Latinos Education Conference

Empowers Community Through Education, Leadership, and Cultural Celebration

Latinos Education Conference Empowers Community Through Education, Leadership, and Cultural Celebration

Vacalley, October 5, 2024 The 1st Latinos Education Conference, recently organized by The Time is Ya Network, brought together community leaders, educators, students, and families for a powerful event focused on education, empowerment, and Latino representation. Hosted at Solano Community College with over 80 participants, the conference provided a dynamic agenda of presentations, workshops, and cultural performances celebrating Latino identity and progress.

The conference opened with a welcome speech by Marisela Barbosa-Cortez, setting the stage for a day of inspiration and connection. The morning session also included a vibrant ballet folklórico performance by Nezkzayolin Ballet Folklórico and the afternoon with Son Dé Metzli Grupo Folklórico  and lively music by DJ Jaime Esparza, creating an energetic and celebratory atmosphere.

Conference Highlights

Agenda Overview:

9:30 AM- Welcome Address: Marisela Barbosa-Cortez  followed by a message of gratitude for the conference  led by Dr. Judy Castro of Pacific Oaks Gold Level Partner and Council member Michael Silva.

9:50 AM – Marisela Barbosa, Founder of The Time is Ya Network, shared the mission of the organization to promote Latino civic engagement and educational opportunities. Juan Carlos MoraStaff Assistant U.S. House Judiciary Committee spoke about serving his community and also being able to shape policy and decisions to improve our country.

10:05 AM – Leadership Panel Discussion: Featuring Carlos Flores, Julian Cuevas, Maestra Karla Valdez, and Dr. Barbara Flores, the panel explored key challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive education for Latino communities.

Educational Workshops

Starting at 11:05 AM, attendees participated in topic-based workshops designed to address critical areas of growth and opportunity for Latino students, parents, and professionals.

Biotechnology Tour: Led by Michael Silva, Solano College professor, and Vacaville City Council , this tour showcased the state-of-the-art biotech facilities, highlighting the college’s commitment to science and technology education.

Latina Leadership in Education: Christina V. Rodríguez, founder of Latinas with Masters, inspired participants with her personal journey and shared resources to empower Latinas pursuing higher education.

Honoring Culture While Excelling in College: Cassandra Cortez from UC Davis led a workshop exploring how students can honor their cultural heritage while striving for academic success, with advice on building supportive networks.

Taller Universitario Workshop for Parents: Led by José G. Rivas, this session equipped families with strategies to support their children’s academic journey, covering college planning, scholarships, and family involvement.

Community Honors and Awards

The conference also featured a recognition segment celebrating leaders in the Latino educational community. Awards presented included:

“Maestra Brillante” – Honoring excellence in teaching.

“Mujer Impacto” – Celebrating a leader who inspires and strengthens the Latino community.

“Rompiendo Barreras” Carlos Flores – Recognizing significant obstacles to advance educational and civic opportunities.

Bilingual Inclusiveness Latinx Veterinary Medical Association UC Davis Chapter- Cassandra Cortez and Bryan Puentes.

“This event provided a crucial platform for our community to come together, share knowledge, and inspire one another. The success of the Latinos Education Conference highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces for Latinos to connect, grow, and lead,” said Marisela Barbosa, Founder of The Time is Ya Network.

Closing and Future Goals

The conference concluded with a cultural performance and a commitment to continue advancing the mission of empowering Latino communities through education and civic participation. The enthusiasm and participation of the attendees underscore the importance of spaces like these, where Latino voices can be elevated and celebrated.

About The Time is Ya Network

The Time is Ya Network is a collective dedicated to empowering the Latino community through education, economic wellness, and civic engagement. Through events and online resources, we aim to strengthen Latino communities and foster sustainable change.