WHEN
February 20, 2025
7:30 AM to 3 PM
WHERE
Hilton Harrisburg
1 N. 2nd St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Join us for dynamic and powerful conversations about the health of Latinos and other marginalized communities through the lens of policy. This is the perfect event for policymakers, organizational decision-makers, professionals in health and human services, and students interested in pushing the needle on health equity for minority communities. Bring your voice!
Thank You To Our Signature Sponsor
Thank You To Our Media Partner
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Contact George Fernandez to learn how to become a sponsor.
Vendor Opportunities
Contact Raquel Huggins to learn how to become a vendor.
Tentative Agenda
7:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Opening Comments & Declaration
George Fernandez
Founder and CEO, Latino Connection, a Color & Culture catalyst
David Saunders
Director of Health Equity, Pennsylvania Department of Health
8:45 – 10:00 AM
Morning Panel – Beyond Band-Aids: Policy Solutions for a Healthier Society
Patricia Fonzi (moderator)
President/CEO, Family Health Council of Central PA
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President & CEO, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Anthony Wright
Executive Director, Families USA
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Morning Break
10:15 – 11:30 AM
Time to Visit Vendors
Speed Networking Session
Sean McCormick, PhD, MS
Associate Director of Public Health Programs, Latino Connection, a Color & Culture catalyst
Breakout Session: Leveraging Community Partnerships To Address Social Determinants Of Health Negatively Impacting Latino Health
Dr. Sarah Inés Ramírez, MD, FAAFP
Founding Chair, National Hispanic Medical Association – Pennsylvania Chapter
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Lunch and Keynote Speaker
Melanie Fontes Rainer
Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
1:00 – 2:15 PM
Fireside Chat
Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio (moderator)
Vice President of Government & External Affairs, PECO
Akbar Hossain
Secretary of Policy and Planning, Commonwealth of PA
2:30 – 3:00 PM
Closing Plenary
George Fernandez
Founder and CEO, Latino Connection, a Color & Culture catalyst
About Latino Connection
Latino Connection is Pennsylvania’s premier marketing and communications agency that launches brands into the country’s most powerful multicultural market. Passion and experience drive our dual mission—to educate and support the Latino community while expanding the reach of the organizations we serve. Latino Connection is a catalyst of Color & Culture, along with PPO&S, which combines more than 50 years of marketing and advertising experience with transformative energy and innovation to reach the multicultural marketplace.
We know that an insightful, relevant approach must be strategic. Our non-traditional method offers flexibility, a firm network of resources, and high-quality translation and interpretation services—to ensure your message is ethical, accurate, and appropriate.
With founder and President George Fernandez at the helm, Latino Connection has served millions of Latinos and helped scores of organizations maximize their reach and protect their core operations. Clients range from billion-dollar, private sector businesses such as Integrity Staffing Solutions and UPS, to non-profit entities and government agencies such as Capital Area Head Start and The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Latino Connection is certified by the Eastern Minority Supplier Diversity Council and is recognized as a Hispanic Business Enterprise by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as a Minority Certified Business by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.