Today’s Latino Leaders, Planning for Tomorrow
BU conference draws students from across New England this weekend
More than 300 Latino students from 33 New England colleges will gather at Boston University tomorrow to develop leadership skills for the classroom and beyond.
The fifth annual New England Latino Student Leadership Conference will address issues pertinent to the Latino community, including cultural appreciation and protection, social empowerment, and grassroots activism.
“Because this region does not have a large Latino population, it isn’t unusual for Latino students living in New England to feel a bit isolated,” says Raul Fernandez, assistant director of BU’s Howard Thurman Center. “Aside from a conference, there are few opportunities for Latino students to gather en masse.” Although Boston has the largest Latino population in New England, this is the first time the conference will be held in the city.
Fernandez coordinated the February 23 and 24 event with Osvaldo Del Valle, director of C Tower at Warren Towers, and Anitza Guadarrama-Tiernan, director of Claflin Hall.
Called “Conéctate Hoy: Developing the Latino Leaders of Tomorrow,” the conference will include a series of workshops and panel discussions aimed at broadening communication throughout the Latino community. Students and faculty members will have the opportunity to network, share ideas, and discuss the future of the Latino community. “Many Latino alums still have strong connections to the University,” says Fernandez (COM’00), “so many of this year’s presenters are BU alums.”
The 16 workshops will focus on a broad range of topics, from social entrepreneurship and financial planning to immigration and cultural taboos. “It’s our hope that the conference will foster not only personal development,” Fernandez says, “but social engagement and civic development as well. We want students to understand the power they have in their communities.”
The keynote speaker is Marco A. Davis, director of the mid-Atlantic region for Youth Venture, an organization that encourages young people to create, launch, and lead sustainable, community-building clubs, businesses, and organizations.
Sara-Marie Pons (SMG’07) is the student keynote speaker. Pons, a member of the Admissions Student Diversity Board, is cochair of the Latino student organization La Fuerza and a resident assistant on the intercultural floor of Warren Towers.
The conference will begin Friday evening with welcome speeches by Del Valle and Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore, followed by Davis’ keynote address. Afterward, Emmy-winning comedian Mike Robles will entertain participants. Saturday will feature workshops, a speech by Pons, and a coffee and networking session in the Faculty Dining Room.
“We hope students will leave with a greater connection to one another,” Fernandez says.
Registration for the conference is closed.
Vicky Waltz can be reached at vwaltz@bu.edu.