LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2024 – Rise Economy is proud to announce that former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro and renowned housing policy advocate and author Leah Rothstein will deliver the keynote addresses at its inaugural Action and Advocacy Conference on Thursday, Nov. 14 in Los Angeles.
The Action and Advocacy Conference is a statewide conference focused on addressing California’s housing and economic justice issues. The conference will bring together advocates, policymakers, nonprofit leaders and community members to explore innovative solutions to some of the state’s most pressing challenges. The conference theme centers on “systems change” — addressing social issues by changing the underlying structures that cause them.
“We are thrilled to have Julián Castro and Leah Rothstein as the keynote speakers for our inaugural Action and Advocacy Conference,” said Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, Rise Economy Chief Executive Officer. “Both Castro and Rothstein bring valuable perspectives and insights that we know will delight our audience and motivate them to persist in their pursuit of creating meaningful change throughout California.”
Julián Castro: A Champion for Economic Justice
Julián Castro serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation, the largest Latino-serving foundation in the United States. Castro has a long and distinguished career in public service. He was elected Mayor of San Antonio in 2009, where he revitalized the city’s economy, and went on to serve as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.
Known for his focus on affordable housing, economic equality, and community revitalization, Castro will share his insights on the intersection of housing policy and economic justice, and how communities can harness policy tools to address inequality.
Leah Rothstein: A Voice for Housing Equity
Leah Rothstein is the co-author of “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law.” Her work focuses on addressing the lasting impact of segregation and housing discrimination while providing communities with tools to combat these injustices.
Rothstein’s extensive experience spans affordable housing advocacy, community organizing, and state and local policy consulting. She has led research on reforming community corrections policy and practice to be focused on rehabilitation, not punishment.
Along with powerful keynote speakers, the Action and Advocacy Conference will feature a series of breakout sessions and discussions that dive into affordable housing, equitable development, and environmental racism. Attendees will explore how community-led solutions can challenge systemic inequities and they will also have opportunities to network and collaborate on innovative solutions that promote equity and justice across the state.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: The Center for Healthy Communities Los Angeles, 1000 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012
- Register for tickets
- View the agenda
About Rise Economy
Rise Economy, formerly the California Reinvestment Coalition (CRC), is a member-led alliance focused on creating a more equitable society where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have access to resources and opportunities to build generational wealth. As the largest statewide community reinvestment alliance in the country, Rise Economy advocates for policies and practices that promote racial and economic justice and that address the root causes of inequality, redlining, and systemic racism.
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