More than a thousand students, educators, and professionals gathered Feb. 12–15 at the annual conference hosted by the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) in Chicago. The four-day event focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and expanding educational opportunities within the Latino community. Representing Governors State University were Jocelyn Alba, Sixto Avila, Mario Mendez, Emily Estrada, and Fatima Carbajal-Hernandez.
During the conference, GSU students attended multiple sessions, including a panel titled “Real Talk: How We Paid for College and What We Wish We Knew.” The discussion highlighted personal experiences navigating financial aid, scholarships, and higher education systems. Students noted that transparency, mentorship, and access to reliable information remain essential tools for academic achievement and long-term success.
The delegation also participated in the Women’s Empowerment Breakfast, where speakers emphasized resilience, identity, and representation in leadership spaces. Students shared that hearing Latina professionals discuss overcoming barriers and claiming space in corporate and civic leadership roles reinforced the importance of confidence, preparation, and community support.
One of the most impactful moments of the conference was a leadership workshop led by R. Mateo Magdaleno, Chief Education Officer of IDQ Group Inc. Magdaleno, an advocate for educational equity and workforce readiness, centered his session on the concept of “purposeful productivity.” He challenged students to move beyond business and focus instead on intentional growth aligning daily actions with long-term goals. He also spoke about rewriting personal narratives, encouraging attendees to take ownership of their stories rather than allowing circumstances to define them. Students described his message as both motivating and practical, particularly his emphasis on discipline, clarity of vision, and building habits that reflect one’s values.
Beyond formal sessions, GSU students mentored high school attendees preparing for college. They shared their educational journeys, discussed navigating campus life, and encouraged younger participants to remain focused on their aspirations. The mentorship component reinforced the importance of representation and visibility in higher education spaces.
Students expressed gratitude to Emmanuel López, M.A., Associate Director of Student Engagement and Intercultural Programs at Governors State University, and Paul McGuinness, Vice President for Student Affairs at Governors State University, for supporting their participation. For those who attended, USHLI served not only as a professional development opportunity but also as a reaffirmation of cultural pride, community connection, and commitment to leadership advancement.