2019 Plenaries

Central to NIIC are the Plenaries that take place on our conference main stage.The entire NIIC audience gathers for these sessions, which will address pressing issues of interest and concern to all working on behalf of immigrants and refugees. The NIIC Plenaries feature many prominent speakers – policy, thought and movement leaders, culture makers and artists, journalists and scholars alike. Plenaries take place each on each of the three days at NIIC.

2019 PlenarieS

A New Deal for New Americans

America’s immigration system and policies are at the epicenter of our national policy debates. This plenary will explore innovative strategies and policies at the state and municipal level from which we can learn and elevate a proposed framework -- the New American Dreams Platform -- for state, regional and federal shifts that lead with a commitment to equity and shared prosperity.

Moderator:

• Steve Choi, Co-Chair, National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA); ExecutiveDirector, New York Immigration Coalition

Speakers:

• U.S. Representative Jesus Garcia, D-IL  

• Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, Wayne County, MI

• Kathy Ko Chin, President & CEO, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum  

• Erendira Rendon, Board Member, NPNA; Vice President,  The Resurrection Project

• Luz Vega-Marquis, President & CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation

Performance by Piper Carter and We Found Hip Hop

Deep Roots: Lessons from the Motor City

Our struggles and futures are tied together. How do we work in intersectional ways to build a new movement for freedom? This plenary will shine a spotlight on the story of Detroit and issues facing the Midwest region, including segregation, changes in the economy and workforce, migration, and what is at stake in key “purple” swing states. Community leaders will explore the powerful legacy and lessons of Detroit’s iconic labor and civil rights movements, and the impact on today’s fight for immigrant rights and an end to mass incarceration. Panelists will discuss how their work is informed by the rich history of the region and how they strive to build solidarity, inclusivity, and support new voices today.

Special Remarks: Alexis Wiley, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office, City of Detroit

Moderator: Kim Trent, Chair, Wayne State University Board of Governors

Speakers: 

• City Council Member Raquel Castañeda-López, City of Detroit 

• Dr. Amanda Alexander, Executive Director, Detroit Justice Center 

• Cindy Estrada, International Vice President, UAW

• Seydi Sarr, Executive Director, ABISA

• America A. Yahya, 482Forward and student, Wayne State University

Performance by Sacramento Knoxx & Christy B.

It’s a Global Thing: Migration, Refugees, Economies, Climate & Democracy

In an era where we can barely keep pace with the impacts of globalization -- from the economy and technology, to culture, geopolitics and the environment -- migration will continue to be a critical issue across the world. This plenary will look at the global challenges, America’s shifting role as a leader, and how this impacts the day-to-day work in our communities. Panelists will focus on refugees and forced migration, economic impacts, and highlight successful integration programs and local initiatives.

Moderator:  Angelica Salas, Executive Committee Member, NPNA; Executive Director, CHIRLA

Speakers:

• Kayse Jama, NPNA Board of Directors; Executive Director, Unite Oregon 

• Krish O’Mara Vignaragh, President & CEO, Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service

• Senator Ratna Omidvar, Ontario, Canada 

• Christine Sauvé, Welcoming Michigan Director, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center

• Andrew Selee, President, Migration Policy Institute

• Cindy Wiesner, Executive Director, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance 

Performance by Mathangi’s Dance Crew

Our Justice Journey: Celebrating Women’s Leadership

In a year when an historic number of women -- including immigrant women and women of color -- are making a mark in Congress and running for President and women have been so much at the forefront in our movements, this plenary will explore how are women changing the American conversation about immigrants and refugees, what the gains women have made in the political arena mean for our movements and immigrant and refugee communities, and what’s ahead.

Moderator: Nadia El-Zein Tonova, ACCESS 

Speakers:

• U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib 

• Sayu Bhojwani, Executive Director, New American Leaders 

• Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director, Black Alliance for Just Immigration 

• Lorella Praeli, President, Community Change Action

• Mireya Reith, Executive Director, Arkansas United, Board Member, NPNA

• Nia Winston, President, Local 24 Michigan/Ohio UNITE HERE; General Vice President, UNITEHERE! International

We’re Not Waiting: Integration Victories & The Economy

In a landscape where federal policy has been often at a standstill and/or embattled, this plenary will shine a spotlight on important regional (state and municipal) integration victories and strategies, particularly those connected to the economy.

Co-Moderators:

• Professor Manuel Pastor (USC)  

• Eva Millona, Co-Chair, NPNA; Executive Director, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Speakers:

• Esther Benjamin, CEO & Executive Director, World Education Services

• Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, President, Southpaw Michigan

• Marcela Diaz,  Executive Director, Somos un Pueblo; NPNA Member

• Mario Hernandez, Director of Public Affairs, Western Union  

• Daranee Petsod, President, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees

Performance by Rola Nashef  

Winning the Future: From Hate to Hope

This plenary will provide a strategic view on what long-haul winning means at this juncture in our country -- in 2020 at the polls and far beyond. How do we reclaim American values that embrace pluralism and diversity, and reject and move beyond the divisive, xenophobic, nationalistic and isolationist frame that presently dominates U.S. policy and strains our society? How do we shift from a framework where immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities are relegated to “second class” status? How do we achieve active and full belonging — socially, culturally and economically? Panelists will address the upcoming Census,  naturalization and the “Second Wall,” voter disenfranchisement, and what winning on these issues looks like, and explore the rise in hate here and abroad -- including Islamophobia, racism and anti-Semitism -- and rise of the right globally. With many urgencies facing our movements, we must find strength in new alliances, dismantle the “us vs them” framework, and construct a common vision for “we ALL of the people.”

Moderator: Gustavo Torres, NPNA Founding Co-Chair; Executive Director CASA 

Speakers:

• Julissa Arce, Author

• Hassan Jaber, President & CEO, ACCESS  

• Alexis McGill Johnson, Acting President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

• Maria Rodriguez, Board Member, NPNA; Executive Director, Florida Immigrant Coalition

• Ari Simon, Vice President, Chief Program & Strategy Officer, The Kresge Foundation

Performance by Djembefola Detroit Drummers