Discover qualified professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds in McHenry, IL. Find lawyers, doctors, accountants, therapists, real estate agents, and service providers representing communities from around the world. Find experts who speak your language, understand cultural nuances, and bring multicultural perspectives to their practice.
Attorney Kamran Memon has been practicing law in the Chicagoland area since 1997. He has successfully represented many clients in a variety of legal matters. Kamran works with a trusted network of attorneys who are experienced and skilled in a variety of legal areas.
Kamran graduated from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was a student of Professor Barack Obama.
Kamran is a co-founder of the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago and CAIR-Chicago. He is a member of the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago, the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago, the National Association of Muslim Lawyers, the Chicago chapter of the Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs, and the Illinois chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association. He previously served as a member of the Illinois Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Kamran is a former host of Radio Islam on WCEV 1450 AM in Chicago. He is a co-founder of the Annual Chicagoland Muslim Community Thanksgiving Turkey Drive.
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.
The most exclusive private business gala is back! This events features some of the most influential minds of CEO's & Entrepreneurs.
Welcome to Blacktopia! The Most exclusive business gala in illinois, this will be the 5th installment. Blacktopia is a formal elegant event created to celebrate the achievement of philanthropist, non for profit foundations, ceo's and entrepreneurs in illinois. Blacktopia is a platform and opportunity to create lucrative business relationships. Blacktopia is full of resource sharing, networking, referrals, live entertainment and honorary presentations. This event features a exclusive guest list, luxurious dress code, a formal reception, dinner, entertainment including speeches and a award ceremony. The most exclusive private business gala is back with it's 5th installment. if you found this page you are one of our exclusive Guest. This events features some of the most influential minds of CEO's & Entrepreneurs in illinois. "IT'S TIME TO GET DRESSED"
General Terms
All items are non-refundable, all sales are final. By completing your purchase, you agree that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Tickets cannot be returned, exchanged or transferred unless specifically stated otherwise. Refund Policy All items are non-refundable under any circumstances. You agree to contact the event organizer directly to resolve any issues before initiating a chargeback or dispute with your payment provider. Cancellation Policy In the event the Gala is Cancelled a Full Refund will be issued to guest
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.
PFLAG McHenry represents a compassionate community of families, friends, and allies united in celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals in the McHenry, IL area. As part of the PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois, this chapter carries forward the mission of the nation's pioneering organization dedicated to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. Since its founding, PFLAG has grown to encompass nearly 400 chapters spanning major urban centers, small cities, and rural communities across America, demonstrating the universal need for family support and acceptance. The McHenry chapter embodies PFLAG's core belief that loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies can transform hearts and minds through honest dialogue and education. Members of PFLAG McHenry work together to advocate for a society where sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are fully embraced and celebrated. The organization's strength lies in its diverse membership—parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and LGBTQ+ individuals themselves—all committed to speaking up and creating positive change in their community. By bringing people together across generations, PFLAG McHenry fosters meaningful connections and provides crucial support during life's most important moments. The chapter's volunteer-led initiatives reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that no family feels alone in their journey toward understanding and acceptance.