The Chicago Latina Expo 2024 etched itself into the hearts of all who attended, igniting a powerful wave of inspiration, motivation, and deep connection to the vibrant Latina community. This year’s multicultural expo exceeded every expectation, turning a weekend of celebration into a transformative journey of empowerment. Latina leadership, culture, and innovation took center stage through thought-provoking panels, uplifting workshops, captivating performances, and a bustling marketplace.
As the expo kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month and honored National Support Latino Business Day, it became a defining moment for Latinas across the nation. This year also marked a significant milestone—the second anniversary of Our Latinx Magazine, a platform that relentlessly champions Latinas and amplifies Latinx voices. This made the 2024 expo and celebration an unforgettable experience, filled with pride and empowerment.
This year’s theme, "Empower Yourself: Empowering Latinas to Soar," set the stage for a powerful celebration, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Latinas while showcasing their ever-growing influence across all sectors. The energy was palpable, with hundreds of attendees gathering to immerse themselves in the beauty of Latin American traditions expressed through art, music, food, and fashion.
Cultural Performances That Stirred the Soul
The cultural performances at the expo were nothing short of spectacular, offering a breathtaking journey through Latin American heritage. From the captivating folkloric dances performed by Representa Foundation to the pulsating Latin Afro house beats spun by Latina DJ Rosered, the weekend was a true celebration of identity and pride.
A standout moment was the stunning cultural fashion show experience, which featured bold, modern styles from YUYU Cultura Brand and the avant-garde designs of Miguel Villafuerte III of MV3. These performances moved the audience deeply, as the performers ignited the stage and expo floor with a perfect blend of traditional costumes, infectious rhythms, and contemporary flair. Attendees were entertained and reminded of how their heritage continues to shape and inspire the future.
Alma Cooper: A Pillar of Empowerment
Miss USA Alma Cooper kicked off the Chicago Latina Expo with an electrifying award acceptance ceremony and press conference on Friday, September 13, alongside Iris Y. Martinez Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Malcolm X College President David A. Sanders, and Cesar Rolon Jr., Founder and President of The Latina Expo.
Miss USA Alma Cooper's radiant presence and boundless energy illuminated the room as she engaged with attendees, delivering powerful messages of empowerment and motivation. Alma’s message was unmistakable: Latinas embody a unique strength rooted in their resilience, unity, and fearless pursuit of their dreams. Her heartfelt interactions set the tone for a weekend of empowerment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone with the privilege of meeting her.
Empowering Conversations and Leadership Insights
At the heart of the Chicago Latina Expo 2024 were the powerful conversations that took place in its packed workshops and panels. Featuring a roster of powerhouse speakers, the expo brought together Latina trailblazers and Latino male allies to share stories of triumph, perseverance, and leadership. Attendees walked away with a renewed sense of purpose after hearing from these extraordinary individuals who are redefining leadership across industries like tech, business, lifestyle, politics, media, wellness, fashion, beauty, arts, and entrepreneurship.
Standout moments came from the multicultural women who candidly shared their experiences of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to drive meaningful change. Their stories resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring both seasoned professionals and younger Latinas to break barriers and create new paths for themselves and their communities.
Meaningful Connections and Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Chicago Latina Expo 2024 also served as a vital networking hub, where attendees eagerly connected with like-minded individuals, potential business partners, and mentors. The
Marketplace was a vibrant showcase of Latina-owned businesses, offering everything from fashion to food, lifestyle, beauty, and wellness products to tech innovations. Each booth told a story of resilience and determination, as entrepreneurs shared their journeys of building successful ventures from the ground up. Attendees left not only with new products but also with a deeper understanding of the hard work, vision, and community support required to achieve success.
The Spanish Panels, presented by the Women in Business organization, were another highlight, where aspiring Latina entrepreneurs received personalized coaching and invaluable advice. These intimate sessions helped many attendees learn how to scale their businesses, navigate funding opportunities, and sharpen their marketing strategies. The collaborative spirit that filled these spaces underscored the importance of unity and mutual support within the Latina community.
Champions of Change: A Call for Allyship
One of the most powerful moments of the Chicago Latina Expo 2024 was the Champions of Change panel, where influential male allies took center stage to demonstrate their unwavering support for Latina leadership. This impactful discussion, featuring Cesar Rolon Jr., Founder and President of Imagen Marketing Consultants and The Latina Expo; Felix Lopez, Founder and CEO of Consentio Spirits; Ulises Ruelas, a Forbes-recognized advisor; Antonio Lucero, Founder of YUYU Cultural Brand; and Juan Zamora, Bilingual Small Business Coach, emphasized the critical role of allyship and representation in the workplace.
These trailblazers shared practical examples of how men can actively advocate for and amplify Latina voices, fostering more inclusive and equitable leadership. The conversation wasn’t just a discussion—it was a rallying cry for men to step up and drive systemic change by empowering Latinas to lead with confidence and purpose while embracing their cultural identity and self-worth.
A Bright Future for Latinas
As the Chicago Latina Expo 2024 drew to a close, it was clear that the event had far exceeded expectations. This weekend wasn’t just a celebration of culture or professional development—it was a movement, one that continues to fuel real, lasting change for Latinas across the country. Attendees left with new insights, stronger connections, and a deeper sense of purpose, knowing they are part of a growing network of Latina leaders shaping the future.
While the Chicago Latina Expo 2024 has wrapped up, its impact will resonate for months and years to come. It has sparked a renewed sense of pride, determination, and community among Latinas everywhere, proving once again that together, Latinas are unstoppable and poised to achieve greatness.
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