Explore Latino job opportunities in Des Plaines, IL with employers who value cultural diversity. Find positions across all industries with companies that appreciate your language skills, cultural competence, and unique perspective. Connect with diversity-friendly employers committed to creating inclusive workplaces where the Latino community can thrive professionally.
Full service law firm in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago. Our staff is bilingual and we pride ourselves in our ability to effectively communicate with our clients. Obtaining great results is our top priority.
U.S. immigration and citizenship law. Whether you are an individual pursuing the American dream, a family seeking to be reunited, or a business needing the services of foreign talent, we are capable of providing answers to your toughest immigration questions.
Beata Leja is a partner at the law firm of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. Beata’s practice includes both employment-based and family-based immigration law. She is an active member of the Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), where she currently serves as the Co-chair of the Fall Conference Planning Committee, co-chair of the LGBT Committee, and as a member of the Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Liaison Committee. She has previously served on the Social Security Administration (SSA) Liaison Committee and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) & Department of Labor (DOL) Liaison Committee, as well as other committees. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, and the Advocates Society for Polish lawyers. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, she was named an Emerging Lawyer in Immigration Law by Leading Lawyers, a distinction given to only 2% of lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois. She has also been recognized as a Rising Star in Immigration by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and awarded the Pro Bono Guardian award by AILA for her pro bono services to the immigrant community. Beata has conducted seminars about immigration law for students, employers, employees and attorneys. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois and in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Beata is a 2007 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was a member of the Niagara International Moot Court Team (3rd Best Oralist). Prior to law school, she was a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools as a corps member of the national service corps Teach for America. She has a Master of Education from National–Louis University and two Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and International Relations from the University of Southern California. She is fluent in Polish and conversant in Spanish.
Join us for a 2-day conference focused on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can thrive and lead.
2026 HACE National Leadership Summit
Breaking Barreras: Cultivating the Power of Líderes
At HACE, we believe everyone has the right to realize dreams bigger than their circumstances. Our mission is simple yet transformative: to unlock the full potential of Latinos and diverse individuals for themselves and their communities.
This year’s Summit theme, “Breaking Barreras: Cultivating the Power of Líderes,” celebrates the courage to challenge the status quo and create new possibilities. Over two powerful days, barrier-breakers from across our community will come together for transformative sessions led by thought leaders and industry experts. Together, we’ll explore new pathways to growth, dismantle what holds us back, and transform the trajectory for the next generation of leaders.
By Cultivating the Power of Líderes, we honor our commitment to nurturing leadership potential across all communities—because when one person’s potential is ignited, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens organizations, families, and the broader economy.
Our HACE alumni don’t just break barriers—they create pathways. From teachers inspiring students to business owners and CEOs generating jobs, they represent what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Join us in building a future where leaders rise, barriers fall, and communities thrive. Because we can be Más.
Explore Our Three Leadership Tracks
Join us for two transformative days of learning, connection, and growth as we explore HACE’s three core leadership pillars — Thought Leadership, Talent Acquisition, and Professional Development — through a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to inspire action and elevate leadership at every stage.
Track 1: Inspira — Inspiring Transformative Change
Pillar: Thought Leadership
Explore how Latino leaders are reshaping the future through courage, innovation, and purpose. This track centers on the personal and collective power of transformation — from financial wellness and cultural identity to resilience, caregiving, and the evolving role of humanity in an AI-driven world.
Sessions include:
Wealth con Propósito: From Money Mindset to Financial Momentum
Resilient Leadership: Bienestar & Healing en Acción
Invisible Barreras Navigating Immigration Issues in the Workforce
Caught in the Middle: Navigating Career, Caregiving y Cultura
Staying Relevant en un Mundo Powered by AI, Workforce y Inclusive Innovation
Track 2: Conecta — Pathways of Talent & Opportunity
Pillar: Talent Acquisition
This track focuses on opening doors, breaking barriers, and redefining what inclusive hiring and advancement look like. Through panels, data-driven insights, and interactive workshops, participants will gain strategies to expand opportunity and drive equitable workforce change.
Sessions include:
Breaking Barreras in Talent Acquisition: Opening Pathways to Opportunity
From Culture Fit to Culture Add: Reimagining Organizational Growth
Equity by Design: How Decades of Data Reveal Bias in Career Pathways
The Mobility Mindset: Navigating Job Hopping and Career Growth
Networks that Open Doors: Career Growth in the War Room
Track 3: Crece — Rising to Our Leadership Potential
Pillar: Professional Development
Designed for emerging and established leaders alike, this track helps participants embrace their authentic leadership style, strengthen resilience, and chart intentional career paths. Each session offers actionable tools and inspiring insights to elevate your impact and influence.
Sessions include:
Trailblazing with Resilience: Leading Without a Roadmap
Owning Your Power: Leading with Culture, Confidence, and Authenticity
Network to Lead: Building Connections that Count
Bridging Generations: From Management to Mentorship
Strategic Career Mapping: Designing Your Leadership Journey
Early Bird Pricing (Ends Dec 31 at 9:00 p.m. CST)
Lock in discounted rates now—apply the promo codes at checkout.
2026 National Leadership Summit (In-Person Ticket Only) — $550
Save $100 with code EARLYSUMMIT26
2026 Awards Celebration (In-Person Ticket Only) — $325
Save $50 with code EARLYAWARDS26
Summit & Awards Celebration Bundle (In-Person Ticket Only) — $900
Save $100 with code EARLYCOMBO26
Early bird discounts valid through December 31 at 9:00 p.m. CST.
Ready to Grow, Connect, and Lead?
Choose the track that aligns with your goals—or mix sessions across all three to design your own leadership journey.
** For more details on the full agenda, list of speakers, hotel & parking accommodations, and additional event information, visit HACE’s website to learn more about the 2026 Summit & Awards Celebration. **
Hotel Accommodations – Summit 2026
We are excited to offer a special room block for Summit 2026 attendees at the JW Marriott Chicago, located in the heart of downtown and just minutes from the Summit venue.
Room Block Details:
Discounted group rate available for Summit attendees
Rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis
Reservation deadline: March 31, 2026
After this date, the discounted rate cannot be guaranteed
We encourage guests to book early to secure their stay at the preferred Summit hotel.
A circle for Latino Men Reenvisioning their role in Community
A monthly circle for Latino Men Reenvisioning their role in Community
February 22nd – Why are we here?
March 29 – Understanding Masculinity and Femininity
April 26 – Exploring Self-Love
May 31st – Compassion as a Practice
Facilitated by Ruben Gerena and Jupiter García
Rubén Gerena is currently an Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Human Services department at National Louis University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Phoenix University and his master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Spertus College. Rubén has spent over 25 years working with youth in Chicago. While mentoring youth in the Alternative school system, he helped to establish initiatives that have led to a large array of youth-focused programs across the city of Chicago that are still impacting communities. Some of these programs focused on addressing the trauma that has been experienced through gun violence and domestic violence. In addition, Ruben has been a part of city-wide initiatives in helping to address recidivism rates primarily in the south and southwest sides of the city, through increasing job readiness programs and life skills training that have been proven to decrease the number of individuals returning to prison. Ruben is also an advocate for Restorative Justice practices and is a circle keeper.
Rubén is also a Lucumí priest (Olorisha) and is ordained in the secrets of Obàtálá. Rubén is a drummer and has been studying Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena music and Dance since his teenage years. In addition, Rubén is a Drum maker and has taught youth and adults throughout the city to make their drums as a method of helping people reaffirm their own cultural identity. Currently, Ruben is the Board President of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, a leader in Afro-Puerto Rican arts.
Jupiter Garcia, a seasoned practitioner from Chicago, brings over 17 years of diverse healing experience. Coming from a lineage of curanderas, Jupiter's extensive background, rooted in Buddhism and Ifa, encompasses Reiki practice and teaching, chakra balancing, and access to the Akashic Records, providing multi-dimensional healing opportunities.
With a profound commitment to trauma healing, Jupiter has dedicated years to facilitating healing groups for survivors of childhood abuse and guiding ancestral healing work. This experience informs Jupiter's compassionate, trauma-sensitive approach to wellness and personal transformation.
As an experienced meditation guide, Jupiter leads bilingual meditation sessions that help participants cultivate present-moment awareness and inner peace. These group experiences are complemented by Jupiter's one-on-one coaching, where individualized guidance helps clients develop sustainable practices for emotional regulation, stress management, and enhanced well-being.
Jupiter creates safe, supportive spaces where healing can naturally unfold, anchored in ancient wisdom. Clients benefit from Jupiter's holistic methodology that addresses mind, body, and spirit connections, offering pathways to profound healing and personal growth.
A curated shopping experience celebrating Womxn makers, entrepreneurs, and artists! Shop small and support local businesses.
Get in on the fun as we spotlight Womxn artists, makers, and small business Xingonas. Swing by and show some love for these incredible women and their handcrafted goodies, and jaw-dropping services. It's going to be a jam-packed afternoon of art, music, mouth-watering treats, wellness vibes, and a whole bunch of surprises you won't want to miss! See you there!
Shop from local Womxn-owned businesses, including jewelry, bath and body, home goods, apparel, snacks, and more!
Discover & connect with Womxn-owned service providers in the Chicagoland area including, financial services, counseling services, community builders, wellness and more!
GET YOUR TICKET NOW!
General Admission Ticket: FREE
Entry starting at 1pm
Kids under 12 are FREE
Discover and support women-owned businesses
VIP Early Access + Tote + Raffle
Early Bird $6 (until March 6)
Regular $10 (after March 6)
Entry starting at 12pm
Kids under 12 are FREE
(1) Viva La Mujer Tote Bag for environmentally friendly shopping
(1) Raffle ticket for a chance to win amazing products from one of our featured Viva La Mujer Vendors. Raffle prizes are available while supplies last.
Important Notes:
Check-in at our registration table upon arrival.
Once you are checked in at the event, you will receive your tote bag and raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize!
If our venue reaches capacity, we will be giving priority entrance to those attendees with a time slot ticket bought online.
* Pets are not allowed at this event. See FAQ section.