Latino Education Access and Development Conference at La Verne University

On Thursday, September 27th, La Verne University will be hosting their first annual, “Latino Education Access and Development” Conference (LEAD) that will focus on offering students the opportunity to learn how to access scholarship funding from foundations, mentoring, and making college happen from beginning to end. Students will also get the opportunity to hear from other Latinos on how they pursued a college education.

I am honored to be one of the speakers attending and look forward to sharing MY story with the students!

I, like many of my friends, didn’t follow a “traditional” route. I went to East Los Angeles Community College before I transferred to Cal State Los Angeles for my B.A in Communications, and waited a few years to before I considered Graduate school. I am proud to say I received my Masters in Specialized Journalism from USC in 2009. It was a tough road, but well worth it. I’m really looking forward to a GREAT conference!

To learn more, visit: http://laverne.edu/advancement/lead/ and register! It’s FREE!

Check out my interview below with La Verne’s first female President, Dr. Devorah Lieberman and the reason why they are hosting this conference. According to a new report by the Pew Hispanic Center, for the first time, the number of 18- to 24-year-old Hispanics enrolled in college exceeded 2 million and reached a record 16.5% share of all college enrollments. However, while 1.7 million bachelor degrees were awarded in 2010, Latinos only received to 140,000 of those, roughly 8%. As the Latino population continues to rise, universities like La Verne, are stepping up to ensure Latino communities understand the importance of an education.

This goal is not only personal, but critical for the country.

Photo used above: Brownie Sibrian, waits to enter a Latino graduation celebration, sponsored by the Latino Student Assn. and MEChA, about a week before graduation, on the campus of Whittier College in Whittier, Calif. / The National Journal: “Latinos Top Minority College Enrollment, Pew Hispanic Center Finds“

Speaking at USC!

Very excited to be invited again to address the Chicano / Latino Trojan Family Reunion at USC tomorrow! As a 1st generation college student myself and having obtained a graduate degree from USC, I know first hand the importance of connecting with Latino students who need role models and guidance to further their educational goals. Happy to play a small role with other amazing USC grads in the development of other students. =)