Virginia  Latino  Leaders  Council

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.” 

• “ It was inspiring to witness the unity, joy, and purpose in the room.” 

• “Thank you so much for such a moving and amazing event.  Best inaugural event 100%!!”

• “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.”  

• “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.” 

• “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!​​