


LatinaCon 2025
June 14, 2025 — Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park
Speakers

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
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
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
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.



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
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.



Schedule
The order of activities in this schedule is subject to change without notice. Thank you.
- 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration
- · Breakfast
- · Business Expo
- 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Welcome
Hilda Gurdián
CEO of La Noticia
- · Table Captain Recognition
- · Sponsor Recognition
- 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
- 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Women and Self-Esteem: Rediscover Your Inner Power
Ximena Gilbert
Clinical Psychologist
- 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Healing Power of Stories
Irlanda Ruiz
Writer, educator, and community leader
- 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Group Photo
- 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
- · Networking
- · Business Expo
- 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
- 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
- 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Firearms and Community Violence: How to Protect Yourself
Jessica Montana
Health Programs Supervisor, Mecklenburg County
- 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Break
- 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
- 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

Daisa Jiménez

Ligia Cadena

Mafer Robles

Marbeluz Rowe

Osiris Collazos

Pilar Pérez

Wendy Pascual

Yvonne Farfán

Liliana Molina
Sponsors
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.







