In September 2024, the Institute for Latino Studies sponsored ten students to attend the 2024 L'ATTITUDE conference in San Diego, California. L'ATTITUDE is a prestigious annual business event that highlights the economic leadership of U.S. Latinos across various sectors, including business, media, politics, science, and technology. The conference serves as a platform to announce new initiatives, launch businesses, and establish collaborations and partnerships. It places a strong emphasis on equipping executives and business leaders with an understanding of the U.S. Latino cohort, which is driving the growth of the “New Mainstream Economy.” According to the 2024 LDC Official U.S. Latino GDP Report by the Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University, the U.S. Latino economy is projected to become the fourth largest in the world by 2029.
After being informed of the opportunity and expressing an interest in attending the event, ten students were selected to participate in the conference: David Barrera ‘25, Blas Guerrero ‘25, Jasmine Peña Ramirez ‘25, Ana Cristina Bailey ‘25, Alessandra Gonzalez ‘25, Angela Olvera ‘26, Grecia Alcantar ‘26, Bella Vasquez ‘26, Ivan Turcios ‘27, and Joaquin Lopez ‘27. This year's gathering featured several informative panels led by executives from top companies, including Apple, ESPN, J.P. MorganChase, Voto Latino, the NFL, Ascendo Venture Capital, and Time Magazine. Each student attended sessions aligned with their individual interests. Many of these panels were more intimate, allowing students to connect and network with Latino/a/x professionals in fields such as finance, investment banking, venture capitalism, data science, entertainment, sports, real estate, and more.
The L'ATTITUDE conference presented an extraordinary opportunity for these students to gain invaluable insights from esteemed professionals. Joaquin Lopez, a sophomore majoring in Finance and Philosophy, remarked, “In relation to my studies at the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame, I had the opportunity to attend sessions led by institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, where I gained valuable insights into strategies that empower Latinos to take control of their financial situations, secure assets, and build opportunities in the private sector for generations to come.” Angela Olvera, a junior majoring in Political Science, shared, “The overall message that L’ATTITUDE instilled in me was that empowerment lies within us. Spending a weekend with trailblazers in their own right was the highlight of my trip!” When asked about her key takeaways from the conference, Grecia Alcantar, a junior majoring in Political Science and Latino Studies, stated, “The Latino community is a powerful force in shaping the U.S. economy, making their engagement critical for businesses seeking sustainable growth. To maintain a competitive edge and secure long-term success, companies must recognize that connecting with Latino audiences is not just about diversity—it’s a smart business strategy.”
In conclusion, the participation of these students in the 2024 L'ATTITUDE conference exemplifies the profound impact that such events can have on the next generation of Latino leaders. By engaging with top executives and professionals, the students not only gained critical insights and knowledge but also forged valuable connections that will support their future endeavors. The conference emphasized the significant contributions of the U.S. Latino cohort to the economy and inspired the students to continue striving for excellence and leadership in their respective fields. This experience has undoubtedly equipped them with the tools and inspiration necessary to drive positive change and innovation in their communities and beyond.