Latino Network & UC Riverside Leadership Conference

About this event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

H. Martin de’Campo, Latino Network

rivlatinonetwork@gmail.com | 415-725-3236

www.RiversideLatinoNetwork.org | @RiversideLatinoNetwork | www.facebook.com/riversidelatinonetwork

Latino Network & UC Riverside to Host 2026 Student Leadership Conference — and Calls on Inland Empire Businesses to Help Close the Leadership & Digital Divide

Free one-day summit on November 7, 2026 brings AI, entrepreneurship, leadership development, wealth-building, and mental health workshops to Inland Empire students ages 16–25 — alongside a community drive for laptops and tablet donations to send students home with the tools to succeed!

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — September 11, 2026— Latino Network, in partnership with UC Riverside’s Division of Undergraduate Education, today announced its 2026 Student Leadership Conference, a free, one-day summit for Inland Empire students ages 16–25 taking place Saturday, November 7, 2026, at UC Riverside’s School of Business. Built around the theme “Learn. Thrive. Lead.,” the conference will connect students directly with campus leaders and industry mentors through workshops on AI & Technology, Entrepreneurship, Wealth Building, Mental Health, and Financial Aid.

Alongside the conference, Latino Network is launching a community call to action: an appeal to local and national retailers — including Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and Costco — to donate up to 60 laptops, iPads, or comparable devices to be distributed directly to students who need reliable technology to stay enrolled, finish coursework, and act on what they learn at the conference. Organizers say the initiative is designed to turn a single day of inspiration into lasting opportunity.

“Talent is everywhere in the Inland Empire; access isn’t. This Leadership Conference — and this technology drive — is about closing these gaps, one student at a time.” — Art Alcaraz, past President & Senior Board Member-Latino Network

A Day Built for Impact

This free, one-day event includes:

• Dynamic workshops, panel discussions, networking, and keynote speakers on AI & Technology, Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship, Wealth Building, Mental Health, and Financial Aid

• Direct mentorship and networking with UC Riverside campus leaders and local Inland industry professionals

• Scholarship opportunities and FREE personal development resources

• Breakfast, lunch, exclusive UCR & community sponsorship swag, and an optional campus tour — all at no cost to attendees

Why It Matters

For many first-generation and underserved students across the Inland Empire, access to a reliable computer remains one of the biggest barriers between ambition and achievement — the difference between finishing a scholarship application, launching a business plan, or completing a semester on time. By pairing a day of leadership and technology programming with a direct technology donation drive, Latino Network aims to make sure inspiration translates into action long after the conference ends.

How Businesses and the Community Can Help

Latino Network is inviting local businesses, corporate partners, and individual donors to contribute laptops, iPads, or similar devices — new, open-box, or manufacturer-refurbished — ahead of the November 7 conference. Businesses interested in becoming a Technology Sponsor, or community members who wish to volunteer or attend, can contact Martin de’Campo, Latino Network at rivlatinonetwork@gmail.com or 415-725-3236.

Event Quick Facts

What:

Latino Network’s 2026 Student Leadership Conference — “Learn. Thrive. Lead.”

When:

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Where:

UC Riverside School of Business, Riverside, CA

Who:

Inland Empire students, ages 16–25 — free and open to all who register

Cost:

FREE (breakfast, lunch, and UCR swag included)

Register / RSVP:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/latino-network-2026-student-leadership-conference-hosted-by-ucr-tickets-1998650728130?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite

Media / Sponsor Contact:

H Martin de'Campo - rivlatinonetwork@gmail.com | 415-725-3236

About Latino Network

Latino Network was founded in 1993, and is a Riverside-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing education, wellness, and economic opportunity in the Latino community across the Inland Empire, guided by the belief that “con educación más es posible” — with education, more is possible. Through partnerships with institutions like UC Riverside, Latino Network connects students and families directly with the mentors, resources, and opportunities that turn potential into achievement.

About UC Riverside’s Division of Undergraduate Education

UC Riverside was founded in 1954, originally as a agricultural field station and later the Citrus Experiment Station before becoming a general campus of the University of California system. It became a full-fledged UC campus offering undergraduate education in 1954, and has grown since into one of the UC system's major research universities. The Division of Undergraduate Education cultivates innovative opportunities for transformative student success. Through collaboration with our students, campus, and community, we remain at the forefront of innovation and creativity to enable students to reach their highest potential.

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High-resolution photos, interview availability, and b-roll from past Latino Network events are available on request.