HBA Conference 2026
Latin Catalysts: Defining the Future Through Innovation & Excellence
Friday, April 10, 2026
Brought to you by the Columbia Business School Hispanic Business Association (HBA)
The Hispanic Business Association at Columbia Business School has been committed to fostering meaningful dialogue around Hispanic/Latinx leadership, culture, and impact in business.
Join us on April 10th, 2026 to engage in thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers shaping the future across business, finance, technology, healthcare, and beyond.
Thank you to our sponsors:
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Keynote Speakers!
In Progress
XXPannels
AI & Innovation in Latino Business
How Latin/Hispanic founders, investors, and technologists are shaping the future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Panelists will discuss building in high-growth sectors, navigating bias, and leveraging cultural perspective as a competitive advantage.
Themes: AI, startups, venture capital, identity in tech, innovation ecosystems.
Finance & Consulting: Navigating High-Performance Careers
A fireside chat with professionals currently in finance and consulting, alongside alumni who have transitioned into leadership roles. The panel will cover recruiting strategies, career pivots, and sustaining performance in demanding industries.
Themes: Recruiting, career strategy, leadership development, mobility.
Healthcare & Impact
How Latin/Hispanic professionals are driving innovation and equity across healthcare, biotech, and life sciences — from patient access to leadership representation.
Themes: Health equity, biotech, social impact, innovation.
Interactive & Signature Sessions
Marketplace Storytelling Session
Latin/Hispanic entrepreneurs share candid origin stories behind their businesses, including early challenges, funding journeys, and lessons learned while scaling.
Themes: Entrepreneurship, resilience, storytelling, growth.
Interactive Pitch Symposium
Student founders present live pitches to a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and operators, receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.
Themes: Startups, venture, innovation, student leadership.
Interactive Professional Workshop
A hands-on, skill-building session led by a Latin/Hispanic professional in marketing, branding, or strategy, focused on practical tools participants can apply immediately.
Themes: Personal branding, strategy, communication.
Networking & Community Events
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Kick off the day with a high-energy breakfast and coffee networking session featuring light icebreakers and an interactive game designed to spark conversation and help attendees connect from the start.
Career Fair & Latin Marketplace Lunch
A signature standing lunch experience featuring:
Company booths from firms actively engaging with Latin/Hispanic talent
Latin/Hispanic-owned businesses and student ventures
Curated networking zones by industry (Finance, Tech, Consulting, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship)
Designed to encourage organic conversations between students, alumni, founders, recruiters, and sponsors in a high-energy, informal setting.
Networking Activities
Structured and unstructured opportunities to connect with speakers, alumni, and peers through facilitated networking rounds and interest-based groups.
Closing Reception with Live Music
An end-of-day celebration with food and drinks, live music, dancing, and community-building to close out the conference.