Skyline College welcomed over 110 high school students and educators, to the 2nd Annual La Raza Youth Conference on March 23, 2018.
The La Raza Youth Conference was created to provide local Latinx high school students a place for cultural exploration, higher education knowledge sharing, and an opportunity for students to explore their passions.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud who encouraged the students to follow the conference’s theme of “¡Ponté las Píllas!” (Get it together!). It also featured a keynote address by Shaila Ramos, undocumented student activist, artist, and educator. Ms. Ramos shared her personal story about connecting with the different intersections of her identity. Ms. Ramos encouraged the students to connect with the different intersections of their own identity which continued into the workshop that she held later during the day.
In addition to hearing impactful words from and engaging with Ms. Ramos, students were able to build community with current Puente students and faculty, participate in engaging workshops that focused on topics important to participants, and interact with the greater Skyline College community through a program fair.
This inaugural conference hosted students from: South San Francisco High School’s Hermanos y Hermanas Program, El Camino High School, Jefferson High School, Capuchino High School, and Baden High School.
The event was made possible through the recent allotment of Student Equity Funds and the hard work and dedication of the La Raza Committee Members: Pamela Ortiz Cerda, Rocio Aguilar-Pedroza, Paula Silva, Luciana Castro, Lucia Lachmyr, Martin Marquez, Lili Rivera, Eric Imahara, and Lauren Ford. A special thank you to the Puente students, Outreach Ambassadors, Counseling Ambassadors, Student Equity and Support Program Ambassadors, and Monique Hernandez who volunteered their time. Additionally, thank you Josh Harris, Roger Marcello, and the facilities team who ensured a flawless logistical support throughout the day.
Article by Lauren Ford | Photo by Kevin Perez
