The Latino Research Center announced today that seven students from the University of Nevada, Reno will attend the 2023 United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) National Conference as part of their work through the Center’s Latino Student Advisory Board.

The conference, held Feb. 16-19 in Chicago, Illinois, will focus on the theme of “acelerando el progreso Latino” [accelerating Latino progress]. The students will hear from nationally prominent speakers and participate in interactive forums on culturally relevant topics and workshops on how to effect change. The University’s Director of Latinx/Hispanic Community Relations Dr. Karla Hernández, the student board’s advisor, will be in attendance to facilitate the students’ experiences.

“As our University amplifies its work toward attaining the Hispanic-Serving (HSI) Designation from the U.S. Department of Education, we are excited to provide this opportunity to our students with the support of our many partners,” Dr. Jafeth Sanchez, director of the Latino Research Center, said. “Specifically, the Latino Research Center is grateful for the generous support from the Community of Bilingual English-Spanish Speakers, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science, the Institute of Neuroscience, and our local governments, the City of Sparks and the City of Reno’s Councilman Miguel Martinez.”

According to the USHLI, conference participants are or will become the most influential Hispanic leaders of their generation, helping to govern cities, schools, states and the nation, which will become more than 30% Hispanic during their lifetimes. Upon the group’s return, the students will give presentations to the sponsors of the trip as well as participate in a presentation through the University’s undergraduate Wolf Pack Discoveries Series.