OLLG Winter Conference
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hidden Creek Community Center (map)
Registration has closed
Join Oregon Latinos in Local Government for a Winter Conference on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Hillsboro from 8am - 4pm.
Preliminary Program
8:00 - 8:55 a.m. – Registration & Informal Networking
8:55 – 9:00 a.m. — Welcome
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. — How to Leverage Your Transferable Skills
Speakers:
Kevin Aguilar, HR Director, City of Canby
Description: Transferable skills are versatile abilities that can be applied across different roles, industries, and career paths. Recognizing and effectively showcasing these skills can assist when seeking a new job or a promotion. This session will provide techniques for identifying your transferable skills, tailoring skills for your desired role, and developing/ expanding transferable skills. By leveraging transferable skills, you can position yourself as a valuable candidate in any job market.
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Leading with Equity: Navigating DEI in Local Government
Speakers:
Eunice Makinde, DEI Manager, City of Hillsboro
Description: In today’s evolving political and social landscape, local governments play a critical role in fostering equity within their organizations and the communities they serve. This session will provide a foundational understanding of how equity functions in local government, equipping attendees with practical tools to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) both internally within their departments and externally through meaningful community engagement.
We will explore strategies for leading with equity, addressing the intersection of internal DEI efforts and external outreach. Additionally, we will confront common misconceptions and political narratives surrounding DEI, unpacking the myths and misinformation that often hinder progress. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will leave with actionable insights to nurture equity within their departments and drive meaningful change in their communities.
Join us as we move beyond fear-based narratives and toward a hopeful, solutions-oriented approach to equity in local government.
11:30 – 12:45 p.m. — Lunch
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. — How to Advocate for Yourself
Speakers:
Sandy Galvez, Human Resources Manager, City of Hood River
Description: Speaking up for yourself at work can be daunting, but it’s a key skill for personal and professional success. This session will provide simple, practical tips to help you advocate for your needs, whether it’s asking for a raise, adjusting your schedule, or seeking new opportunities. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to prepare for these conversations and communicate your goals clearly. Join us for a supportive and encouraging discussion that will help you feel more confident in taking the next step in your career.
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. – How to Navigate Workplace Relationships
Speakers:
Sharon Harris, Senior Consultant - Human Resources & Organizational Development, CIS
Description: In today’s fast-paced work environments, navigating relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates can be tricky—especially when things get tense. This session is designed to give you practical, actionable tips for building and maintaining positive relationships in any professional setting, even during challenging conversations. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with people at all levels, manage emotions, and handle difficult topics with grace. Using real-world examples, humor, and relatable stories, this session will help you master the art of managing workplace dynamics, whether you're giving constructive feedback, leading a team, or dealing with a tricky colleague. With these strategies, you'll leave with the confidence to approach any workplace situation, no matter how tough, with clarity and poise.
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. – Networking Break
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Immigration, Sanctuary State, and Impact on Us in Local Government
Description: The recent news of executive orders and concerns on colleagues, friends, or family being target has been an unsettling time for everyone. Everyone, regardless of status, could be impacted and it is important to understand the roles cities have as the federal government proceeds. We will present Oregon Sanctuary State laws, breakout into groups to hold discussions, and reconvene to share what we learned from our group.
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Happy Hour