On Friday, October 10, 2025, Skyline College proudly hosted the 4th Annual RIDE Conference, welcoming over 250 students, educators, and community members for a day dedicated to cultural celebration, career exploration, and educational empowerment.
RIDE, which stands for Realize Our True Potential, Identify Our Goals, Develop a Plan, and Explore, serves as both a guiding framework and an invitation to reflect on one’s journey. Founded by Dionicio “Dino” Garcia, the conference continues to blend the artistry of Lowrider culture with themes of leadership, community pride & and academic achievement.
The event featured an inspiring mix of keynote speakers, including Mario Madrid, son of Sonny Madrid, founder of Lowrider Magazine, alongside interactive workshops and cultural showcases that celebrated the creativity and resilience of the communities served by Skyline College.
Participants engaged in sessions that explored topics such as self-identity, navigating higher education, and building pathways to success. The vibrant Lowrider Car showcases, a trademark of the RIDE experience, drew attendees together around the craftsmanship, history, and deep cultural roots of the movement.
From the morning La Bendicion (Blessing) to the closing classic car showcase and fundraiser, each moment reinforced the importance of education as a tool for liberation, creativity, and legacy.
Reflections and the Road Ahead
The 4th Annual RIDE Conference served as a reminder that culture and education are not separate lanes but part of the same journey. Attendees left feeling seen, grounded in community, inspired, and motivated to continue realizing their potential, both in and outside the classroom.
As the campus community looks ahead to its 5th Annual RIDE Conference, the excitement continues to grow. Plans are already underway to expand workshops, invite new voices, and further strengthen ties between cultural expression and higher education.
Shoutouts & Flowers
A HUGE shoutout goes out to all who made this year’s event possible: our organizers, Monique Ubungen Wardell, Alexandra Nicole Urbina, Joseph Jaballa, Manuel “Manny” Verdin, student leaders, conference presenters, volunteers, and community partners who help make RIDE not just a conference, but a movement.
This year’s conference brought together local high school students, college scholars, community leaders, and car club members from across the Bay Area.
South San Francisco Unified School District
Peninsula High School
Sacramento Academic Vocational Academy (SAVA)
San Francisco State Universities Counseling Grad Program
Chabot College
Contra Costa College
Brothers Empowering Brothers (CSM)
Middle College
All the Clubs who participated at the Resource Fair (WMLA, Skyline Automotive Club, BBS, Puente & Many Others)
San Francisco Unified Care High Schools
Dr John Ulloa at West Valley College
& many others.
Sending flowers to Angela Serrano, Lucia Lachmayr, and the amazing Puentistas in the Puente Program, who served as the backbone of the conference, leading registration, coordinating lunch, and supporting the RIDE Merch. Their dedication and teamwork helped ensure a welcoming and organized experience for all attendees.
The conference was blessed with a special commendation from Daly City Mayor Dr. Roderick Daus-Magbual, recognizing the RIDE team for its continued work in bridging cultura, education, and community empowerment. The recognition highlighted Skyline College’s leadership in advancing academic excellence through civic engagement.
Thank you to those who brought their cars out, Frisco’s Finest, Low Creations, Dukes Car Clubs.
Thank you to the Associated Students of Skyline College, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Costco Redwood City, & Level 5 Construction for blessing us with the Food & Beverages for our Breakfast & Lunch.
Thank you for the support of the President’s Innovation Fund (PIF) and Marketing, Communications & Public Relations (MCPR) for the SWAG bags.
Through these partnerships, the RIDE Conference continues to create access points for future college students while celebrating the cultural wealth that drives our community forward.
Photos by Skyline College Community | Article Written by Dionicio Garcia
