The four officers and club advisor of LHU’s Latino Student Association (LSA) made their way to the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference hosted in Chicago from Feb. 15 to Feb. 19.
The conference had not taken place since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it came back full force this spring. The conference itself is made up of representatives from 40 different states that come together in order to address issues facing the Latin American Community in the United States. They discuss issues such as immigration, education and inclusion in the workforce. Those who visit the conference are considered leaders of this minority community and it is their way of empowering their community.
(Left to right): Raymond Sheriff, Maria Ruiz, Loris Rodriguez, and Alexandria Herrera.
Mia Swales, club advisor, said that she could not think of a single thing to highlight about their trip because the entire trip was a highlight in and of itself. Swales said, “The conference left all of us feeling empowered to be just who we are as individuals and to create our own ‘brand,’ stand tall and be oneself and spread light and love.”
Maria Ruiz, an officer for LSA, said, “My highlight of the trip was when I attended a First-Generation Workshop and I got to learn other individuals’ stories. As well as learning what motivates them.”
Both Swales and Ruiz believe that the LSA brings something to the LHU community as a whole, beyond just Hispanic people.
“The club provides a sounding board [for] education revolving around Hispanic culture,” Swales said. She also says that the club is “monumental to the community in every aspect.”
Ruiz added, “[LSA] is a space that makes everyone feel welcome and not out of place.” She also emphasized that “[a]nyone can join our club, especially if they would like to learn more about Hispanic culture.”
Not only did the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Conference trip allow LSA members to grow more aware and connected with their community, but it also served as an opportunity for the group to socialize and unwind.
“The conference or trip to Chicago allowed us to unplug, yet be awakened in another dimension,” Swales said.
The five LHU representatives also had the chance to go out and explore Chicago during their visit to Illinois. They saw the Bean, Millenium Park, had authentic Chicago-style pizza as well as other foods that Pennsylvania does not offer.
(Left to right): Maria Ruiz, Loris Rodriguez, Alexandria Herrera, and Raymond Sheriff.
Kayla LeBeau
Kayla LeBeauis a first-year Secondary Education major with a concentration in English. She was the Arts and Entertainment editor at Montoursville Area High School for two years and has continued as the Arts and Entertainment editor on the Eagle Eye staff. Kayla has written a variety of articles for the Eagle Eye beyond Arts and Entertainment. She loves to read fantasy, adventure, and Sci-Fi novels, especially books by Brandon Sanderson and Sarah J. Maas.
