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NAHREP Regional Connect Southwest

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of networking, education, and community building at NAHREP Regional Connect Southwest. Connect with industry leaders, discover innovative strategies, and strengthen the bonds that drive Hispanic homeownership forward. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this event offers valuable insights and connections to help you thrive in today's dynamic real estate market.

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Event Details

Event Name
NAHREP Regional Connect Southwest sponsored by Rate
Date
May 1, 2026
Time
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Pacific Time
Location
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Address
4000 Loews Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, CA 92118

Speakers

Edwin Acevedo
Edwin Acevedo
2025 NAHREP President-Elect, Broker/CEO, Century 21 LOTUS
Gary Acosta
Gary Acosta
Co-Founder & CEO, NAHREP | Founder, AVANCE Global
Gerardo "Jerry" Ascencio
Gerardo "Jerry" Ascencio
Broker/Owner, San Fernando Realty
David Battany
David Battany
Executive Vice President Capital Markets, Guild Mortgage
Dionne Cuello
Dionne Cuello
SVP, Community Engagement and Innovation| Strategic Markets, Citibank
Jona Gamboa
Jona Gamboa
CEO/Realtor, Gamboa Real Estate Group
Nora Guerra
Nora Guerra
SVP, Community Lending Solutions, Guild Mortgage
Patrick Howard
Patrick Howard
Managing Director, Trio
Julia Juarez
Julia Juarez
Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Community Relations and Outreach, California Department of Insurance
Rosario Lawrence
Rosario Lawrence
Branch Manager, PrimeLending
Chris Medellin
Chris Medellin
Regional Vice President, Host of Breakthrough with Chris Medellin Podcast, loanDepot
Mauricio Perez
Mauricio Perez
Founding Partner, Realty of America
Sara Rodriguez
Sara Rodriguez
Hispanic Wealth Chairperson, CEO, Titan Title LLC
Jaimie Smeraski
Jaimie Smeraski
VP National Programs & Research, NAHREP

Agenda

Friday, May 1, 2026Loews Coronado Bay Resort | 4000 Loews Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, CA 92118
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Southwest Regional CBOG Meeting (Invitation Only)
Invitation only.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET
CEO Roundtable (Invitation Only)
Invitation only.
  • Speaker | Gary Acosta, Co-Founder & CEO, NAHREP | Founder, AVANCE Global
  • Speaker | David Battany, Executive Vice President Capital Markets, Guild Mortgage
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM ET
Local Chapter Boards Meeting
Invitation only.
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET
Southwest Regional Event Sponsored by Rate
Must purchase ticket to attend.
Opening Remarks
  • MC | Dionne Cuello, SVP, Community Engagement and Innovation| Strategic Markets, Citibank
Sponsor Remarks
Turning the State of Hispanic Homeownership Report Data into Deals
The State of Hispanic Homeownership Report can be a powerful business tool when used correctly. NAHREP leaders will provide real examples on how they use specific findings from the report in client conversations, presentations, and partnerships.
  • Speaker | Jona Gamboa, CEO/Realtor, Gamboa Real Estate Group
  • Moderator | Gerardo "Jerry" Ascencio, Broker/Owner, San Fernando Realty
Why the Latino Brand Matters Now More Than Ever
Latinos are driving population growth, housing demand, and economic momentum across the country. Gary Acosta speaks directly to what this moment means for Latino professionals, why unity matters now, and how leadership within the community must evolve. This session sets the tone for the year ahead and challenges us to think bigger about our role in business and in the Latino economy.
  • Speaker | Gary Acosta, Co-Founder & CEO, NAHREP | Founder, AVANCE Global
  • Moderator | Mauricio Perez, Founding Partner, Realty of America
Inside the NAHREP Family of Brands
NAHREP functions as an interconnected brand system built to support the economic mobility of the Latino community. The Hispanic Wealth Project, AVANCE Global, AVANCE Sports, NHCA, and The Alumni Society each play a distinct role within that system and come together at this event. The session includes a state of the association update, highlights from Spain, a look ahead to AVANCE Global in Las Vegas, and a clear view of how members can engage more deeply in 2026.
The High Net Worth Boot Camp
High net worth outcomes begin with how decisions are made. The Hispanic Wealth Project’s High Net Worth Boot Camp challenges traditional thinking around success, assets, and long term planning. Expect a direct look at mindset shifts, ownership strategies, and legacy building for professionals ready to move beyond transactions and build lasting wealth.
  • Speaker | Sara Rodriguez, Hispanic Wealth Chairperson, CEO, Titan Title LLC
  • Moderator | Jaimie Smeraski, VP National Programs & Research, NAHREP
Down Payment Assistance Programs You Need to Know
Too many buyers believe homeownership is out of reach in today’s market. Understanding financing options is critical. We bring together national and regional lending partners to outline the down payment assistance programs currently active across the Southwest and explore additional pathways that are helping renters transition into ownership.
  • Speaker | Nora Guerra, SVP, Community Lending Solutions, Guild Mortgage
  • Speaker | Patrick Howard, Managing Director, Trio
  • Speaker | Rosario Lawrence, Branch Manager, PrimeLending
  • Speaker | Chris Medellin, Regional Vice President, Host of Breakthrough with Chris Medellin Podcast, loanDepot
  • Moderator | Edwin Acevedo, 2025 NAHREP President-Elect, Broker/CEO, Century 21 LOTUS
Breaking Down Today’s Insurance Environment
Insurance has become one of the most important and misunderstood parts of the homebuying process. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara addresses the current regulatory landscape, the realities of insuring property in today’s market, and what these changes mean for buyers and agents alike.
  • Speaker | Julia Juarez, Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Community Relations and Outreach, California Department of Insurance
Closing Comments
  • MC | Dionne Cuello, SVP, Community Engagement and Innovation| Strategic Markets, Citibank
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Regional Connect Networking Reception

Registration

Early Bird
Ends Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Platinum Member FREE
Standard Member $25
Non-Member $50
Register Now
Online
March 18 - April 30, 2026
Platinum Member FREE
Standard Member $50
Non-Member $100
Coming Soon
Onsite
May 1, 2026
Platinum Member $50
Standard Member $100
Non-Member $150
Coming Soon

Hotel Information

Discounted Room Rate: $259/night at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Room block expires Monday, April 13th, 2026 or until sold out. The discounted rate is only available upon completing registration, via the confirmation page.

Refund deadline: Friday, April 17th, 2026 ($20 processing fee applies)

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Learn About NAHREP Sponsor Event-Related Opportunities

Regional partners and other companies which are currently unaffiliated with NAHREP may sponsor event-related opportunities as listed below. Contact us for more information about regional sponsorship opportunities.

Title Sponsor
$25,000
Event Sponsor
$5,000
FOR SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Tricia Meza
Corporate Relations Manager
tmeza@nahrep.org
(619) 719-4806

Event Playbook

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