NHHRI Inaugural Conference 2026
From Raíces to Research: Where Community Knowledge Becomes Scientific Power
November 20–21, 2026
Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, CT
Join researchers, universities, community organizations, and public health leaders from across the nation for two days of collaboration, innovation, and community-powered research.
About the Conference
NHHRI convenes community-based organizations, researchers, universities, and public health leaders committed to honoring grassroots knowledge as a foundation for stronger community-powered research.
This hands-on conference explores how emerging AI tools can be responsibly integrated into Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), ensuring that community knowledge remains visible, protected, and central in the future of health innovation.
Participants will engage with keynote speakers, strategic labs, collaborative sessions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen partnerships and advance culturally grounded research solutions.
Our Guest Speakers
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The Honorable Richard Blumenthal
U.S. Senator for the State of Connecticut
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Andrea Barton Reeves, JD
Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Social Services
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Laura Chanchien Parajón, MD
Director for the Center for Health Protection at the New Mexico Department of Health
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Waleska Crespo Rivera, DPH, PhD, MHSA
President of Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC)
Puerto Rico
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April Joy Damian, PhD, MSc, CHPM, PMP
Chief Scientific Officer and Director of the Weitzman Institute
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Christine Lee Fleming, PharmD, PhD
CEO, ACHIEVE Clinical Expertise, Inc.
Former FDA Acting Associate Commissioner -
Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth, PhD, RN, PHN, WAN
Director of Research and Evaluation at Altamed Institute for Health Equity
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Victor Otero Ramos, MD
Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Health
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Shannon Sanchez-Youngman, PhD
Associate Professor at the College of Population Health at the University of New Mexico
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IIan Shapiro, MD, MBA, FAAP, FACHE
Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer at AltaMed Health Services
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Krystal Tsosie, PhD, MPH, MA
Indigenous Advocate and Director of the Tsosie Lab for Indigenous Genomic Data Equity
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Robert Underwood, PhD., MA
Former Guam Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
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Charles Venator-Santiago, PhD
NHHRI’s Principal Advisor for Population Health Data
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Anne Zink, MD
Director of Yale’s Pophive at the Yale School of Public Health
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Bertha Coombs / Moderator
Journalist and former CNBC health policy reporter
Hotel Reservations:
After registering for the Inaugural Conference, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to book your room at the Hartford Marriott Hotel. The hotel reservation deadline is August 18, 2026. Please note: other hotels are available in the area, but are not the conference's preferred hotel.
The standard hotel room rate is $239/night (not including taxes and service charges).
The National Hispanic Health Research Institute Room Block 2026
Start Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
End Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM; early check-in may be available based on availability.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
Hartford Marriott Downtown for 239.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book : August 18, 2026
Book your group rate for The National Hispanic Health Research Institute Room Block 2026
Conference Location:
100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, Conn.
Who Should Attend
Bringing together leaders across research, healthcare, public health and community innovation.
