On behalf of the ILACHE Board of Directors and the 2027 Conference Planning Committee, we are pleased to announce ILACHE's 34th Annual Conference to be held at St. Augustine College in Chicago on Friday, April 9, 2027.

This year's conference theme, "Levantando Nuestras Voces: Advancing Educational Justice and Opportunity", building upon the legacy of those who came before us, we continue the collective struggle, advocacy, and transformative actions of generations who raised their voices to demand educational justice, equity, and opportunity. Our work is rooted in the courage, resistance, and sacrifices of our communities, whose efforts challenged systemic inequities, expanded educational access, and created pathways for future generations.

Levantando Nuestras Voces reflects both a recognition of our collective history and a renewed call to action. As we confront ongoing challenges to educational equity, access, and opportunity, we recognize that the struggle for educational justice is not new, nor is it over. We carry forward the voices, movements, and legacies of those who paved the way while creating space for new generations of students, educators, scholars, and community advocates to lead.

The ILACHE 2027 Annual Conference invites participants to engage in critical dialogue, community-centered scholarship, advocacy, and collective action that challenges systemic barriers and reimagines educational possibilities for Latine communities. Together, we seek to honor our histories, amplify our voices, strengthen community partnerships, and advance transformative practices and policies that foster educational access, belonging, and institutional change.

Seguimos levantando nuestras voces. We honor the past, challenge the present, and collectively shape a more just and equitable educational future.

Conference highlights will include:

• Inspiring keynote speakers who embody the spirit of raices y resistencia
• Interactive professional development workshops focused on community-centered approaches
• Student leadership development sessions grounded in cultural assets
• Networking opportunities with educators, activists, and community leaders
• Recognition of outstanding Latino/a/x achievements in educational equity and social justice
• Continental breakfast, lunch and networking reception included

Register now to secure your spot at this powerful gathering that will challenge, inspire, and equip you with tools for change.

Faculty, staff, and students across disciplines are encouraged to submit workshop and poster proposals that address this year's theme of Levantando Nuestras Voces: Advancing Educational Justice and Opportunity.

The conference will also provide opportunities for higher education institutions, organizations, and businesses to become conference sponsors. Our sponsors are showcased in our conference marketing materials before and during the conference via our website, social media, direct electronic mail, and our conference application. To register for the conference, submit a proposal, learn about sponsorship opportunities, or ask other questions, please visit us at ILACHE.org.

We hope you will join us in Chicago this year to honor our roots, strengthen our resistance, and forge pathways toward educational justice. Come ready to share your stories, learn from community wisdom, and return to your institution with renewed purpose and concrete strategies for transformational change.

¡La lucha continúa!

Saludos, Daniel López, Ph.D. ILACHE Board President