BSP Joins UnidosUS 2025

Written By Shannon Cain

Building Community Power in Critical Times

Last week, Building Skills Partnership’s Executive Director, Luis Sandoval, joined visionary leaders and advocates at the 2025 UnidosUS Affiliate Regional Meeting for Southern California, sparking powerful conversations on how we can collectively serve and protect our communities in this pivotal moment.

The gathering brought together UnidosUS affiliates, organizers, and changemakers committed to advancing immigrant rights, expanding opportunity, and building resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. This was more than just a meeting—it was an opportunity to connect in person with allies who are actively designing bold solutions to the pressing issues facing Latino communities today.

United in Purpose and Action

BSP was honored to stand alongside leaders including:

  • Rudy Espinoza, President & CEO of Inclusive Action for the City

  • Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA

  • Janet Murguía, President & CEO of UnidosUS

  • David Huerta, President of SEIU-USWW and BSP Board Member

Together, these leaders reaffirmed our shared commitment to justice, dignity, and opportunity for all immigrant families.

Powerful Voices at #UnidosUS25

During the session Ground Zero: Community Power in the Face of Unlawful and Extreme Immigration Enforcement in L.A., panelists shed light on recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and the urgent need for coordinated community response.

“Fight courageously so our families can remain together. We are immigrants and love this country deeply.”
— Angelica Salas, CHIRLA






“This moment is different from any other. We need to be disciplined and engaged with a sense of nonviolence.”
— David Huerta, SEIU-USWW




David also shared his personal account of being unlawfully detained by ICE agents in June 2025—a stark reminder of the challenges we face and the work ahead to protect our communities.

Standing in Solidarity

At UnidosUS25, BSP proudly stood with David Huerta and all leaders who are confronting injustice with courage and strategy. In the words of Huerta, “We should start organizing our cities and communities now to prepare for this.” BSP echoes this call to action—we must mobilize, educate, and protect our communities from unlawful enforcement.

Connecting with Advocates & Artists

In addition to policy discussions and strategy sessions, BSP team members had the chance to connect with immigrant rights activist Carlos Eduardo Espina. Carlos shared artwork from a Tucson-based artist depicting the humanitarian response for immigrants and refugees—a moving reminder of the creativity and resilience within our community.

Lighting the Way Forward

The UnidosUS Annual Conference is the nation’s largest gathering of Latino advocates, community leaders, and changemakers. This year’s event was a testament to the power of unity, the urgency of the moment, and the unshakable belief that together, we can build a future where every immigrant family can thrive.

BSP will continue to work alongside our allies to stand against injustice, strengthen our communities, and light the way forward. ✨✊🏾

Shannon Cain
Next

Back-to-School Support in Action: Thank You, BOMA Oakland/East Bay!