Student Ambassadors Facilitate a Conference
October 13, 2021 - 10:35 AM
“It answered many of the questions I had in mind. It gave College a definition. It made me understand unity, community, and what I can do to make a difference. And that it is ok to be different and that it is ok to be confused. I found help & guidance! I was accepted! The resources and the guest speakers left a big mark on my path at the start of my college adventure.”The student ambassadors worked diligently for six months to plan and implement the first inaugural LPDI (Latinx Professional Development Institute). Of the 54 students who showed an interest, 30 were able to attend (38 with the Student Ambassadors). The goals of the event were two-fold; to recruit students interested in developing the first campus equity conference designed by and for students. Secondly, the following goals for the event were:
Help students become stronger leaders and allies to the Latinx community- Empower students to create a more accepting, equitable environment, and preparing them to work effectively in a diverse workplace.
- Explore the history and roots of the Latinx community.
- Experiential workshops and discussions will focus on four areas for learning: Raise awareness, increase knowledge, develop skills, plan for social action.
Inspired by the work of Diana Felix, a proud Mt. SAC alumna, and the Title V Student
Development Faculty Coordinator as well as the TRIO Counselor. The Title V Student
Ambassadors facilitated alongside their team lead. They were:Arlene Reyes, Danielle
Gonzalez, Estefania Sanchez, Crystal Ordunez-Chavira, Hugo Fulcheri, and Rudy Castaneda.
Student attendees heard presentations over two days from:
- Diana Felix, Counselor - inspiration for staying in school and knowing your resources
- Fabian Pavon, Project Expert for El Centro who took students to the Wildlife Sanctuary to examine privilege, acknowledge the land's ancestors, and explore the Latinx lens
- Dr. Gina Ann Garcia, Title V Consultant on anti-oppressive educational practices; Decolonizing H.S.I's, and critical theory as a framework for mobilizing.
Dr. Lisa Rodriguez on putting in the work for using personal pain and experiences to build grit; skills
to navigate college experiences.- Joe Louis Hernandez (Ph.D. Candidate) and Mt. SAC Alumnus on accumulated life experiences, "lived wisdom," and world views structured by broader historically and politically influenced social forces.
- Hector Preciado, Mt. SAC Alumnus of the Year (2014) on keys to slaying education, Kobe style, drawn from personal trials and triumphs from Boyle Heights to the Board Rooms of LinkedIn, Hired, and his role as the Chief Growth Officer at Alumna including his career as a ladder to strengthening the family by personal success.
