HACU holds inaugural Women’s Symposium at 37th Annual Conference

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held an inaugural Women’s Symposium on Oct. 27, 2023. More than 75 participants attended the pre-conference event, offered as part of HACU’s 37th Annual Conference taking place at the Hilton Chicago, Oct. 28-30, 2023.

Sessions focused on topics related to navigating career opportunities in higher education. Group activities included inspirational discussions from women in leadership positions. The importance of preparing for executive level positions and building supportive networks in working environments was discussed. 

HACU Senior Vice President for Programs and Operations, Lisa Alcorta, Ph.D., and Assistant Vice President for Programs and Services, Oralia de Los Reyes, Ph.D., provided remarks and Liz Alquino, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs, College of Nursing at the University of Illinois, Chicago served as the moderator. 

Sessions and presentations at the event included:

“Celebrando: Celebrating Our Unique Experiences,” included Emma Grace Hernández Flores, Ph.D., president of Universidad de Iberoamérica and Devorah Lieberman, Ph.D., president Emerita of University of La Verne.

“Valiente: Building Strength and Authenticity,” with Adela de la Torre, Ph.D., president of San Diego State University and Margaret McMenamin, Ed.D., president of Union College. 

“Navegando: Navigating Organizational Climate and Culture,” with Bea Joseph, Ed.D., vice chancellor of student success, Dallas College and Margaret Venable, Ph.D., senior consultant at Academic Search, former president of Dalton State College.

“Conexión: Relationships, Mentorships, and Networking,” with Dania Matos, J.D., vice chancellor for equity and inclusion at the University of California, Berkeley and Garnett Stokes, Ph.D., president of The University of New Mexico. 

“Consejos: Wisdom and Advice from Women Leaders,” with Bea Joseph, Ed.D., vice chancellor of student success, Dallas Colleges and Debi Gaitan, vice president of student success, Northwest Vista College, Alamo Colleges.

The event was co-sponsored by Academic Partnerships. Melissa Ruidiaz, senior vice president, marketing partnerships made a presentation.