William Henry :
With a mix of policy dialogue, cultural celebration, and civic engagement, Somos Inc. recently concluded its 2026 Somos New York Conference in Albany, New York, bringing together thousands of leaders and advocates committed to advancing Latino communities across the state.
Held under the theme “Del Momento al Movimiento — Lead, Unite, Transform,” the three-day conference from April 17 through April 19, 2026 unfolded across venues including the Albany Hilton and the Empire State Plaza. The event continued Somos’s decades-long mission of uniting communities, elevating policy discussions, and fostering civic participation.
Organizers described the gathering as a space “where ideas turn into action and conversations create lasting change.” The conference opened with the Senior Summit, emphasizing “the importance of taking care of the community who has gotten us to where we are today.” Cultural elements such as salsa dancing and recognition of community leaders complemented policy-focused discussions, setting a tone of both celebration and purpose.
The conference schedule reflected a wide-ranging agenda. Day 1 featured registration, an expo exhibit, the Senior Summit, and evening networking receptions. On Day 2, attendees participated in a labor breakfast, multiple legislative workshop sessions, the Somos Mujeres Women’s Bruncheon, and the 28th Annual CUNY/SUNY Model Senate Project Mock Session, culminating in a Scholarship Gala Dinner. The final day spotlighted the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment and civic engagement.
Additional programming highlighted key policy discussions shaping Latino communities. A session titled “Counting Our Power: From Campus Poll Sites to Community Counts; Empowering the Next Generation for Civic Action & the Census 2030,” held on Saturday, April 18, brought together leaders including Assemblymember Landon Dais, Assemblymember Steven Raga, and Senator Jamaal Bailey, alongside policy experts and community advocates. The panel focused on strengthening civic participation and preparing communities for future census engagement.
Another major discussion, “Expanding Professional Licensing Access for Immigrant New Yorkers,” featured panelists such as Paul Zuber, Adama Bah, Marco Carrion, and Murad Awawdeh, moderated by Senator Gustavo Rivera. The session underscored ongoing efforts to improve workforce access and remove barriers for immigrant professionals across New York.
The conference also marked a significant milestone with a 40th anniversary reception of Somos Inc., hosted by Andrea Stewart-Cousins, President Pro Tempore and NYS Senate Majority Leader, at the New York State Capitol on April 18, 2026. The celebration honored four decades of advocacy, leadership, and community impact.
Attendees were further invited to explore the Somos, Inc. Museum at the Empire State Room, showcasing what organizers described as the “huge impact that Somos has had on our community over the past 4 decades.” This retrospective reinforced the organization’s legacy while connecting it to ongoing policy and advocacy efforts.
Founded in 1987, Somos Inc. has grown into one of the largest Latino civic organizations in the state, with annual conference participation ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 individuals, including elected officials, community leaders, and advocates. In Albany, that mission was evident throughout the conference—where dialogue, collaboration, and action converged to shape a stronger future for Latino communities across New York State.
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