The Future is Ours! 2,000 Inspired at Latino Youth Leadership Conference
Almost 2,000 Latino students, parents, teachers, and volunteers rose from their seats to chant “The future is ours!” during opening ceremonies at the Latin American Association’s 9th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference. The message was clear for participants: the future was in their hands and each one could make of it their own masterpiece. The upbeat and energetic opening ceremony set the tone for a day that offered interactive workshops, educational information, leadership development and fun.
“The conference opened my eyes to many more opportunities that I have ever seen before,” said Oscar Nieto, a 10th grader from Parkview High School. “I had a good time and the event helped me to get excited and motivated to meet my goals.”
Leadership sessions hosted by the Youth Leadership Institute of San Francisco featured creative monologues and performances by teenagers and young adults who had overcome adversity in their own lives. The youngsters tackled issues such as gang involvement, drug-use and rising above peer pressure to create positive change and be leaders in their own communities.
“I was grateful for having the group come and speak to us and motivate us to become leaders and to speak out,” commented Jessica Pineda, a 12th grader at Norcross High School. “Having the younger speakers was beneficial because it helped us relate their stories with our own,” added Natalia Ding, a junior at Duluth High School.
A pep-squad of volunteers kept spirits high throughout the day, and students had the opportunity to talk to local universities about continued educational opportunities. Parents also attended sessions that gave insight into the college application process, scholarship and financial aid information, and the best ways to help their children reach their fullest academic potential.
“The conference will help us as parents to find the right paths for our children so that they can continue with their education,” said one parent. “The information given during the sessions was clear and concrete, and the scholarship and college information was very useful!”
The Latino Youth Leadership Conference is free and open to the community. If you are interested in getting involved next year, contact Gina Pezzia at 678-205-3151 or gpezzia@thelaa.org.
Source: Latin American Association
