Aurora University Students, Staff, Attend National Hispanic Conference

AURORA, Ill, August 14, 2007—Local residents were among Aurora University students who attended the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) annual conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center July 21-24.

AU students represented the Latin American Students Association (LASO). They were: Jorge Cabadas, Jose Fredy Cabadas, Laura Martinez, and Rosalinda Nino, Aurora; Tania Santillan, Montgomery; Noheli Lopez, Plano; Michele Romero, St. Charles; and David Blancas, Streamwood. Also attending were Emmanuel "Manny" Gonzalez, Chicago, a 2006 AU graduate; and Eva Serrano, LASO advisor and an AU instructor.

Romero and Jorge Cabadas competed to serve on the 13-member staff team for Lideres Summit, a program for youth. Other team members represented Texas, New York, California, and Washington, D.C. Members’ responsibilities included on-site conference implementation and student/speaker relations.

Romero was nominated by Serrano and Denise Hatcher, AU Spanish professor. Jorge Cabadas was nominated by Serrano. Student staff members’ expenses, lodging, air, food, and conference registration fees—totaling about $1,000 per person--were paid by NCLR.

In addition to participating in the Lideres Summit, AU students attended functions at lunch and dinner. Workshops included power networking, effective writing skills, juvenile justice and creating a forum to encourage success.

NCLR is the largest single gathering of its kind in the Hispanic community. More than 23,000 community organization leaders and activists, elected officials, members of the corporate and academic communities, senior citizens, and youth attended.

Keynote speakers included presidential candidates Senator Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Activities included exhibits, workshops, town halls, and entertainment.

Romero said, "My nine days as an NCLR volunteer staff member were life-changing. I've made new friends who are in college like me in different cities across the U.S.

“I also got a first-hand look at how to implement a conference for 450 people. I hope to apply my new skills and awareness in my role as LASO president in the 2007-2008 school year."

Jorge Cabada added, "I am so thankful to AU and NCLR for supporting my leadership development with this kind of opportunity. If it had not been for AU, I would not have spent nine unforgettable, amazing days in Miami.

“I feel more confident about myself as a leader and as an organizer of a major event. I also made new friendships that I will cherish for a long time. As I prepare to be a teacher, I hope I can create the same kinds of opportunities for my students."

Blancas, past president of LASO and vice president of the AU Students Association, said, "The NCLR conference was incredible. I strengthened my friendships with classmates at AU, and I expanded my awareness of the opportunities to make a difference in the world.

“I realize I can create change for the better! After I graduate from AU, I plan to teach and expand the minds and hearts of my students the way I'm encouraged at AU to excel and give back," Blancas said.

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