LatinaCon 2025 — 1LatinaCon 2025 — 2LatinaCon 2025 — 3

LatinaCon 2025

June 14, 2025 — Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park

Speakers

Ximena Gilbert — LatinaCon speaker

Ximena Gilbert

Clinical Psychologist

Ximena Gilbert

Clinical Psychologist

Of Chilean origin with 18 years in the United States, she specializes in child and adolescent psychology. She works in hospital, educational, community, and private practice settings.

Irlanda Ruiz — LatinaCon speaker

Irlanda Ruiz

Writer, Educator & Community Leader

Irlanda Ruiz

Writer, Educator & Community Leader

From Humacao, Puerto Rico, based in Charlotte, NC. She holds a Juris Doctor, a Master's in Education, and has experience in journalism.

Reverenda Pilar Pérez — LatinaCon speaker

Reverenda Pilar Pérez

Pastor, Commonwealth United Methodist Church

Reverenda Pilar Pérez

Pastor, Commonwealth United Methodist Church

Director of Family Engagement at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte with 18 years of experience. National trainer in multiculturalism and inclusion. 20 years of teaching with a degree in bilingual education.

Pamela Tenorio — LatinaCon speaker

Pamela Tenorio

Owner & Chef, Pam's Baking

Pamela Tenorio

Owner & Chef, Pam's Baking

From Honduras, 5 years in Charlotte. Business administration degree with cake decorating certification. Teaches ServSafe certification in Spanish.

Fabiana Silva — LatinaCon speaker

Fabiana Silva

Host, "Mi dinero y Yo" Show

Fabiana Silva

Host, "Mi dinero y Yo" Show

Of Venezuelan origin with over 18 years of media experience. Over 50 commercial voiceovers, radio and television host. Financial opinion leader at La Noticia.

Jessica Montana — LatinaCon speaker

Jessica Montana

Health Programs Supervisor, ReCAST

Jessica Montana

Health Programs Supervisor, ReCAST

Mecklenburg County Public Health Department. Master's in Public Health, CHES® certified, Duke Health wellness coach. Of Colombian heritage, bilingual English/Spanish.

Licelot Ortiz — LatinaCon speaker

Licelot Ortiz

CEO/Owner, El Ideal & El Ideal Beer and Wine

Licelot Ortiz

CEO/Owner, El Ideal & El Ideal Beer and Wine

From the Dominican Republic. Background in Computer Science and a Master's in Management. Leads a company with over $10M in annual revenue and 25 employees.

Johanna Suárez — LatinaCon speaker

Johanna Suárez

Co-founder & CEO, Reliable Restorations & Snacket

Johanna Suárez

Co-founder & CEO, Reliable Restorations & Snacket

President of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses graduate. Recognized as Latina Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Admired CEO 2024.

Hilda Gurdián — LatinaCon speaker

Hilda Gurdián

CEO of La Noticia; Author of "Discover Your Path to Success"

Hilda Gurdián

CEO of La Noticia; Author of "Discover Your Path to Success"

CEO of La Noticia, a digital and print media outlet covering stories from the Latino community in Charlotte and North Carolina for 28 years. Enjoys hiking in the North Carolina mountains.

Romina Mansilla — LatinaCon speaker

Romina Mansilla

Branch Manager, Wells Fargo

Romina Mansilla

Branch Manager, Wells Fargo

Professional banker and community volunteer. Provides financial services and guidance to clients. Active member of Wells Fargo Latin TMN Charlotte and Little Rock CDC.

María Elena Valdez — LatinaCon speaker

María Elena Valdez

"La Reina del Mariachi" — Special Performance

María Elena Valdez

"La Reina del Mariachi" — Special Performance

She began singing mariachi as a child in Mexico City. She released her first album in the summer of 2024 with compositions by Martín Carrión. She honors the cultural roots of the Mexican charro tradition.

Schedule

The order of activities in this schedule is subject to change without notice. Thank you.

  1. 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

    Registration

    • · Breakfast
    • · Business Expo
  2. 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

    Welcome

    Hilda Gurdián

    CEO of La Noticia

    • · Table Captain Recognition
    • · Sponsor Recognition
  3. 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

    Faith: A Tool for Confidence and Security

    Reverenda Pilar Pérez

    Pastor at Commonwealth United Methodist Church in Charlotte

  4. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

    Women and Self-Esteem: Rediscover Your Inner Power

    Ximena Gilbert

    Clinical Psychologist

  5. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    The Healing Power of Stories

    Irlanda Ruiz

    Writer, educator, and community leader

  6. 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

    Group Photo

  7. 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

    Lunch

    • · Networking
    • · Business Expo
  8. 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

    Panel: Principles for Maintaining a Successful Business

    Licelot Ortiz · Johanna Suárez

    CEO of El Ideal · CEO of Reliable Restorations & Snacket

  9. 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

    The Power of Saving: Keys to Protecting Your Future

    Fabiana Silva

    Host of the Mi Dinero y Yo show

  10. 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

    Firearms and Community Violence: How to Protect Yourself

    Jessica Montana

    Health Programs Supervisor, Mecklenburg County

  11. 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

    Break

  12. 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

    How to Create an Affordable and Healthy Latin Food Plate

    Pamela Tenorio

    Owner and chef of Pam's Baking

  13. 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Reception

    • · Dance by Malena Benton
    • · Songs by María Elena Valdez, La Reina del Mariachi
    • · Songs by Eddy Kbrera
    • · Networking
    • · Business Expo

Table Captains

Aida Valero

Aida Valero

Daisa Jiménez

Daisa Jiménez

Ligia Cadena

Ligia Cadena

Mafer Robles

Mafer Robles

Marbeluz Rowe

Marbeluz Rowe

Osiris Collazos

Osiris Collazos

Pilar Pérez

Pilar Pérez

Wendy Pascual

Wendy Pascual

Yvonne Farfán

Yvonne Farfán

Liliana Molina

Liliana Molina

Sponsors

Wells Fargo
Bank of America
Truist
Atrium Health
CompareFood
Mecklenburg County Public Health
Yvonne Farfán — Financial Coach

Organized by

La Noticia

Frequently Asked Questions

When was LatinaCon 2025?

LatinaCon 2025 took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Where was the event held?

The event was held at Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217.

How much were tickets?

General: $55 (plus taxes and service fees).

Who is LatinaCon for?

LatinaCon is for strong, independent Latinas and all members of our community interested in their professional development and building valuable connections.

What language was the event held in?

LatinaCon is a bilingual event. Sessions were presented in both Spanish and English.

Was parking available?

Yes, free parking was available at the Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park hotel.

Ready for the next edition?

Discover LatinaCon 2026