2025 Annual Convention
AC2025 Agenda
WEDNESDAY, September 3, 2025 – FRIDAY, September 5, 2025
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Sessions with a ⭐ after the title require pre-selection and/or pre-registration.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
Magnolia I
Offsite
Offsite
Offsite
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Leadership Training and Lunch- Sponsored by NextLevel Law
Mark Kleinschmidt is a business consultant / coach who has worked with hundreds of small businesses owners, corporate CEOs, and start-up companies. During the LGBT Leadership Summit, Mark will share an interactive coaching session about leadership and share insights on you as a lawyer can become a leader in your community, law firm, or company, regardless of firm size or role. Mark will share strategies and resources to help one realize their full potential as a practitioner.
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Legal Updates on Issues Impacting the Hispanic/Latino and LGBTQ Community
The panel will cover legal updates on issues directly impacting the Hispanic/Latino and LGBTQ community including hot topics on immigration law and family law.
MODERATOR
Adrian Gonzalez Cerrillo, K&L Gates
PANELISTS
Brigit Greeson Alvarez, Deputy County, Office of the County Counsel, Los Angeles
Richard (Johnny) Bartz, Bartz Law Firm
Richard Saenz, Lambda Legal
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
A Conversation With LGTBQ Leaders
The panel will focus on a conversation with LGBTQ Leaders of today from the Judiciary, Government, In-House, and Private Practice whose stories inspire and reminds us of the strength of our LGBTQ Community and the positive impacts we have on the practice of law.
MODERATOR
Luiz Miranda, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
PANELISTS
Hon. Javier E. Vargas, Court of Claims of the State of New York
Hon. Marisa Demeo, Superior Court of the District of Columbia
Tim Caballero, Principal Counsel, Netflix
Laura Maechtlen, National Chair, Labor And Employment, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Robert Maldonado, Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Offsite
Lower Atrium
Offsite
Offsite
Offsite
This time slot is designated for private events hosted by local firms and organizations.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
Presidential Boardroom
Camila 2
Trust your health & wellness to the experts at VIDA Fitness. Our facilities are intentionally crafted spaces where expertise meets design, providing a luxurious setting equipped with the latest fitness technology. Beyond the physical environment, VIDA cultivates a social and motivational atmosphere, fostering a community where encouragement and support thrive. This unique blend ensures that every visit advances your fitness journey and enriches your social connections, making wellness a truly holistic experience.
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Camellia 1
Camellia 3/4
Azalea 1
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Cherry Blossom Ballroom
Litigating For Democracy: Attorneys Defending The Constitution
This timely plenary will feature attorneys who have taken legal action against the current administration in defense of civil rights, voting access, environmental protections, and more. With speakers from leading advocacy organizations and prominent private firms, this session will examine how legal professionals are shaping public policy and upholding democratic principles through impact litigation. Panelists will share the legal theories, challenges, and victories behind their cases, offering insights into the evolving role of the legal profession in times of political turbulence.
Moderator
Alex Peña, HNBA Vice President of External Affairs, HNBA, New York, NY
Panelists
Dan Galindo, Staff Attorney ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project (IRP), New York, NY
Skye Perryman, President and CEO, Democracy Forward, Washington, DC
Benjamin Osorio, Senior Partner, Murray Osorio, Fairfax, VA
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Camellia 3/4
Voz, Presencia y Poder: Speak to Lead, Influence, and Inspire
As Hispanic attorneys, your voice is your leadership signature. This powerful session brings together a TED speaker and executive communication coach, a general counsel, law firm partner, and an in-house attorney to explore how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and cultural authenticity to build lasting influence. For in-house attorneys, the discussion will cover how to effectively communicate with the board of directors, advocate for resources, and build trust with senior executives. For law firm attorneys, the panel will offer insight into how to pitch to clients, speak with authority to leadership, and position yourself as a trusted advisor within the firm.
MODERATOR
Maritza Gomez, Esq., Partner, Fisher Phillips, Fort Lauderdale, FL
PANELISTS
Rosemary Ravinal, Esq., TEDX Speaker and Executive Speaker Coach, Miami, FL
Fatima Wolff, Esq., General Counsel Latin America and Canada, Boston Scientific Corp., Weston, FL
Grissel Seijo, Associate General Counsel, Head of Labor and Employment, New York, NY
Kimberly Lopez, Esq., Partner, Akerman, Orlando, FL
Jill Lynch Cruz, Executive Coach, JLC Consulting, San Antonio, TX
Azalea 1
How to Make a Trust Fund Baby
Attendees will learn the basics of estate planning and explore key trust structures—revocable, irrevocable, special needs, and dynasty trusts. The session highlights trends reshaping the field and provides tools lawyers can use both personally and professionally to empower clients from all backgrounds to access long-term financial security and join the conversation around wealth-building through legal planning.
MODERATOR
Silvia Tergas, Financial Planner, Prudential, Bethesda, MD
PANELISTS
Shirley Diaz, Managing Attorney, Diaz Vidales, Washington, DC
Shay Harris-Pierre, Family Legacy Strategist, Harris-Pierre Consulting, Arlington, VA
Jesus Garcia, Corporate Vice President, New York Life Insurance
Azalea 2
Navigating Antitrust Challenges in Healthcare: Collaboration, Labor Markets, and Market Power
Antitrust enforcement in healthcare is expanding rapidly, with regulators adopting more aggressive and novel approaches to addressing competition concerns. Consolidation, workforce practices, and digital collaboration tools are all under scrutiny as agencies explore how structural conditions and modern technologies may distort market dynamics—even in the absence of explicit agreements. This panel will examine how these evolving priorities are reshaping legal risk across the healthcare sector and will provide practical tips for fostering a culture of compliance.
MODERATOR
Paulette Rodriguez Lopez, Associate, Antitrust and Competition, Crowell & Moring, Washington, DC
PANELISTS
Rosa Morales, Counsel, Antitrust and Competition, Crowell & Moring, New York, NY
Jamillia P. Ferris, Partner, Wilson Solsini, Washington, DC
Ray Mateo, Partner, CK Litigation, Newark, NJ
Azalea 3
Space and Satellite Law Uncharted: Addressing the Next Frontier of Legal, Regulatory, and Commercial Issues
The panel will explore the dynamic evolution of satellite and space law, highlighting the intricate issues of jurisdiction and liability as well as the complex framework of national and international licensing regimes and compliance. The session will conclude with a forward-looking conversation on emerging issues and the expanding professional opportunities for both US and foreign-trained attorneys.
MODERATOR
Ivana Kriznic, Head of Public Policy, Canada, Latin America, Emerging Markets, Verizon, Washington, DC
PANELISTS
Alexis Sainz, Partner, Hogan & Lovells, Washington, DC
Raymond Navarro, Associate, DLA Piper, Washington, DC
Julien Apollon, General Counsel, Safran Defense & Space Inc., Washington, DC
Thomas Reynolds, Executive Secretary, Export-Import Bank of the United States (2024-2025), Washington, DC
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Cherry Blossom Ballroom
Mari Carmen Aponte Award Recipient
Primera Abogada Award Recipient
Cherry Blossom Ballroom
As DEI initiatives across the country face legal, political, and organizational pushback, Latino and Latina legal professionals are being left vulnerable—often absorbing the brunt of job cuts, cultural erasure, and a shrinking support system. These changes are not just professional—they are deeply personal, affecting our sense of belonging, stability, and mental well-being.
This timely plenary, led by the HNBA Latina Commission, will explore how the reframing or elimination of DEI efforts is impacting the legal profession, particularly for Latina and Latino attorneys. Panelists will address the mental and emotional strain caused by job insecurity, loss of advancement pathways, and the burden of navigating spaces that may no longer feel inclusive. The conversation will also offer practical coping strategies for maintaining wellness and achieving balance amid uncertainty—while reinforcing the importance of civility, empathy, and collective resilience in our profession. Join us for a candid, grounded conversation about how we move forward—together—with clarity, care, and comunidad.
MODERATOR
Bertha E. Penenori, Corporate Counsel, Liberty Mutual Group, Jupiter, FL
PANELISTS
Anjanette Cabrera, Partner, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, Brooklyn, NY
Daniel Mateo, Shareholder, Polsinelli, Miami, FL
Aida C. Rodriguez, Managing Director, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search, Miami, FL
Adrienne Valencia Garcia, Certified Executive Coach, Coach with Adrienne, New York City, NY
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Camellia 2
Mind your Money - Advanced wealth accumulation strategies
When it comes to your financial wellness, you need a comprehensive approach as distinct as you are. High-income earners need timely strategies geared towards maximizing asset accumulation, asset distribution, and tax planning to build a sound financial future. By implementing your tailored plan, you can strive to achieve long-term wealth, protect against various risks, and optimize tax efficiency.
Key topics:
• Overview of wealth accumulation strategies and time horizon investing
• Understand benefit plan options including deferred compensation and equity/stock compensation
• Tips to navigate blind spots, market volatility, and risk management
• Tax diversification
• Estate planning and wealth transfer
• Plus more…
SPEAKERS:Craig Schubert & Silvia Tergas, Financial Planners, Prudential Advisors
Camellia 3/4
Corporate Crisis Management: Why It Matters and Legal’s Growing Role
During this session, we will focus on best practices for crisis management and learn from seasoned general counsels, compliance, and legal leaders on how they prepare for the unexpected and respond with clarity and purpose when crisis hits. Whether you're refining your current approach or starting from scratch, this session will provide guidance to help your program lead with confidence during uncertainty, scrutiny, or disruption.
MODERATOR
Brigida Benitez, Partner and General Counsel, Steptoe, Washington, DC
PANELISTS
Antonio Fernandez, Vice President and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, FirstEnergy Corp., Akron, OH
Eugenia Hernandez, Vice President and Associate General Counsel for the Office of Ethics, Compliance, Privacy and Corporate Security, Sodexo, North Bethesda, MD
Azalea 1
The Rise of Agentic AI: Legal Challenges and Future Implications
You may have heard of Generative AI, but have you heard of agentic AI? The future of AI is agentic. AI agents will undertake tasks on your behalf, such as planning a vacation, coding software, writing your emails, and negotiating for you. While "AI agents" are exciting, they require more data and processing power than ever before, and they will raise numerous legal issues spanning IP, privacy, antitrust, contract law, and so much more. In this panel, we will examine new and emerging issues that "Agentic AI" will present, and how you should be prepared to deal with them.
MODERATOR
Christopher Suarez, Partner, Steptoe, Washington, DC
PANELISTS
Amanda Molina, Corporate Counsel, Microsoft, Washington, DC
Raquel Rodriguez, Assistant General Counsel, AES Corporation, Arlington, VA
Adam Acosta, Partner, White & Case, Washington, DC
Ivie Clausell, Managing Attorney, Technology Compliance & Digital Responsibility at Dun & Bradstreet, Bridgewater, NJ
Azalea 2
New Developments on FCPA Enforcement
Since the start of the new Administration there has been interesting developments on FCPA Enforcement starting with the Executive Order pausing the enforcement of the FCPA that followed the Bondi Memo outlining a shift in DOJ priorities.
On June 9, 2025, the DOJ released its Guidelines for Investigations and Enforcement of the FCPA, setting forth DOJ’s evaluation criteria for FCPA actions and bringing to an end the FCPA enforcement pause. This panel will cover the overarching theme of the Guidelines is that FCPA investigations and enforcement actions and discuss key takeaways.
MODERATOR
Lourdes Maldonado, Mastercard, New York, NY
PANELISTS
Arghemar Perez-Sanguinetti, Mastercard, Miami, FL
Fatima Wolff, Senior Director, BSCI, Miami, FL
Baltazar Vallenilla, Managing Director, Legal Counsel, 221 B Partners, Chicago, IL
Azalea 3
YLD Presents: Building Your Brand: Best Practices for Social Media in Legal Practice
In today's digital age, social media is a powerful tool that can help attorneys build their personal brand, connect with clients, and expand their network. However, it also presents unique challenges, including ethical concerns and reputational risks. Join us as we discuss the do's and don’ts of using social media in your legal career, as well as strategies for turning your online presence into a successful marketing tool.
MODERATOR
Valerie E. Salcido, Associate Attorney, Birg Law, Chicago, IL
PANELISTS
Ana Juneja, Intellectual Property Attorney, Ana Law, Washington State
Denisse Mira, Adjunct Professor, Touro NYSCAS, Manhattan, NY
Zuri Balmakund Santiago, HNBA National VP – Membership, Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, St. Paul, MN
Juan Alcala, Partner, Jackson Walker, Austin, TX
Presidential Boardroom
Camellia 1
Woodrow Wilson BC
Chesapeake 4-6
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Presidential Boardroom
Camellia 2
Camellia 2
What if the law is part of the problem? How do we advocate without burning out? Conflict and its collective resolution applies to each of our families and all of our communities. Each of us carries trauma from our own lives and that of generations before us. This bilingual workshop is an opportunity to explore creative and interactive methods of reflection and resilience.
The workshop will center on community building through story-telling, rooted in lessons from the favelas (Teatro do Oprimido) and the fields (Teatro Campesino). We will take you to Colombia to explore the origins of ReGeneración and return to the U.S. where efforts like "The Poderosas Project" celebrate unsung Latina trailblazers.
SPEAKER
Camilo Romero, Founder, ReGeneración, Paul & Daisy Soros, New York, NY
Camellia 1
Magnolia 1
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Camellia 3/4
Meet the author, and our Plenary speaker for the fireside chat immediately following this event, for a special signing of Turf Wars. Complimentary copies will be available at the Welcome Reception and during this signing; quantities are limited, so please arrive early.
Cherry Blossom Ballroom
From the negotiating table to the courtroom, the sports industry is a complex legal landscape shaped by labor law, antitrust regulations, media rights, and player advocacy. This dynamic fireside chat will feature HNBA National President Christina Sarchio and a distinguished special guest from the sports legal field, DeMaurice F. Smith, former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association and author of Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America's Game. The discussion will explore the evolving role of legal professionals in protecting athletes’ rights, shaping league policies, and managing crisis and controversy in professional sports.
With DeMaurice F. Smith & Christina Guerola Sarchio
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Camellia 3/4
Beyond the Résumé: Navigating BigLaw and In-House Careers in a Changing Legal Market
In a legal industry shaped by economic shifts, changing approaches to diversity, and rapid AI disruption, attorneys face a career landscape that demands more than just hustle — it demands strategy. In this targeted presentation, two market-leading legal recruiters demystify BigLaw and in-house career paths using insider knowledge of career-building principles and evolving market trends. Attendees will leave with sharper tools, clearer direction, and the confidence to make bold, informed career decisions. Major, Lindsey & Africa is the premier global legal search firm, trusted by top attorneys and legal departments worldwide.
Dale Durham, Managing Director, Major Lindsey & Africa, Los Angeles, CA
Diego Ash, Managing Director, Major Lindsey & Africa, Los Angeles, CA
Azalea 1
Nuestra Salud: The Healthcare Legislative, Regulatory, and Judicial Landscape
This panel will explore the current healthcare landscape through legislative, regulatory, and judicial lenses—with a particular focus on the implications for Hispanic communities. Panelists will provide: (1) a discussion of key cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including challenges to the Affordable Care Act and preventive care coverage; (2) a legislative update, including the budget reconciliation process and its potential impact on healthcare access and equity; and (3) an overview of the Administration’s healthcare priorities and updates on government agencies and public health policy. This panel will offer essential insights at the intersection of law and community well-being.
MODERATOR
Anna Lozoya, Principal and Founder, Lozoya Legal Consulting, Norfolk, VA
PANELISTS
Victoria Hamscho, Associate, K&L Gates, Washington, DC
Marco Santamaria, Patent Attorney, Peacock Law, Albuquerque, NM
Emely Sanchez, Attorney, HNBA Health Law, Washington, DC
Azalea 2
Ethical Challenges in the Legal Profession: Maintaining Integrity in Complex Scenarios
This program explores the ethical dilemmas lawyers face in today’s complex legal environment. Participants will examine real-world scenarios involving confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility, with a focus on maintaining integrity under pressure. Special emphasis will be placed on ethical considerations in dispute resolution and litigation, where impartiality and fairness are critical. Ideal for legal professionals and students, this session offers practical insights into navigating ethical gray areas while upholding the core values of the legal profession.
REMARKS
Eduardo Santiago-Acevedo, Vice President and Corporate Counsel Head of Federal Regulatory and Investigations, Prudential Financial, Inc
MODERATOR
Hon. Ariel Belen (Ret.), Mediator & Arbitrator, JAMS, New York, NY
PANELISTS
April Toy, Partner, Hinshaw, Milwaukee, WI
Hon. Marla O. Anderson (Ret.), Mediator & Arbitrator, JAMS, San Jose, CA
Mia Batista, Partner, Seyfarth, New York, NY
Albert Roberts, Vice President of Underwriting, Berkley Select, Chicago, IL
Azalea 3
From Practice to Power: Pathways to Political Seats
Many attorneys aspire to transition into public service by running for political office. This session will help guide those interested in pursuing this path, offering practical insights from seasoned elected officials on how to navigate the complex journey from legal practice to political leadership. Topics will include strategic planning, campaign management, and the importance of public service and advocacy in achieving political success.
MODERATOR
Hannah Esquenazi, Associate, Polsinelli, Boston, MA
PANELISTS
Del. Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk, House of Delegates, MD
Hon. Celina R. Benitez, Mayor, City of Mount Rainier, Mount Rainier, MD
Del. Alfonso H. Lopez, House of Delegates, VA
Cherry Blossom Terrace
Cherry Blossom Ballroom
With the Hispanic population exceeding 63 million (or 1 in 5 people), America’s future is inextricably intertwined with the success of the large, growing, and powerful Latino community. Growing anti-Latino sentiment, however, continues to fuel discriminatory laws and policies, stir hateful rhetoric, and threaten democratic institutions. As such, the new report by the ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities could not come at a more critical time. In this program, ABA Commissioners and other experts will discuss the report’s key findings on the most pressing concerns facing Latinos in, for example, education, employment, and voting. The panelists will also share advice on how the legal profession can help address these challenges and ensure that Hispanics are fully represented in civil society.
MODERATOR
Anna Maria Tejada, Assistant General Counsel, S&P Global, Newark, NJ
Panelists
Louis Lopez, Vice President of Litigation, AARP, Washington, DC
Marian Zapata-Rossa, Partner, Snell & Wilmer, Phoenix, AZ
David Lopez, Distinguished Professor of Practice at Arizona State University College of Law, Phoenix, AZ
Daihana Estrada, Associate, Barnes & Thornburg, Chicago, IL
Camellia 3/4
Advocacy to Impact: Public Interest Law Career Insights
Join HNBA’s Executive Director for an insightful discussion on the diverse pathways within public interest law. This CLE will explore the dynamic intersection of government, nonprofit, and private sector legal work, sharing their experiences and providing practical guidance for attorneys interested in pursuing careers that make a meaningful impact. Key topics will include ethics considerations, challenges in transitioning between sectors, and the pivotal role of legal professionals in advocating for social justice and change.
MODERATOR
Jeremy Haldeman, Executive Director, HNBA, Washington, DC
PANELISTS
Carlos Felipe Uriarte, Partner & Co-chair Congressional Investigations Practice, Morrison Foerster, Washington, DC
Paula Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Ayuda, Washington, DC
Brian Castro, Senior Counsel (former), U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC
James Arturo Aliaga, Assistant Attorney General, The Office of the New York State Attorney General, New York, NY
Azalea 1
The Next Toxic Litigation Over Microplastics
The presentation will begin by providing a foundational understanding of what microplastics are and their environmental and health implications. The legal portion of the CLE will address the growing regulatory and litigation landscape.
MODERATOR
PANELISTS
Coral M. Odiot Rivera, Partner, Napoli Shkolnik, San Juan, PR
Teri Diaz, Associate, Morgan Lewis, Washington, DC
Amber Gonzalez, Associate, Crowell & Moring, Denver, CO
Azalea 2
Navigating Immigration Law in the Current Administration: Executive Orders and Shifting Policies
This CLE session will provide an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of immigration law under the current administration. Attendees will gain insight into the impact of executive orders, new policies, and changes to enforcement priorities that have reshaped the immigration system. Our expert panel will discuss key legal challenges, the shifting legal standards, and offer practical guidance on how legal professionals can navigate these complexities when representing clients. This session will also explore the implications of these changes on individuals, families, and businesses, as well as potential future trends in immigration law.
MODERATOR
Helena M. Tetzeli, Partner, Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli, Raleigh, NC
PANELISTS
Melina V. Villalobos, Attorney, Ogletree Deakins, Raleigh, NC
Eric Dominguez, Partner, KLDP, Newport Beach, CA
Carissa Tyler, Associate, Littler, Washington, DC
Azalea 3
Pathways to the Judiciary
The HNBA Judicial Division will discuss their career trajectory and provide advice to law students, lawyers, and other professionals interested in ascending to the bench. Representing a diverse array of judges and jurisdictions (both geographically and type of court), panelists will discuss both the appointed and elected processes for judges in different jurisdictions as well as ethical guidelines or standards associated with panelists’ paths to becoming judges or retaining their positions. Additionally, the challenges of being a Latinx and person of color will also be a focus.
MODERATOR
Hon. Javier E. Vargas, New York State Court of Claims, New York, NY
PANELISTS
Hon. Jesse G. Reyes, Illinois Appellate Court, District 1 Chicago, IL
Hon. Luis A. Lavin (Ret.), California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Lourdes M. Ventura, NYS Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, Brooklyn, NY
Hon. André Michael Espinosa, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey Newark, New Jersey
Hon. Adam J. Espinosa, Denver District Court, Criminal Division, Denver, CO
Riverview Ballroom
Riverview Foyer & North Terrace
Riverview Ballroom
Gala Dinner & Celebration