On December 2, the Spain–U.S. Council Foundation organized a meeting at the historic chapel of CentroCentro (Madrid City Hall) with a delegation of Hispanic leaders from the state of Illinois, including state legislators and private-sector representatives convened by the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. The visit was part of a multi-day agenda in Madrid aimed at learning about Spanish initiatives and exploring new opportunities for collaboration with this dynamic Midwestern state.

The delegation included State Representatives Norma Hernández, Lilian Jiménez, Barbara Hernández, Dagmara Avelar, and Senators Graciela Guzmán, Celina Villanueva, and Omar Aquino. They were joined by prominent representatives from Illinois-based companies.

During the meeting, interventions were made by Fernando Prieto, Secretary General of the Spain–U.S. Council Foundation; Oswaldo Álvarez, Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation; Robert Aguilar, President of Cabrera Capital; and Senator Celina Villanueva. They highlighted the growing influence of the Hispanic community in Illinois and its role as an economic, institutional, and social driver in a state key to sectors such as infrastructure, energy, transportation, and financial services.

Participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Spain and Illinois across economic, educational, and cultural spheres. Illinois hosts major Spanish companies and maintains stable investment flows, while Spain remains an attractive partner in strategic sectors with significant synergies. The discussions highlighted opportunities to further promote cooperation between institutions, companies, and public leaders, particularly in areas where Hispanic talent and innovation can contribute to new alliances.

The meeting fostered direct dialogue between the delegation and representatives of the Foundation’s Board and the Spanish institutional ecosystem, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to promoting mutual understanding and bilateral relations between Spain and the United States.