The Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) will host its 2026 Latina Leadership & Entrepreneurs Conference & Expo, also known as Latina Expo, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. The event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Tyler Soules College of Business, located at 3501 Liberty Lane in Tyler.
Latina Expo is designed to create a specific space for Latina women to enhance their leadership skills, expand their professional knowledge, forge valuable professional connections, and acquire practical tools to advance in their businesses, careers, and communities. The conference is centered around the message “Invierte en Ti. Lidera con Propósito,” which translates to “Invest in Yourself. Lead with Purpose.”
This year’s conference will bring together Latina entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, community leaders, and aspiring business owners from Tyler and the surrounding East Texas region. Attendees can expect a program focused on education, engaging leadership conversations, valuable networking opportunities, and inspiration to further their professional journeys.
A significant addition to the 2026 event is the inaugural Mercado de Emprendedoras Latinas. This new platform aims to showcase and celebrate businesses owned by Latina women, providing them with enhanced visibility and opportunities within the community.
Education forms a core component of Latina Expo 2026. The program will feature a leadership panel composed of accomplished Latina professionals and educators, alongside dedicated educational sessions tailored to deliver practical knowledge and inspiration. The overarching goal is to encourage every woman attending the conference to persist in their learning, personal and professional growth, and to lead with purpose in their respective fields.
Nancy Rangel, President and CEO of the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance, emphasized the broader impact of the event, stating that “Latina Expo is about much more than bringing women together for one day.” Rangel further articulated that the conference represents an investment in women, reminding them of the inherent value of their voices, their ideas, their leadership capabilities, and their overall potential. She noted that by providing women with education, connections, and opportunities for growth, the positive impact extends significantly to their families, their businesses, and ultimately, to the entire East Texas community.
Before the main conference begins, a networking session titled “Cafesito Entre Latinas” will be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m. The conference and expo will then proceed as scheduled, concluding in the early afternoon.
