MEX talks is an annual speaker showcase created by Latinos Progresando to give Mexican and Mexican American leaders the platform to reflect on a shared identity and tell stories to inspire positive change.
This unique, highly-anticipated forum convenes a range of voices, including entrepreneurs, lawyers, students, teachers, and nearly everything in between. And just as the stage has been given to our most established community figures, MEX talks has expressly sought to elevate emerging leaders, whose stories haven’t yet been told.
Centering the voices, expertise, and experiences of Mexican@s in Chicago and beyond, the 2021 MEX talks will explore our rich, complex Mexican history and identity.
FOUR PART SERIES: SEPTEMBER 14-24, 2021
Daytime Party: The Music that Made Us–Streaming Live Now!
| Friday, September 24 @ 12PM
Back by popular demand! Another Chicago-style daytime party, featuring El Caveman, DJ Chava, DJ Mo Mami, and DJ Mayhem, with hosts Paulina Roe of KISS FM and Pilsen’s own Gonzalo “Gonzo” Jimenez.
MEX talks Makers
| Tuesday, September 14 @ 7PM
We explored Mexican history and identity in a performance-based conversation with acclaimed interdisciplinary artist Roberto Sifuentes and Sofia Gabriel del Callejo, both of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Recording available on Latinos Progresando’s YouTube channel
It’s Complicated
| Thursday, September 16 @ 12PM
A panel discussion on the complexity, challenge and power of our Mexican identity, featuring Carlos Tortolero, Franky Piña, and Laura Rodriguez Presa. Moderated by ángela munguía, with a special performance from poet Jonathan Mendoza.
Recording available on Latinos Progresando’s YouTube channel
History Speaks
| Tuesday, September 21 @ 6PM
Listen to Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, Luis Alberto Urrea, Pablo Serrano, and Esmeralda Gonzalez delve into Mexican stories and traditions from the cradle of civilization to the streets of Chicago, and everything in between.
Recording available on Latinos Progresando’s YouTube channel
2021 Lineup
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Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil
Consul General of Mexico in Chicago
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Luis Alberto Urrea
Author of The Devil’s Highway
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Roberto Sifuentes
Interdisciplinary Performance Artist
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Carlos Tortolero
National Museum of Mexican Art
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Laura Rodriguez Presa
Chicago Tribune
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ángela munguía
AMPT
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Pablo Serrano
Artist & Cultural Worker
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Franky Piña
Artist & Activist
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Sofia Gabriel del Callejo
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Jonathan Mendoza
Poet
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Esmeralda Gonzalez
Youth Worker
Supported By
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2021 event. If you would like to learn more about MEX talks, including sponsorship, contact Maritza Guzman.
You can experience all past MEX talks on our YouTube channel.