A group of Linfield College Latino students strengthened their leadership skills at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference (USHLI) Feb. 18-21 in Chicago, Ill.
This year, 15 students attended the conference, which is the most ever from Linfield, according to Jason Rodriquez, director of Multicultural Programs at Linfield, who first attended USHLI as a graduate student and still recalls the empowering opportunity.
“I wanted Linfield students to experience the same thing,” he said. “Being in a room with inspiring people who happen to share an identity pushed me to work toward my goals and dreams. I am so proud of our Linfield students for their passion for leadership and the empowerment of Latinos.”
The goal of the USHLI is to provide young Hispanic and Latino students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills in an environment that celebrates their shared heritage. Students attended workshops and listened to professional leaders speak about barriers they have faced and overcome, such as being a first-generation college student.
“Attending USHLI gave me confidence in my leadership skills and provided information about putting myself out there,” said Mario Cervantes-Romero ‘18. “I learned to be a voice for the under privileged and minority in my community.”
In addition to Cervantes-Romero, students who attended this year’s conference were Giselle Naranjo-Cruz ’17, Rebeca De Leon ’18, Itzel Romero ’18, Israel Fregoso ’19, Mayra Ceja Garibay ’19, Lorena Naranjo ’18, Kiara Marin-Castro ’18, Sandra Garcia-Hernandez ’16, Lorena Alvarez ’16, Stephanie Sanchez ’16, Beatriz Rendon-Bautista ’18, Jesus Perez-Romero ’19, Jose Madrid-Beltran ’18 and Nancy Suarez-Gonzalez ’19.
Sponsors include the President’s Diversity Council, Associated Students of Linfield College and the Multicultural Programs Office.
