Six Lewis University students attended the 29th annual U.S. Hispanic Leadership (USHLI) conference held in Chicago from Feb. 17-20. Participating in this conference since 1995, Lewis University has had approximately 150 students participate and eight students have received scholarships.
Monica Estrada of Channahon, Viviana Guerrero of Chicago, Yarelli Lopez of Bridgeview, Miguel Luna of Montgomery, Ross Martinez of Chicago and Mercedes Zapata of Chicago were accompanied by Martha Villegas-Miranda, coordinator of volunteer outreach and assistant to the director of Multicultural Student Services at Lewis University.
The conference annually attracts leaders from more than 40 states and 1,000 affiliated groups and organizations to celebrate Hispanic heritage and empower communities. Attending Lewis University in the fall 2011, Brissa Renovato Tovar also participated in the conference.
Estrada commented, “The conference was very inspirational and helpful. It gave me new views on different subjects and more ideas for future events. I enjoyed every moment.”
Participants met and listened to several speakers during the conference. Zapata shared, “USHLI taught me that each one of us embodies the words of many inspiring and influential Latinos of various professions. I was truly changed! USHLI took all of our voices and talents and united us like a powerful drum.” She added, “We learned and began to believe that together we can Si Se Puede (Yes We Can).We are the leaders of today and tomorrow and we are embracing change. Our voices and our votes are what will make all the census numbers count and we will be heard and we will be accounted for.”
In addition to motivational workshops and forums, the highlighted speakers include Rick Najera, award-winning writer, performer, director, producer, author, playwright, host and speaker on Broadway and Hollywood, Caroline Curiel, former U.S. ambassador to Belize and former writer President Bill Clinton’s speeches, Dr. Jose Hernandez, astronaut, Daniel Hernandez, national hero who helped to save Rep. Gifford’s life in Arizona and Moctesuma Esparza, film director in Hollywood and in independent films.
“With recent figures released by the 2010 U.S. Census stating that Latinos compromise the largest minority group in Illinois, the U.S. Hispanic Leadership national conference served as a powerful catalyst to educate and motivate thousands to get more involved in their communities and to stand up for the rights of the Latino population. Never before had so many people had an opportunity to meet a U.S. Ambassador, an astronaut, a Hollywood producer and Broadway director plus several of the best motivational speakers in the court and all Latino in one conference! It was simply inspiring!” exclaimed Villegas-Miranda. In 2008, Villegas-Miranda received the William C. Velásquez National Volunteer of the Year award from USHLI and Lewis University’s Latin American Student Organization (LASO) was recognized as “Student Organization of the Year” in 2002.
For additional information about the conference, please visit www.ushli.org. The mission of the USHLI conference is to train a broad cross section of Hispanic leaders by promoting education, unity and leadership development and creating a servant leadership community. As the largest cross-generational Hispanic conference in the nation, attracting students, young professionals, career professionals and senior citizens, it allows participants to develop and strengthen their leadership skills and to grow as servant leaders.
Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit for more information.
