Two Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) students are already making post-graduation happen. Evly Pacheco and Jaqueline Ruiz recently attended the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute and took a huge step in securing successful careers once they’ve crossed the commencement stage.
The four-day conference, hosted annually by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU), brought together Hispanic/Latinx students from all over the U.S. and Puerto Rico to hone their leadership and professional development skills. Due to COVID-19, this year’s conference, held Oct. 25-28, took place virtually.
Through video conferencing, students participated in workshops and discussions on financial literacy, resume and interviewing tips and tricks, and imposter syndrome, just to name a few. They also got the chance to do some major networking with Google, General Motors, Kellogg’s, MGM Resorts International, and more.
“I got to connect with all of these recruiters in real-time,” Evly said. “And when they ask you to connect with them on LinkedIn, they accept your request.”
Companies and organizations outlined the benefits of joining their teams, but also shared what they’re looking for in a resume and interview.
“This conference made me understand that writing, listening, and communication are critical skills to have across the board for all of these corporations,” Evly said. “You have to know how to write well, which I’ve struggled with. But now that I’ve taken classes here at EMCC with Drs. Liz Cantú and Susan Malmo, I feel more confident, and I can’t wait to take my writing class next semester to further improve my skills.”
Evly and Jaqueline were recommended for the Institute by faculty and advising staff and were sponsored through a Title V grant.
“Faculty and staff recommended Evly and Jacqueline because of their leadership potential, engagement at EMCC, and their ability to represent EMCC well,” said Jeanne Hanrahan, Title V Program Manager. “We in Title V were happy to support this wonderful opportunity for them and were proud to have them represent EMCC.”
Hanrahan said the Institute offers a powerful professional development opportunity for Hispanic/Latinx students.
“They network with professionals in diverse career paths who share their Hispanic/LatinX backgrounds,” she said. “Those professionals serve as role models for what the future can hold for them and with peers who, like them, will become future leaders in their professions and communities.”
To learn more about the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities and the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, go to https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Conference_Student_Scholarship1.asp