Latino Leaders Share Heritage at Miami Dinner Event
Nelson German, Julián Castro, and Sofia Carson reflected on their family stories at Tuesday's gathering.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hispanic
Live Poll
Is the U.S. becoming more successful at embracing and celebrating its diverse cultural heritage?
Latino leaders Nelson German, Julián Castro, and Sofia Carson gathered in Miami on Tuesday to celebrate cultural heritage and the generational stories of their families. The TIME Latino Leaders dinner, presented by PepsiCo, highlighted the influence of immigrant roots on current professional and community success.
Why it matters
Events like this spotlight the contributions of Latino voices in shaping culture and community foundations across the country. By sharing their personal histories, these speakers reflect the experiences of many Miamians whose own family stories mirror these patterns of immigration and persistence.
The event featured 3 speakers who traced their paths from family immigration stories, such as the 1922 arrival of Julián Castro's grandmother from Mexico. While the personal milestones of the speakers are documented, their future community initiatives remain unknown.
The players
Nelson German
An executive chef from Oakland and San Francisco who preserves Dominican culture through his culinary work.
Julián Castro
The CEO of the Latino Community Foundation who reflects on his upbringing in San Antonio.
Sofia Carson
A featured speaker who participated in the TIME Latino Leaders dinner.
The details
Executive chef Nelson German, CEO Julián Castro, and Sofia Carson delivered speeches focused on preserving heritage through personal and professional work. German emphasized the importance of food in keeping Dominican culture alive, while Castro reflected on his upbringing in San Antonio. The event serves as a platform for these leaders to honor the generations that helped pave their way.
Timeline
1922: Victoria, the grandmother of Julián Castro, immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico.
October 27, 2026: The Latino Leaders dinner took place on Tuesday night in Miami.
Beyond the 305
The TIME Latino Leaders dinner is part of a broader series that highlights voices across the country. This Miami event continues the tradition by connecting local cultural celebrations to a national network of Latino leadership and advocacy.
This dinner highlights the deep connection between personal family history and local cultural contributions. Residents can look to these stories as reflections of the diverse immigrant narratives that help shape the identity of the 305.
The takeaway
These stories remind us that family history is the backbone of our community contribution. Keep an eye on how upcoming local cultural programs continue to showcase the diverse histories of our neighbors.
Further reading
For more on cultural and community events in the area, visit our Hispanic section.
Live Poll
Is the U.S. becoming more successful at embracing and celebrating its diverse cultural heritage?
