Over 400 attendees from more than 35 states arrived in Nashville last week for NALCAB’s National Conference 2025. Coinciding with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, we gathered to spotlight and celebrate Latino contributions to our economy and society. Today, the U.S Latino GDP exceeds $4 trillion, a scale comparable to the economies of the U.K. or France.  

For three days in downtown Nashville, that economic power was at the center of conversations on creating more affordable housing, expanding small business investment,  and building generational wealth. These discussions were interwoven with cultural celebration, featuring Ballet Folklórico Sol de México, Sounds of Latin America, and MŌRIAH. 

Marla Bilonick, President and CEO of NALCAB, opened the conference with remarks underscoring the resilience of the Latino community and the impact we have in driving the nation’s prosperity. The program featured Latina singer-songwriter MŌRIAH, who arrived with her guitar and shared her journey navigating the Country Music industry in conversation with Lindsey Navarro, Founder and Executive Director of El Centro Inc and NALCAB Board Member. She closed with powerful performances of her singles, Nice Life and Super Mujer. 

We were welcomed to the city by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who shared his excitement for Nashville’s future and the role Latinos will continue to play in it. Henry Jiménez, President and CEO of Propel Nonprofits and NALCAB Board Vice Chair, paid tribute to all of those who have opened doors in our lives. He also highlighted how NALCAB has strengthened connections across the country, with Marla Bilonick meeting members coast to coast this year. 

Vicky Garcia, CEO of Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU), guided a panel on economic development and job growth featuring leaders from the Nashville government and NALCAB member Conexión Américas. Drawing from our national membership network, the discussion underscored the value of local insights in shaping national strategies. In that spirit, we were thrilled to join Conexión Américas for a guided tour of Casa Azafrán, a vibrant hub for Latino families in Nashville. 

Finally, we announced the launch of the Roots of Resilience Campaign—a $4 million initiative to renovate our new San Antonio office, revitalizing a landmark rooted in the cultural and economic history of the city’s West Side. More than a renovation, the campaign serves as the catalyst for creating a legacy that will inspire future generations and strengthen the very fabric of our society. 

This is a glimpse of NALCAB’s mission in action. Our Comunidad is at the heart of our work, and we thank all our speakers, panelists, partners, and staff who helped make this year’s event a success. 

Thank you to our sponsors for their support in making this year’s National Conference a success: 

Presenting Sponsor: Capital One 

Catalyst Sponsor: PNC Bank 

Innovator Sponsor: TD Bank 

Influencer Sponsor: U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance 

Community Partners: Ally Bank, Wells Fargo, Mastercard, and FICO 

Ally Sponsors: Woodforest National Bank, Insperity, and DOCUmation 

Stay tuned for updates on NALCAB’s 2026 National Conference in San Antonio, September 15–17, 2026!