ALAS 27th Annual Leadership Conference Empowers Future Leaders

• Students
• 04/29/2024

Rock Valley College's Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) held its 27th Annual Leadership Conference on Friday, April 19 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Physical Education Center at RVC’s campus. The highly anticipated event provided hundreds of area high school students with valuable insights into their post-secondary options, including career paths and opportunities available at RVC.

Students attending the conference had the unique opportunity to engage with local businesses and non-profit organizations, participate in informative workshop sessions and panel discussions, and gain valuable knowledge about scholarship opportunities offered at RVC. Additionally, they had the chance to interact with RVC's faculty, administrators, and staff.

Under the theme "Your Future Is In Your Hands, Tu Futuro Esta En Tus Manos," this year's conference aimed to empower students to take control of their future and make informed decisions about their educational and professional journeys.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Juan Andrade, BA, MEd, EdS, MA, EdD, a highly accomplished individual with a remarkable list of achievements and awards. Dr. Andrade is the fourth Latino in history to be decorated by both the President of the United States and the Government of Mexico for exemplary service to the nation and the Mexican and Mexican American communities. He holds five college degrees, including three Master’s degrees and a Doctorate, and has received six honorary doctorates and three distinguished alumnus awards. Dr. Andrade's extensive contributions to promoting democracy, Hispanic leadership, and education have earned him over 100 awards and high honors.

During his keynote address, Dr. Andrade shared his inspiring journey and provided valuable insights into leadership, success, and the importance of education. His speech resonated with attendees, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.

The conference also featured breakout sessions, including "Navigating Boundaries & Time Management," "College 101," "Juntos... Si Se Puede” / “Together… We Can Do It,” and "What is Entrepreneurship?" These sessions offered students practical advice and strategies for success in their academic and professional endeavors.

“Our annual High School Leadership Conference is an incredible experience for our attendees to learn about different opportunities, get a head start on their life after high school, and get a glimpse of what their future can look like,” shared Geraldine Nunez-Salazar, President of the RVC Association of Latin American Students. “For our club, it is an incredible opportunity for us to give back to our community of Latinos and prepare our future leaders for their future roles.”