HACU holds second Women’s Symposium at 38th Annual Conference

October 31, 2024

HACU holds second Women's Symposium at 38th Annual Conference

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held the Second Women's Symposium on Oct. 31, 2024. More than 100 participants attended the pre-conference event, offered as part of HACU's 38th Annual Conference taking place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado, Nov. 1-3, 2024.

Sessions focused on topics related to navigating career opportunities in higher education. Group activities included inspirational discussions from women in leadership positions. The importance of preparing for executive level positions and building supportive networks in working environments was discussed.

Lisa Alcorta, Ph.D., HACU's senior vice president for programs and operations provided remarks and Angela Marquez, Ph.D., vice president of diversity equity and inclusion/chief of staff, Community College of Aurora served as the moderator.

Sessions and presentations at the event included:

"Celebrando: Celebrating Our Unique Experiences," included Emma Grace Hernández Flores, Ph.D., president of Universidad de Iberoamérica and Celia Durall, executive director of National Counter Terrorism Center, office of the director of National Intelligence.

"Valiente: Building Strength and Authenticity," with Yudi Lewis, Ph.D., executive director of Hispanic-Serving Initiatives at Weber State University, and Dania Matos, vice chancellor for equity and inclusion at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Navegando: Navigating Organizational Climate and Culture," with Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., senior executive search consultant at Greenwood Asher & Associates, and Beatriz Gonzalez, Ph.D., president of Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus.

"Conexión: Relationships, Mentorships, and Networking," with Stephanie Fujii, Ph.D., president of Arapahoe Community College, and Mary B. Gutierrez, Ed.D., chancellor of the University of New Mexico, Taos.

"Consejos: Wisdom and Advice from Women Leaders," with Jann Joseph, Ph.D., president of Georgia Gwinnett College, and Margaret McMenamin, Ed.D., president of Union College.

The event was co-sponsored by Academic Partnerships. Melissa Ruidiaz, senior vice president, marketing partnerships gave remarks and made a presentation on their behalf.

Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.