by Merritt Tucker
The 8th annual Latino Role Models Conference was held on February 3rd at the Crocker Theater with over 450 middle, high school, and college students in attendance. The goal of the event Is to inspire students to achieve their dreams of college and career. President Matthew Wetstein (his third day on the job) and Mexican Consul General-San Jose, Juan Manuel Calderón Jaimes opened the conference with welcoming remarks. The conference program included two keynote speakers, a student panel focused on STEM, and workshops on a variety of topics including: Admissions, Financial Aid, and Support for Immigrant and DACA students
Two Cabrillo students, sisters Valeria and Christina Che from Watsonville, shared their stories of perseverance on their education pathways. They took many years of working part-time and going to Cabrillo part-time, finding support through the STEM Center. Now both are transferring to UCSC as math majors. One participant commented, “The best part was the students giving their speeches about how they got to higher education and what their plans are. This helps us all relate to them and it makes our dreams so much more achievable!”
The conference, which is presented in Spanish, is organized by the nonprofit organization Senderos in collaboration with Cabrillo Office of Equity and Student Senate, Live Oak School District, Mexican Consulate – San Jose, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Santa Cruz City Schools, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, and Soquel Union Elementary School District.
For more information:
Carolyn Coleman
Senderos Board member
(831) 234-2676