Latina Empowerment Day - Downey

Latina Empowerment Days are regional, one-day leadership events hosted by HOPE designed to inform, empower, and activate Latinos of all backgrounds through culturally grounded, community-centered sessions. These events bring together 80-100 local leaders, professionals, advocates, and emerging changemakers to:

• Learn about key issues affecting our communities
• Build skills and knowledge for civic and economic advancement
• Connect with HOPE’s policy agenda and leadership opportunities

Each day is uniquely tailored to local realities and includes expert panels, training sessions, and policy briefings.

HOPE programs and educational events are open to all individuals who support Latina leadership to strengthen our democracy and advance economic mobility.

Agenda at a Glance:

8:30 am – Registration & Breakfast

9:00 am – Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:30 am – Securing Your Financial Future: Smart Strategies for Navigating Today’s Economy

A candid, expert-led discussion for professionals evaluating how best to build long-term financial security amid economic uncertainty. Topics may include:

• Managing debt and maintaining strong credit

• College savings and retirement planning

• Building generational wealth and resilience

• Navigating political and economic shifts that impact finances

10:30 am – Empowerment Through Knowledge: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence This beginner-friendly session introduces participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and explores how it impacts daily life, work, and community well-being. Topics may include:

• What AI is (and isn’t)

• Real-life examples of how AI shows up in your life (e.g., social media, job tools, healthcare)

• Opportunities and risks for underrepresented communities

• How to stay informed and empowered in the age of AI

11:30 am – Lunch & Connection: Voices at the Table

12:00 pm – Community Resilience: Preparing for California’s Future Part I (10 min): HOPE’s Policy Agenda An overview of HOPE’s current state and local advocacy work.

Part II (30 min): Leading the Green Future: Latinas in Clean Energy & Sustainability This interactive session will introduce students to SoCalGas’s green initiatives, including its work in renewable natural gas, clean renewable hydrogen, carbon reduction, and community resilience. Leaders will learn how these efforts are shaping California’s clean future and how they can be part of that future.

Through storytelling, career insights, and practical advice, Latina professionals at SoCalGas will share how they’re driving innovation and equity in the energy sector.

1:00 pm – Closing Reflections & Community Voices

1:30 pm – Optional Tour of SoCalGas [H2] Innovation Experience

The [H2] Innovation Experience is North America's first-ever clean renewable hydrogen powered microgrid and home. This project demonstrates how net-zero gas made from renewable electricity can be used in pure form or as a blend to fuel energy systems and communities of the future.

Named a World-Changing Idea by Fast Company and awarded the U.S. Green Building Council of L.A.'s Sustainable Innovation Award, the [H2]IE features clean renewable hydrogen production and storage along with a nearly 2,000 square-foot home that can draw power from solar panels and convert excess renewable energy into clean renewable hydrogen.

Host or Publisher HOPE