50+ leaders from across the nonprofit, government, and business sectors gathered to advance language access strategies across the region
Images and b-roll can be downloaded here (Credit: United Way of Southern Nevada)
LAS VEGAS, NV — United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) united over 50 leaders from across the nonprofit, government, and business sectors at its 2nd Language Access Policy Summit on April 17 at the East Las Vegas Community Center. The convening brought community leaders together around a shared mission: expanding access to critical services for all of Southern Nevada’s diverse communities.
“Six years ago, we started this work because our neighbors couldn’t access the services they needed to thrive,” shared Samuel Rudd, UWSN President & CEO. “Today, we’re proud to see that vision grow into a movement, one with the partnerships, tools, and leadership to meet this moment.”
UWSN’s language access efforts began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when limited-English-proficient communities faced significant barriers to accessing economic relief and healthcare. With leadership from Congresswoman Dina Titus, who secured a $1 million federal appropriation, UWSN selected 12 nonprofits to develop language access plans, translated more than 200 documents, and hosted public trainings across the eight most spoken languages in the region. In August 2024, UWSN convened its inaugural Language Access Summit to align partners around a shared path forward. This year’s summit was built on that foundation, bringing together leaders to advance the work and strengthen strategies across the region.
The summit’s sessions covered local government language access initiatives, nonprofit strategies for navigating funding challenges, cross-sector relationship building, and maintaining resource-sharing networks to connect communities with critical information.
Speakers included:
· Ramiro Reyes, Community Engagement Administrator, City of Las Vegas
· Noemi Gomez Martinez, Community Relationships Manager, City of Reno
· Chanel Cassanello, NV Campaign Manager, All Voting is Local
· Robbie Fink, Adult Education Services Director, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
· Denis Edoh, Board President, African Diaspora of Las Vegas
· Rachel Stepina, Grant Manager, Nevada Department of Education
· Nayesdi Badillo, Early Childhood Family Engagement Specialist, Nevada Department of Education
· Viridiana Vidal, Founding Managing Partner, NReal Media Strategies
· Maggie Salas Crespo, Director of Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, NReal Media Strategies
· Julie Chapman, Elections Administrator, City of Henderson
· Lorena Portillo, Clark County Registrar of Voters
Programming was developed in partnership with the City of Reno, Nevada Department of Education, Catholic Charities, All Voting is Local, and NReal Media Strategies.
The event was sponsored by the City of Las Vegas and Roberto’s Taco Shop.
To learn more about United Way of Southern Nevada’s year-round community events, visit uwsn.org.
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About United Way of Southern Nevada:
United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) believes that everyone deserves a roof over their heads, a good job, and access to a quality education. For over 65 years, UWSN has united our community to improve people’s lives. Funds raised in Southern Nevada stay here and build pathways out of poverty so our entire community can thrive. Join us and help ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to succeed. Give today at uwsn.org and connect with us on Facebook @UnitedWaySN, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube @UWSN, LinkedIn at United Way of Southern Nevada, and TikTok @UWSN702.
Media Contacts for UWSN:
Kirvin Doak Communications
