“KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”

The Adelante Latino Conference gives students an opportunity to meet and interact with successful Latino professionals who work in a variety of fields. Students will gain a better understanding and appreciation of what it takes to achieve their own educational and career goals and empower students as they plan for their future

CONFERENCE AGENDA

10:00am – 10:15am Opening Session

Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) Welcome:

Dr. Moises Aguirre, Superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District

UC San Diego Welcome:

Frank Silva, Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice Chancellor Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Keynote:

Dr. Alberto "Beto" Vasquez

Titles: Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, CREATE STEM Success Initiative, UC San Diego; Associate Director STEM & Community Relations, Early Academic Outreach Program, UC San Diego

Bio: Beto was able to find his path via a community college education at San Diego City College before transferring to UC San Diego where he acquired a BS and MS in biology. His research background is in educational leadership. 

Although he had many challenges growing up (school dropout, homelessness, incarceration and addiction); he is committed to being a role model; to his four kids, his community and as a professional in higher education. He is an educational advocate for marginalized groups and a great proponent of diversity in Science, technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Beto has worked in local government, education and the non-profit sectors and was last employed with the San Diego Community College District.

In addition to his current role with EAOP, where he leads STEM efforts and institutional relations, he is also employed with the Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment and Teaching Excellence (CREATE), as a Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, and with the San Diego Nanotechnology Infrastructure (SDNI) as the Associate Director of Educational Equity.

Beto spearheads intra- and inter-institutional efforts to increase STEM diversity, access and engagement to disenfranchised communities throughout Southern California by developing P-20 programs, curriculum, initiatives and collaborations. He is very active in the community and has assisted with designing programs and events (supporting education, social justice, justice reform, formerly incarcerated populations and underrepresented groups in STEM).

     10:25am – 10:55am Break out sessions 1 – Career Explorations (SESSION TITLES MAY CHANGE)

     •     Building tomorrow through Engineering: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

     •     Inspiration and Motivation in a Law: Learn about a career as a lawyer

     •     Education: Inspiring future leaders through a career in education

     •     Making a difference for everyone through a Medical Career

     •     Entrepreneurs – Own your own business

          11:10am – 11:40am Break out session 2 – Career Explorations

     •     Building tomorrow through Engineering: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

     •     Inspiration and Motivation in a Law: Learn about a career as a lawyer

     •     Education: Inspiring future leaders through a career in education

     •     Making a difference for everyone through a Medical Career

     •     Entrepreneurs – Own your own business

          11:55am – 12:25am Break out session 3 – College, Making it Happen: UCSD talks to students                about making the college dream come true (topics subject to change)

     •     How to Pay for College 101

     •     Campus Life and Identities: Find out about fraternities, sororities, service or interest club at UCSD

     •     Preparing for College