Association Latinos Press Room
Your source for news and updates on Association Latinos' mission to elevate Latino leadership in the association and nonprofit sectors.
For media inquiries, contact contact@associationlatinos.org.
Media Contact: Josie Hernandez
contact@associationlatinos.org
February 17, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Association Latinos Partners with Sidecar to Become First AAiP-Powered Board and Organization in the Association Industry
Partnership provides AI learning and certification pathways to board, volunteers, and community
CHICAGO, IL – Association Latinos has partnered with Sidecar to become the first AAiP-powered board and organization in the association industry.
Through the partnership, Association Latinos board members, volunteers, and community will gain access to Sidecar's AI Learning Hub and a pathway to earn the AAiP (Association AI Professional) credential. The partnership reflects Association Latinos' commitment to professional development that positions Latino association professionals at the forefront of technology adoption.
"Association Latinos will be at the forefront of AI learning, certification, and leadership development. This partnership aligns with our mission and vision, and further establishes Association Latinos as a place to learn, grow, and lead. As an all-volunteer organization, becoming an AAiP-powered board and organization means we will maximize our impact and model what it looks like to lead with this technology," said Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, Board President, Association Latinos.
"Association Latinos sees this partnership with Sidecar as a positive step toward expanding opportunity and innovation for our comunidad. By becoming an AI-powered board and offering this pathway to our volunteers, we strengthen our ability to advance Latino leadership, representation, and inclusion in associations. It also ensures our community can lead with confidence as technology continues to shape the profession," said Norma Castrejon, MA, CAE, Vice President of IT, American Osteopathic Association and Chair, Association Latinos Technology Taskforce.
About Association Latinos
Association Latinos is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing Latino leadership, representation, and inclusion in the association industry. Founded in 2020, Association Latinos supports Latino association professionals through professional development, networking, and community building. For more information, visit associationlatinos.org.
About Sidecar
Sidecar is the learning and innovation hub for association professionals. Through the AI Learning Hub and the AAiP (Association AI Professional) certification program, Sidecar helps associations and their teams build AI competency and lead with confidence. For more information, visit Sidecar.ai
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Website: www.associationlatinos.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/association-latinos
Questions? Email contact@associationlations.org
Media Contact: Josie Hernandez
contact@associationlatinos.org
January 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Association Latinos Launches the CAE Se Puede Program
Chicago, Illinois – Association Latinos is proud to announce the launch of CAE Se Puede, a new program designed to support Latino association professionals in achieving the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. As part of this initiative, we are also introducing the CAE Se Puede Exam Fund, made possible through a founding partnership with Dr. Michael Tatonetti and Pricing for Associations. The fund will provide financial assistance to help offset exam costs for eligible candidates. This program reflects our commitment to advancing Latino leadership in the association industry and removing barriers to professional credentialing.
Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, Board President, Association Latinos states "The CAE credential opens doors to leadership opportunities in our industry, and CAE Se Puede ensures that Latino professionals have the support they need to walk through them. This program is about more than a credential. It's about investing in future Latino association leaders."
Dr. Michael Tatonetti, CPP, CAE, Founding Partner of the CAE Se Puede Exam Fund, Founder and CEO, Pricing for Associations says "When more professionals have access to high-quality education and credentials, the entire community becomes stronger. At Pricing for Associations, we're honored to partner with Association Latinos to launch the CAE Se Puede Exam Fund and help establish the CAE Se Puede program as a lasting source of opportunity. We're excited to invest in this work and support association professionals for many years to come."
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About Association Latinos:
Association Latinos is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing and advancing Latino leadership, opportunities, and inclusion in the association and nonprofit profession. Through various initiatives and programs, the organization works to create meaningful change and foster a more diverse and inclusive professional environment.
Website: www.associationlatinos.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/association-latinos
Questions? Email contact@associationlations.org
Media Contact: Diana Dabdub
contact@associationlatinos.org
October 6, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Association Latinos Announces 2026 Board of Directors and Officers
Chicago, Illinois – Association Latinos is pleased to announce the results of its 2026 Board of Directors election. Carlos E. Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, Senior Strategic Consultant at Delcor Technology Solutions, has been elected as Association Latinos President.
A distinguished leader with extensive experience in technology and association management, Carlos brings vision and energy to this important role and will lead efforts to elevate Latino representation and influence across the association profession.
Joining Carlos on the 2026 Board of Directors are:
Diana Dabdub, CAE - Secretary
Jay Cariño, MBA, CAE - Board Member at Large
Norma G Castrejon, CAE - Board Member at Large
Josie Hernandez, IOM - Board Member at Large
Marissa Lopez, CAE - Board Member at Large
Ben Yzaguirre, M. Ed., CAE - Board Member at Large
The Association Latinos Treasurer position will be appointed by the President. The new board term begins January 1, 2026.
“As I conclude my time as President, I am deeply grateful for the three years I had the privilege to lead our organization,” said Josie Hernandez, IOM, outgoing Association Latinos Board President. “With much optimism, hope, and excitement, I welcome Carlos E. Cardenas as our next President. I am confident he will guide Association Latinos to the next level of growth and empowerment for our community. Felicidades to Carlos and the entire Association Latinos Board of Directors! Together we are entering an exciting new era!”
Association Latinos extends its gratitude to all Board members and volunteers for their dedication, leadership, and service to the association profession.
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About Association Latinos:
Association Latinos is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing and advancing Latino leadership, opportunities, and inclusion in the association and nonprofit profession. Through various initiatives and programs, the organization works to create meaningful change and foster a more diverse and inclusive professional environment.
Website: www.associationlatinos.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/association-latinos
Questions? Email contact@associationlations.org