We are pleased to offer three pre-conference institutes at the 2025 AAHHE Conference. Please view the details below.
 *Please note that these pre-conference institutes are separate events.

Register for the conference and pre-conference events here!

The Latino Student Success Institute 

Presenters:

Dr. Anne-Marie Núñez, Executive Director, Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success
Dr. Azuri Gonzalez, Director of Partnerships and Operations, Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success
Dr. Gary Edens, Professor of Practice and Retired Vice President for Student Affairs 
Dr. Jesus Cisneros, Department Chair, Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Director, Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations
Dr. Louie Rodriguez, Vice Provost for Professional Development, Engagement, and Strategic Initiatives

March 7, 2025, 8am-11am MST
In-person pre-conference session
Maximum participants: 25 

Description
As Hispanics are the nation’s second largest racial/ethnic group, serving them well in higher education is essential to building this country’s workforce and well-being. In this Institute, a nationally engaged group of scholars and administrators based at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP), a leading Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), will facilitate a learning opportunity for leaders committed to advancing Hispanics’ thriving and success in higher education. In sharing effective strategies for Hispanic student success with one another, including those based on HSI Hispanic servingness, participants will leave the Institute with a renewed sense of community, commitment, and understanding of how to enact culturally affirming approaches to elevate their students’ thriving.

AAHHE Latinas and Leadership in Higher Education
Navegando Entre Fronteras: Latina-Centered Leadership Institute

Presenters: 

Patricia Arredondo, EdD, President, Arredondo Advisory Group, Past Chair, AAHHE
Azara Santiago Rivera, PhD, Professor Emerita, Merrimack College, Consultant, Immediate Past Chair, AAHHE

March 7, 2025, 8am-11am MST
In-person pre-conference session
Maximum participants: 40

Description

This pre-conference institute centers the unique assets of and opportunities for early- and mid- career Latina leaders in higher education. Discussion will focus on navigating identity challenges, harnessing a mujerista mindset and drawing upon cultural values to embody authentic leadership practices. This institute will be highly interactive, including the application of resonant leadership skills through a review of case scenarios.

Objectives

1. Identify awareness about “entre fronteras” challenges.
2. Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas of strength and power gaps
3. Recognize intersecting identities as sources of strength as well as foci for microaggressions
4. Describe the Mujerista mindset and how values of Marianismo can impede women's personal empowerment.
5. Examine the types of emotional intelligence that can inform one's interpersonal interactions.
6. Reframe dilemmas and apply resonant leadership skills

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify 2 specific strategies to capitalize on strengths in their leadership role.
2. Identify 2-3 power gaps and specific ways to address them.
3. Identify 2-3 effective ways of incorporating mujerista mindset principles in their leadership role.

AAHHE Community College Institute
Latiné Excellence in Community Colleges: Strategies for Success

Moderator: Marissa Vasquez, EdD, Associate Professor, San Diego State University, AAHHE Chair-elect

Speakers: 
Joe Garcia, PhD, Chancellor Colorado Community College System
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, President, Community College of Denver
Dra. Reyna Anaya, Dean of Student Success and Senior Student Affairs Officer, Community College of Aurora

March 7, 2025, 8am-11am MST
In-person pre-conference session
Maximum participants: 25

Description

Join us for an inspiring pre-conference dedicated to celebrating and advancing Latiné excellence in community colleges. The CCI will feature insightful panel discussions, community building, and knowledge sharing. We are honored to have Joe Garcia, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, as our opening speaker. Our distinguished panelists include Dra. Marielena DeSanctis, President of the Community College of Denver and Dra. Reyna Anaya, Dean of Student Success and Senior Student Affairs Officer at the Community College of Aurora. Additionally, we will hear from a panel of Latiné community college students who will offer insights into their experiences.

Objectives

1. Gain Student Perspectives: Attendees will gain valuable perspectives from community college students, understanding their experiences and challenges to better support their academic and personal growth.
2. Hear from Institutional Leaders: Attendees will hear from institutional leaders on strategies to address and improve outcomes for Latiné students, gaining insights into successful initiatives and programs, particularly within Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)
3. Build Inclusive Communities: Attendees will discover promising practices for building inclusive and supportive educational environments that empower Latiné students, faculty, and staff to thrive.