#hispanicinfluencers

Last weekend, the LATISM (Latinos in Tech Innovation & Social Media) Conference took place in New York City. The event brought together Latino technology leaders, prominent social media managers, and personalities from across the US.  This year, the conference aimed to discuss best practices in social media and explore new ideas in tech. Most importantly, LATISM wanted to ensure that through social media and technology, Latinos can truly be agents of change in their communities.

The conference included the first ever Latino hackathon (Hackatón), as well as presentations about monetizing your blog, Latina tech entrepreneurs, and using tech innovation to empower English language learners.  In addition, panel discussions also touched on health and education issues. One such educational panel examined how training Hispanic teachers in the use of technology can inspire students to “lead and create technology,” instead of just consuming it.

Several LATISM attendees also organized a pro-immigration march on September 21st to show Congress their support for the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the US.

The LATISM conference showcased the real power and influence of a unified Latino voice; working together, these agents of change are already beginning to advance their community's social, civic, and economic status.

Implications:

The 5th annual LATISM conference signifies the beginning of an upward momentum in Latino influence, but really only exposes the tip of the iceberg in terms of the growing Latino power, both as influencers and “super-consumers. Brands could benefit from establishing a closer relationship with these Latino influencers, many of them with a strong focus on family and technology.