Latinos for Latinos: Together we are Stronger

Eddie's Voice

We attended the 2016 NASPA National Conference in Indianapolis with different expectations. However, the following we had in common: we were co-presenting a session on Latino family dynamics while pursuing a terminal degree, both of us planned to attend sessions to “get our professional development on,” and of course, we wanted to have a little fun! Luckily, throughout the years we have collaborated on many projects and committees; therefore, when we decided to submit a NASPA proposal it came pretty natural. The main difference in our expectations came from our varied experiences within NASPA. 

For me, (Eddie) I have been part of the NASPA family for 20 years.  However, I was a passive member for the better part of 15 of those years. It was only within the last 5 that I became an “active” member. Earning my doctorate degree and securing a job at a community college were among the most significant reasons I began to volunteer. As open access institutions, many students from community colleges come from low socio-economic backgrounds. Thus, I see firsthand on a daily basis the impact my position as an administrator and being Latino have on many of our minority students. Therefore, my sense of responsibility (dare I say the need to “represent”) became even more real. But this blog isn’t about the students we serve, it’s about the colleagues we “should” serve.

I am currently involved in the Latino Knowledge Community (LKC) and the Community Colleges Division (CCD). And while preparing for our presentation, it became abundantly clear Tania (my co-author) was not meaningfully connected to NASPA. She has the distinction of being a seasoned NASPA presenter (which is awesome and to be commended), but outside of a handful of colleagues she has never made any real connections at NASPA. As a result, I made it my mission to use one of my strengths “relator” to connect Tania to people within the LKC and CCD.

The annual conference provides the necessary space to engage in professional development. As a community college professional, we are in the minority at the NASPA conference, yet we serve as the gateway to all other institutions. The CCD provides opportunities to connect community college professionals and for me connecting my colleague was of the upmost importance.  Many of us attend conferences and we “surface” network. You know, we walk the hallways and introduce people to one another, encourage the sharing of business cards and so on and so forth.  It takes more than an introduction to meaningfully connect people; to help foster new relationships it takes intentionality which is the real work in “networking.”  As a semi-seasoned professional, it was incumbent upon me to assist in building my colleagues professional footprint. I encouraged her to attend the CCD/LKC reception, persuaded her to attend the Escaleras sessions, and introduced her to personal friends. This intentionality and mentorship not only helped her, it assisted in encouraging my own development.  

Tania's Voice

Throughout the years I (Tania) have gotten so wrapped up into my day to day responsibilities, I stepped away from my real passion which is giving back to my community. I am a Latina, community college graduate, and currently employed in a community college. These identifiers shape me. While NASPA has always been important to me, it took my colleague/friend to help me make genuine connections. In particular, meeting members of the LKC and CCD have already proven beneficial.  There are many exciting trends that I would like to participate and get involved with and the resources are right at NASPA. I realized at the conference it is time for me to be intentional with my work in higher education.

I feel excited again! We are in the midst of planning new initiatives that will hopefully further instill Latino student awareness at our institution. Additionally, I am planning to create a Latina mentoring program at the high school I graduated from as a result from attending the CCD Latino Task Force featured session. My hope is to introduce at an early age female high school students to college. The purpose is to assist female Latina students with recognizing their potential and to focus on their future goals leading to fruition.

The nature of higher education is ever evolving. As a higher education practitioner, it is imperative to keep with the trends and stay intentional with our work. I arrived at the 2016 conference with a colleague and came home with a friend! I have been reminded of who I am and who I could be.  I was encouraged to find my purpose and was exposed to tremendous people. The 2016 conference put me on a new road and I am excited to start the journey!

Conferences are more than attending sessions. They are also about connecting with new people who may influence you directly or indirectly, but influence nonetheless. The LKC and CCD are two affiliations were we both have membership and are grateful to those who extended a helping hand, provided a reassuring smile, and to those who we shared an adult beverage!  Looking forward to the 2017 NASPA Annual Conference in San Antonio already.