Three officers from the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)— President Uriel Luna, Vice President Liliana Diaz, and Secretary Michelle Chavez, alongside their Advisor Dr. Veronica Aguiñaga— recently participated in the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) National Conference held in Chicago from Feb. 15 to 17.
The USHLI National Conference is known as the foremost Hispanic leadership conference in the nation, catering to high school students, undergraduates, and Hispanic and Latinx professionals. The event aims to promote education and leadership development, empowering Latinos and similarly disenfranchised groups through civic engagement and research.
“Going to the USHLI conference really was an eye-opening experience, and I’m very grateful SWOSU gave us the opportunity to attend,” said Michelle Chavez, SWOSU HALO Secretary. “Coming from a first-generation family, the conference really gave the push of motivation that our culture needs in education… Seeing all of the successful Hispanics really motivated me to continue working on my education despite all obstacles that come my way.”
This year marked the 42nd anniversary of the conference, themed “Rise Up: Defendiendo Lo Tuyo!” Attendees benefited from insights shared by distinguished speakers such as Aquilino Gonell, former U.S. Army soldier and Iraq War veteran; Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Mayo Clinic; and Pepe Serna, American Film Actor and Artist. They also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Juan Andrade, President of USHLI.
With approximately 4,200 attendees, including 1,500 college students from over 98 colleges, the conference brought together a diverse array of young professionals, elected officials, and business, labor, and community leaders. The event provided a platform for diverse discussions on Latino education, cultural celebration, empowerment, socioeconomic advancement, Afro-Latino influence, the Latino vote, diversity, equity, and inclusion, immigration reform, and the recognition of inspirational figures within the Latino community. Most conference participants are or will become the most influential Hispanic leaders of their generation and will help govern our cities, schools, and states.
SWOSU HALO Vice President Liliana Diaz said, “The USHLI Conference is such an empowering event that focuses on leadership, education, and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Hispanic community…I am very grateful that SWOSU gave us the opportunity to attend this conference, and I sure hope to go again next year and have more students be able to attend.”
At the heart of SWOSU HALO’s mission lies the commitment to furthering Hispanic traditions and customs on campus, while providing leadership training and opportunities for SWOSU students. The program at the USHLI National Conference aligned with this vision, focusing on Latino education, cultural celebration, empowerment, and civic engagement.
“I felt a sense of belonging as I saw thousands of faces that looked like me,” said Uriel Luna, SWOSU HALO President. “The conference impacted me greatly when I saw different Hispanic leaders who would speak about their own experiences. Some were actors, judges, entrepreneurs, and even part of the President’s Cabinet…Being able to see these people live and hearing encouraging words from them gave me a sense of empowerment that I did not know I was lacking…Through hard work, anything is possible no matter who you are. ¡SI SE PUEDE!”
