
VLLC and Friends Celebrate 5th Latino Hour!
VLLC deeply appreciates all who supported, planned, and attended our wonderful 5th Latino Hour Reception in Richmond on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Latino leaders, advocates, elected officials, dignitaries, supporters, and friends from around the Commonwealth came together during the historic Gubernatorial Inaugural Weekend for a dual purpose: to celebrate the hard work and significant contributions of Virginia’s Latino community, and to welcome the new administration of Governor Abigail Spanberger, Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi, and Attorney General Jay Jones. We affirmed that we are here, we are proud, and we are an integral part of Virginia’s civic and political life.
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Participants came from Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads to Harrisonburg, from Northern Virginia to Roanoke, from Luray to Charlottesville to Petersburg, and everywhere in between - a testament to the Latino community’s presence in every corner of our state. Many attendees expressed joy in coming together and meeting, some for the first time, leaders from around our Commonwealth. We were gratified that people reported feeling a much-needed sense of togetherness and belonging, and were eagerly networking to build new alliances - or reaffirm already-established ones.




Below is a sampling of the comments received reflecting the significance of the 5th Latino Hour Reception to our community:
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“Que evento tan extraordinario tuvimos después de la inauguración. ¡El ambiente no pudo haber estado mejor! Que alegría ver tantos grupos, organizaciones y amigos juntos en un solo lugar y festejar tanto esfuerzo y trabajo que se ha llevado a cabo por tantos años.”
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“ It was inspiring to witness the unity, joy, and purpose in the room.”
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“Thank you so much for such a moving and amazing event. Best inaugural event 100%!!”
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“I truly appreciated being present and witnessing such a meaningful gathering of Latino leaders on a historic day. Thank you for creating and sustaining spaces that affirm our community’s presence, contributions, and leadership across Virginia. It was an honor to attend.”
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“The ballroom was packed and the positive energy was palpable. Today, history was made in Virginia, and the Latino community was instrumental in making it possible.”
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“At the Latino Hour reception, we connected, celebrated, and envisioned the future. We shared ideas, strengthened relationships, and honored the growing number of Latinos stepping into elected leadership roles across our state. Seeing so many voices represented and engaged reinforced that real progress happens when we work collectively.”
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Now, as we look ahead, we can all feel proud to have helped shape our state’s new leadership. At the same time, let's recommit ourselves to continue our civic engagement to yet again be ready to roll up our sleeves for the work ahead - because that work is never done. As proud Latino immigrants, or children of immigrants, or allies, or advocates, let’s carry this torch together for the benefit of future generations.
VLLC thanks everyone con todo corazon once again for supporting the 5th Latino Hour Reception. We also take a moment to again recognize and thank ALL of our sponsors:
Platinum
UnidosUS Action Fund
Gold
Dominion Energy * Virginia Latino Caucus
Silver
The Hon. Andres Jimenez * Juntos * LiUNA * 32BJ SEIU * Todos Neighborhood Market
Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens
Comadre/Copadre
Friends of Carla Bustillos * Hispanic Leadership Forum of Hampton Roads, Inc.
Marley Pulido Vargas * The Hon. J. Walter Tejada * Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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Amigos/Amigas
Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia * C. Alexander Guzman
Mayela Heifetz-Tablada * Organization for Latino Health Advocacy
Andy Perez * The Hon. Jose Quiroz * Estuardo & Elizabeth Rodriguez * Justin Rouse
The Hon. Shelly Simonds * The Hon. Zuraya Tapia-Hadley
Hosts
The Hon. Canek Aguirre * The Hon. Maritsa Alger * Jasmin Chavez * Javier Cuebas
The Hon. Carlos del Toro * Rosalia Fajardo * The Hon. Chris Falcon * Hope and Power Strategies
The Hon. Takis Karantonis * Debra Linick * Latino Advocacy of the DMV
The Hon. Ignacia S. Moreno * Marilyn Nevy Cruz * Lyons Sanchezconcha * The Hon. Tannia Talento
Thank you also to Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations
Finally, VLLC respectfully urges everyone to continue the synergy and positive energy of the reception and use it to support Latino organizations, community leaders and activists who are working hard for our community every day. Let’s encourage more civic participation from members of our community - for that is a path for future leaders to emerge and perhaps run and win elected office. That way we can bring our dancing shoes and celebrate once again - like we did at the 5th Latino Hour Reception! ¡Tod@s Adelante!​​

Click here to see more exciting photos and videos!
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Click here to see the full printed program with messages from Gov. Spanberger, Lt. Gov. Hashmi, sponsor ads, and lists of current & former Latino elected officials and candidates
VLLC Survey Leads to Endorsement of Abigail Spanberger for Governor, Ghazala Hashmi for Lt. Governor and Jay Jones for Attorney General
** We join forces with UnidosUS to bring out the Latino Vote **
Following our preference survey of hundreds of Latino leaders and activists, VLLC has endorsed Abigail Spanberger for Governor, Ghazala Hashmi for Lt. Governor and Jay Jones for Attorney General. Spanberger and Hashmi received an overwhelming 98.5% support, while Jones received 87% support, with 7.2% expressing no decision for Attorney General.
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VLLC Gubernatorial Endorsement VIDEO is on Facebook and Instagram! Please check it out, like and share!

​In supporting Spanberger, many respondents wrote that she is more qualified than her opponent and that “she shares my values.” One person explained, “She has a moderate common sense approach to leadership and policy. Trump's policies have had a negative impact on Virginia and I believe she will not be afraid to push back and stand up for Virginians.” Another person wrote, “Abigail knows how to work with both sides of the aisle and get things done.”
Hashmi also received a strong endorsement for Lt. Governor. One person explained, “As a former Richmond resident, I have seen Hashmi passionately involved in the community. Whether it’s a local or state level, she always shows up, listens to her constituents and anyone who cares to share a few words. She is a true embodiment of a community leader and she will do an incredible job as Lt. Governor.” Another said Hashmi “... has advocated for and helped pass legislation that has helped working families.”
While some respondents expressed disappointment in Jones’ texts, many expressed that he supports the issues they care about. One person wrote, “I believe he will protect and defend the rights of all Virginians, including the Latino community, (and that) he will defend the Constitution and our rights from the abuse of power by the president.”
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VLLC has joined forces with UnidosUS Action PAC to sponsor gatherings of Latino leaders, young adults, students, and elected officials to discuss issues of importance to the Latino community, from economic issues, education, immigration, and affordability to civic engagement and representation, while urging the community to vote for the Spanberger ticket. We met with groups in Northern Virginia, and on October 28 we held a roundtable evening with the community in Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach.
​Photo courtesy of Daniel Sanchez
Why Should the Latino Community Vote in this Election?
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These Latina leaders explain (in English and Spanish) the importance of voting.
¡Su voto es su voz!​
English
Español
Videos courtesy of Daniel Sanchez
VLLC's FIESTA POLITICA FOR LATINO VOTER MOBILIZATION
With Special Guest Congressman Don Beyer​
August 26, 2025 was the night of VLLC’s Fiesta Politica for Latino Voter Mobilization with special guest, Congressman Don Beyer. Latino leaders, activists, and guests enjoyed an impactful evening of networking, inspiring words, food, and dancing, all to raise funds for our Latino get-out-the-vote effort. Now is the time to take action to elect candidates who respect and support our community!
We greatly appreciate our sponsors and hosts for this non-partisan event, and all our supporters and guests!
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SPONSORS
Platinum: VACOLAO
Gold: The Hon. J. Walter Tejada
Silver: Joe Velasquez, SEIU 32 BJ
Bronze: John Andelin
Special In-Kind Sponsor: DWAI Creations
HOSTS
The Hon. Canek Aguirre
The Hon. Fernando "Marty" Martinez
The Hon. Tannia Talento
The Hon. Zuraya Tapia Hadley
The Hon. Sonia Vasquez Luna
The Hon. Emma Violand-Sanchez
Edgar Aranda, Gaston Araoz,
Sindy Benavides, Paul Berry, Carla Bustillos, Dulce Carrillo, Carlos Castro, Rosalia Fajardo, Jorge Figueredo, Tom Jones, Kathleen McSweeney
Fernando Mercado, Ivette Monney, Maribel Ramos




