CGCC Student Leaders Attend National Hispanic Conference

 

Ten members of Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Hispanic Student Organization (HSO) had the distinguished honor of representing Arizona at the 35th Annual United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) National Conference in Chicago February 16-19. Freshmen Isabelle Rosales and Dalia Prado were among the CGCC representatives to join over 6,000 attendees for the unique cultural experience and educational opportunity.

The annual conference was held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel in downtown Chicago and featured representatives from 40 states including the 10 representatives from CGCC. Conference attendees had the opportunity to meet with recruiters, influential Hispanic leaders, national policy-makers and potential future employers. The conference theme ¡La Luche Sigue! Core Values Never Give Up inspired attendees to inspire positive change in the Hispanic community.

“This conference was so much more than just a networking opportunity for me,” said Prado. “I was inspired, empowered, and motivated to be an activist in my community and work harder in school. The workshops and speeches given at this conference empowered me in finding out more about my identity as a Hispanic woman in this country.”

HSO students participated in workshops on a variety of topics including professional development, diversity and community empowerment; and they attended career and graduate school expos throughout their two-day visit. The students also had the opportunity to participate in discussions about taking pride in their heritage and the importance of unifying as a culture. 

“I will always remember the many themes of this year’s conference and apply them to our community in hopes of bringing us closer together,” said Rosales. “As Chandler Gilbert Community College approaches becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution, I will apply the lessons of empowerment to fellow Hispanic students to encourage them to continue to further their education and be a force of change within our community...because Si Se Puede!”

If you are interested in learning more about the Hispanic Student Organization at CGCC contact the organization’s advisor Greg Wojtovich at greg.wojtovich@cgc.edu or 480-857-5213.

Acclaimed Mexican American Author Sandra Cisneros Visits CGCC

Best-selling author Sandra Cisneros was recognized at a tribute event last Friday at the Chandler Gilbert Community College Performing Arts Center.

Cisneros is regarded as a key figure in Chicana literature and culture. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Her book, The House On Mango Street remains a popular book for young adult readers, and continues to be a required reading in middle school, high school, colleges and universities around the country

Cisneros' visit to CGCC is part of the college's

Latino American history program to provide unique educational opportunities to students to learn about the history and cultural impact of Latino Americans in the United States. Earlier this summer, CGCC was awarded Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.  As one of 203 grant recipients selected from across the country, CGCC received an award of $10,000 to produce public programming about Latino history and culture.
Hundreds of admirers turned out to listen to the author read excerpts from her award winning work including the popular novel, 'The House On Mango Street.' Event attendees included CGCC students and faculty, local high school students and longtime fans. Following the event, Cisneros signed copies of her books and posed for pictures with attendees.