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Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission

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Topeka, KS
Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission

Serves as a liaison for the Kansas Hispanic & Latino Community and the Office of the Governor.

The Commission addresses public policy concerns primarily in the areas related to education, health, and business. The Commission works closely with the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Legislative Caucus as well as other state agencies in order to improve the lives of all Kansans.

09/26/2026

The 2026 Latino Leadership Summit is a week away, and this year we are thrilled to announce Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will be joining us for this meaningful occasion!

As part of the Summit’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Governor Kelly will sign a proclamation recognizing the rich histories, diverse cultures, and everlasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across Kansas. This moment reflects the generations of families, workers, advocates, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and leaders whose dedication continues to strengthen communities across our state.

Join us on October 2nd, 2026, for a day of connection, celebration, and recognition as we come together to acknowledge our ancestries, honor our legacies, and celebrate our heritage at this year’s Latino Leadership Summit!

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¡Falta solo una semana para la Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino de 2026 y este año nos complace anunciar que la gobernadora de Kansas, Laura Kelly, nos acompañará en esta ocasión tan significativa!

Como parte de la celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana en la Cumbre, la gobernadora Kelly firmará una proclamación para reconocer la rica historia, la diversidad cultural y las contribuciones perdurables de las comunidades hispanas y latinas en todo Kansas. Este momento rinde homenaje a generaciones de familias, trabajadores, defensores, emprendedores, educadores, artistas y líderes cuya dedicación sigue fortaleciendo a las comunidades de nuestro estado.

¡Acompáñenos el 2 de octubre de 2026 en una jornada de conexión, celebración y reconocimiento, donde nos reuniremos para valorar nuestros orígenes, honrar nuestros legados y celebrar nuestra herencia en la Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino de este año!

09/24/2026

The 2026 KHLAAC Latino Leadership Summit is approaching, and we’re excited to announce an important conversation on Higher Educational Pathways.

Moderated by Hugo Pérez, KHLAAC Commissioner and Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Belonging at Fort Hays State University, this panel will explore the educational challenges facing Kansas students and families while highlighting meaningful pathways to access, opportunity, and student success.

Joining Mr. Pérez on stage are leaders working at the intersection of education, advocacy, and community support:

•Clarissa Carrillo, COPE Regional Lead with KUMC and REACH Coordinator for Western Kansas
•Logan DeMond, Deputy Political Director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas
•Dr. Sara Mata, Executive Director and Assistant Teaching Professor at Wichita State University

Together, the panel will examine how new state regulations may affect students, families, and communities across Kansas. Panelists will bring their unique perspectives to a timely discussion about educational access, equity, belonging, and the resources students need to thrive.

We hope you will join us for this vital conversation at the 2026 KHLAAC Latino Leadership Summit on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the University of Kansas Conference Center in Lawrence!

Visit our website to register today: KHLAAC.ks.gov
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¡Saludos!

El Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino KHLAAC 2026 se acerca, ¡y nos complace anunciar nuestro panel informativo de Trayectorias de Educación Superior!

Moderado por Hugo Pérez, comisionado de KHLAAC y Director Adjunto de Participación y Pertenencia Estudiantil en la Universidad Estatal de Fort Hays, nuestro objetivo es arrojar luz sobre el estado actual de las cosas con respecto a los desafíos educativos, al tiempo que destacamos las vías potenciales para las personas en nuestras comunidades.

Se unirá a él en el escenario Clarissa Carrillo, Líder Regional de COPE con Coordinador de KUMC y REACH para el Oeste de Kansas, Logan DeMond, Director Político Adjunto, Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles de Kansas, y por último, pero no menos importante, el Dr. Sara Mata, Directora Ejecutiva y Profesora Adjunta de la Universidad Estatal de Wichita.

Esta conversación se centrará en las discusiones sobre los impactos que las nuevas regulaciones estatales tendrán en las familias y comunidades de Kansas, especialmente para nuestros estudiantes.

¡Esperamos verte allí!

¡Esperamos que se una a nosotros para esta conversación vital en la Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino KHLAAC 2026 el viernes 2 de octubre de 2026, en el Centro de Conferencias de la Universidad de Kansas en Lawrence!

Visite nuestro sitio web para registrarse hoy: KHLAAC.ks.gov

09/17/2026

The 2026 KHLAAC Latino Leadership Summit is just around the corner, and we’re proud to announce an essential panel discussion: Immigration Today: Facts, Policy, & Community Impact.

Moderated by Yeni Silva-Renteria, KHLAAC Commissioner and Executive Director of the International Rescue Coalition of Wichita, this timely conversation will confront difficult questions about the changing U.S. immigration system while connecting attendees with valuable information and resources.

She will be joined by two distinguished experts:
•Asma Easa, Senior Manager of State and Local Initiatives at the American Immigration Council
•Denise Ramos, attorney and owner of LeBaron-Ramos Law Firm, LLC

Together, the panel will examine current federal immigration policy, recent administrative changes, and the real-world consequences those shifts are having on immigrant families and communities throughout Kansas.

Join us for a day of leadership, learning, and community at the 2026 KHLAAC Latino Leadership Summit.

Visit our website to register today: KHLAAC.ks.gov

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El Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino de la KHLAAC de 2026 está a la vuelta de la esquina, y nos enorgullece anunciar un panel de discusión fundamental: "La inmigración hoy: datos, políticas e impacto en la comunidad".

Moderada por Yeni Silva-Renteria, comisionada de la KHLAAC y directora ejecutiva de la International Rescue Coalition de Wichita, esta conversación oportuna abordará cuestiones complejas sobre el cambiante sistema migratorio de los EE. UU., al tiempo que ofrecerá a los asistentes información y recursos valiosos.

La acompañarán dos expertas destacadas:

• Asma Easa, gerente sénior de iniciativas estatales y locales del American Immigration Council

• Denise Ramos, abogada y propietaria del bufete LeBaron-Ramos Law Firm, LLC

En conjunto, el panel analizará la política migratoria federal actual, los cambios administrativos recientes y las consecuencias reales que estas modificaciones están teniendo en las familias y comunidades inmigrantes de todo Kansas.

Acompáñenos en una jornada de liderazgo, aprendizaje y comunidad en la Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino de la KHLAAC de 2026.

Visite nuestro sitio web para inscribirse hoy mismo: KHLAAC.KS.GOV

09/15/2026

September 15th marks the start of a beautiful remembrance with Hispanic Heritage Month! Recognizing the influential Hispanic and Latino individual whose impact continues to shape the world, we do more than just acknowledge the people who built the progress we live in today, but we honor those whose legacy will echo for generations to come

🎶💃🏽Selena Quintanilla – Iconic Mexican singer-songwriter, fashion designer, and business owner, her music is credited for catapulting the Tejano genre into the mainstream market.

🪖🎖️Richard Cavazos – 1st Hispanic four-star general who received various honors including The Naming Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed to Fort Cavazos, in recognition of his military service along with his Korean War Distinguished Service Cross upgraded to a Medal of Honor after 33 years of service.

🚀👩🏽‍🚀Ellen Ochoa – Mexican-American former NASA astronaut who became the first Latina to go to space when she served on a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.

🎥🎞️Alfonso Cuarón – Mexican filmmaker whose accolades include four Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, seven BAFTA Awards and one Golden Lion as well as a nomination for a Grammy Award.

👩🏽‍🌾🚜Dolores Huerta – Feminist Activist and Labor Leader Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association which eventually merged with the Agricultural Workers Organization Committee to become the United Farm Workers (UFW). Huerta has received numerous awards for her work as an organizer, including the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, the Hispanic Heritage Award, and the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

📰🎤Jorge Ramos – Iconic Mexican-American journalist and news anchor.

🎙️🪇Richie Valens – Holding Native Mexican descent, Valens’ several hits were adapted from Mexican folk music and helped Valens become a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement.

👩🏽‍⚖️📜Sylvia Mendez – Daughter of immigrants from Mexico, Mendez became a monumental civil rights activist playing an instrumental role in the Mendez v. Westminster case, the landmark desegregation case of 1946.

09/09/2026

🎤 KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!

We are thrilled to welcome Faith Akovi Cooper, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), as the keynote speaker for KHLAAC’s 2026 Latino Leadership Summit!

Faith brings a powerful perspective on leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and building stronger communities. We are excited to have her join us and share her experience and insight with attendees from across Kansas.

✨ You don’t want to miss this!

Join us for a full day of connection, learning, and meaningful conversations on education, immigration, and voting and civic engagement, while connecting with leaders, students, advocates, and community members from across the state.

📅 Friday, October 2, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 University of Kansas Conference Center | Lawrence, KS
🎟️ $30 General Admission | $10 Students

Registration is OPEN! Secure your spot today and join us for the 2026 Latino Leadership Summit.

🔗 Register at KHLAAC.KS.Gov

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🎤 ¡ANUNCIO DE NUESTRA ORADORA PRINCIPAL!

¡Nos complace dar la bienvenida a Faith Akovi Cooper, Directora Ejecutiva de la Asociación de las Naciones Unidas de los Estados Unidos de América (UNA-USA), como oradora principal de la Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino 2026 de KHLAAC!

Faith aporta una valiosa perspectiva sobre el liderazgo, la abogacía, la participación cívica y el fortalecimiento de nuestras comunidades. Nos entusiasma contar con su presencia y que pueda compartir su experiencia y conocimientos con participantes de todo Kansas.

✨ ¡No te lo puedes perder!

Acompáñanos para un día lleno de conexiones, aprendizaje y conversaciones importantes sobre educación, inmigración, votación y participación cívica, además de la oportunidad de conectar con líderes, estudiantes, defensores comunitarios y miembros de la comunidad de todo el estado.

📅 Viernes, 2 de octubre de 2026
⏰ 8:00 a. m. – 4:00 p. m.
📍 University of Kansas Conference Center | Lawrence, Kansas
🎟️ $30 entrada general | $10 estudiantes

¡Las inscripciones ya están abiertas! Reserva tu lugar hoy y acompáñanos en la Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino 2026.

🔗 Inscríbete en KHLAAC.KS.Gov

07/28/2026

🗳️ Your voice matters. Your vote matters.

The Kansas Primary Election is Tuesday, August 4. Every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the future of your community.
Make a plan to vote, know your polling location, and encourage your family and friends to participate. Civic engagement begins with showing up at the ballot box.

Need information about your polling location, voter registration, or what's on your ballot? Visit your local election office or the Kansas Secretary of State's voter resources to ensure you're ready to vote on Election Day.

Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard.

🗳️ Vote on Tuesday, August 4!
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🗳️ ¡Tu voz importa. Tu voto importa.

Las Elecciones Primarias de Kansas se llevarán a cabo el martes 4 de agosto. Cada elección es una oportunidad para hacer escuchar tu voz y contribuir al futuro de tu comunidad.

Haz un plan para votar, verifica tu lugar de votación e invita a tu familia y amigos a participar. La participación cívica comienza al ejercer tu derecho al voto.

¿Necesitas información sobre tu lugar de votación, tu registro electoral o la boleta electoral? Visita la oficina electoral de tu condado o consulta los recursos de la Secretaría de Estado de Kansas para asegurarte de estar listo(a) para votar el día de la elección.

Toda persona elegible para votar merece que su voz sea escuchada.

🗳️ ¡Vota el martes 4 de agosto!

07/20/2026

Get excited! The time of the year has come where Hispanic leaders and community members get together to discuss issues that impact our respective communities most! This year we will have our annual 2026 Latino Leadership Summit at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, on Friday, October 2nd, 2026!

Save the Date! We hope to see you there! Stay tuned for more details to come!

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¡Preparese! ¡Ha llegado el tiempo de nuevo en que los líderes hispanos y los miembros de la comunidad se reúnen para discutir temas que más afectan a nuestras respectivas comunidades!

¡Este año tendremos el 2026 Cumbre de Liderazgo Latino en la Universidad de Kansas en Lawrence, Kansas, el viernes 2 de octubre de 2026!

¡Reserva la fecha! ¡Esperamos verte allí! ¡Estén atentos para más detalles por venir!

07/13/2026

Get excited! The primary election is around the corner and you have the opportunity to have your voice heard!

Be sure to register before the deadline, Tuesday, July 14th, 2026!

You can check the Kansas Secretary of State’s website for more information regarding voter registration, mail-in or advanced voting, and other in-person voting deadlines and details!

https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg
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¡Prepárense! Las elecciones primarias están a la vuelta de la esquina y tienes la oportunidad de hacer tu voz reconocido.

¡Asegúrate de registrarte antes de la fecha límite: el martes 14 de julio de 2026!

Puedes consultar el sitio web del Secretario de Estado de Kansas para obtener más información sobre el registro de votantes, el voto por correo o anticipado, así como detalles y plazos para la votación presencial.

06/26/2026

🎓Education should open doors—not close them.

At KHLAAC, we remain steadfast in advocating for educational opportunity because access to education is vital to the success of Kansas families, our communities, and our state's future. We will continue to champion policies that expand educational opportunities and help ensure every Kansan has the opportunity to succeed.

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🎓 La educación debe abrir puertas, no cerrarlas.

En KHLAAC, seguimos firmes en nuestra defensa del acceso a oportunidades educativas, porque creemos que la educación es fundamental para el éxito de las familias de Kansas, nuestras comunidades y el futuro de nuestro estado. Continuaremos promoviendo políticas que amplíen las oportunidades educativas y ayuden a garantizar que cada habitante de Kansas tenga la oportunidad de alcanzar el éxito.

06/24/2026

🚨Read KHLAAC’s press release on the ongoing DOJ v. State of Kansas lawsuit
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🚨Lea el comunicado de prensa de KHLAAC sobre la demanda en curso del Departamento de Justicia contra el estado de Kansas.

Address

900 SW Jackson, Suite 100
Topeka, KS
66612

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://www.khlaac.ks.gov/

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