba has built a distinguished career advancing innovation, operational excellence, and environmental sustainability. His leadership continues to strengthen the Port of Long Beach's role as a global gateway for trade and economic opportunity.

We are honored to celebrate Dr. Hacegaba's outstanding contributions to international commerce and the communities his work supports.

Learn more: https://www.latinoleadersnetwork.org/leaderspotlight

Interested in being featured? Become a member of the Latino Leaders Network and join a national community of leaders making a difference.

07/10/2026

Leadership rooted in innovation and service creates lasting impact.

The Latino Leaders Network is proud to recognize Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach, as our latest Leader Spotlight.

With more than 26 years of public and private sector experience, Dr. Hacegaba has helped shape the future of goods movement through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to collaboration. From leading the Port's response to historic supply chain challenges to advancing innovative digital solutions that improve connectivity across the nation's supply chain, his work continues to strengthen one of America's most critical trade gateways.

We are honored to celebrate Dr. Hacegaba's leadership and his lasting impact on industry, infrastructure, and the communities he serves.

Learn more about Dr. Hacegaba's leadership journey: www.latinoleadersnetwork.org/leaderspotlight

Interested in being featured? Become a member of the Latino Leaders Network and join a national community of leaders making a difference.

03/01/2026

Houston, TX—Originally presented at the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series in Washington, DC, and other major cities, the essays included in Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph, Volume II (ISBN: 979-8-89375-025-6; $24.95), edited by Mickey Ibarra and María Pérez-Brown, are all by successful Latinos involved in a variety of occupations, from politics and sports to education and activism. In his foreword to this collection of 25 inspirational pieces, Ibarra asserts that by sharing personal stories “we illuminate paths of possibility for future generations, shatter stereotypes and build bridges of understanding.”

Email from Arte Público Press “The resonant message adheres to the quintessentially American formula of hard work and persistence in the land of opportunity.” —Booklist on Latino Leaders Speak, Volume

08/22/2024

What an incredible day celebrating 20 years of ‘Bringing Leaders Together’! 🎉 We were honored to recognize the outstanding contributions of Latino leaders at the Latino Leaders Convention Series Luncheon during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Congratulations to Hon. Julie Chávez Rodriguez for receiving the Eagle Leadership Award for her profound impact on our community. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla delivered an inspiring keynote address, and Maria Teresa Kumar was presented with the Chairman’s Award.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event truly unforgettable!

06/05/2024

The Honorable Mickey Ibarra, Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network, will serve as the program host of the 40th Tribute to Mayors reception on Friday, June 21, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.

Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo of Corpus Christi will be honored with the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award and Mayor John Giles of Mesa will receive the Champion Award.

Special guest speakers include Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Mayor Regina Romero of Tucson, and the Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of bringing leaders together, this by-invitation-only event will convene elected officials, corporate executives, opinion leaders, community activists, industry experts, and political insiders.

06/03/2024

The Latino Leaders Network is proud to announce that Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo of Corpus Christi will receive the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award at the 40th Tribute to Mayors reception on Friday, June 21, 2024 in Kansas City, MO, site of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) summer meeting.

The award recognizes the outstanding mayors who are dedicated to bringing their diverse communities together --- to include us. As mayor of the 8th largest Texas city with a population of 327K residents, Mayor Guajardo is the only female member of Texas' “Big City Mayors.”

We look forward to celebrating her leadership!

05/07/2024

🇲🇽 Latino Leaders Network Chairman Mickey Ibarra was honored to join Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr., Chairman Rep. Pete Aguilar, Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, Julia Chavez Rodriguez, and others at The White House Cinco de Mayo celebration. 🎉

05/07/2024

The Latino Leaders Network is pleased to announce that Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo of Corpus Christi will receive the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award at the 40th Tribute to Mayors reception on Friday, June 21, 2024. The event will take place from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM in Kansas City, MO, site of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) summer meeting.

The Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award is presented to a mayor from a city with a significant Latino population who has exhibited an outstanding commitment to bringing diverse communities together. Mayor Guajardo served as president of the Texas Municipal League and is the only female member of Texas' “Big City Mayors.” Corpus Christi is the 8th largest Texas city with a population of 327K residents.

We look forward to celebrating her leadership.

04/17/2024

Our Chairman, Mickey Ibarra, continued our 20th anniversary celebration of "Bringing Leaders Together" at the 71st Latino Leaders Luncheon Series in Albuquerque, NM.

Congratulations to Tom Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, recipient of our Eagle Leadership Award. The award is presented to a national leader who has made a significant impact on the lives of the Latino community.

Grateful to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque for special guest remarks. Thanks to our community partner, The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Convention & Tourism Department, honorary host committee, and sponsors.

Visit www.LatinoLeadersNetwork.org for more information about events, programming, the Latino Leaders Speak book, and curriculum guide.