Kent State Holds Second Annual LNC/SALSA Hablemos (Let’s Talk) Conference on April 19

Kent State University organizations the Latino Networking Caucus (LNC) and the Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA), will present the 2nd annual LNC/SALSA Hablemos (Let’s Talk) Conference in the Kent Student Center on April 19 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  The conference will address the impact of the Hispanic/Latino vote in 2012.

The conference features Samuel Betances, Ph.D., an outstanding motivational speaker from Souder, Betances & Associates in Chicago, diversity trainers and consultants whose philosophy is to develop strategies to respect uniqueness in people, which in turn improves morale and productivity. Betances’ goal is to re-emphasize the leadership role of Latinos and Hispanics in society, define diversity and its role in education and emphasize the importance of the upcoming November elections.

“We are extremely proud and excited to be presenting Dr. Betances this year as our keynote speaker for the conference,” said T. David Garcia, associate vice president for enrollment management at Kent State and chair of the LNC.  “He is well-known in the Latino community for his very motivational diversity strategy sessions.”  

The conference will begin with a presentation by Betances in the Kiva from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., with a free luncheon following in Room 306A of the Kent Student Center.  An informative afternoon session takes place from 1:15 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Room 310AB, featuring Luis Gomez, Congressional Staff for Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Gomez will address the impact immigration plays in the U.S. and will also share facts regarding the Dream Act and its benefits to the U.S. economy.

Reservations for the luncheon are required and can be made by emailing kbasist1@kent.edu.  Space is limited.  Reservations will be accepted until Monday, April 16.

Media Contacts:
T. David Garcia, tgarcia5@kent.edu, 330-672-4050
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595