FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2024
Southern Oregon University is the host of the César E. Chávez Leadership Conference. The conference is a gathering of Latinx high school students and leaders from regional high schools. The goal of the day-long César E. Chávez Leadership Conference is to increase Latinx high school students’ preparation to become leaders and develop their knowledge about contemporary issues within the Latinx community. In addition, the conference strongly encourages Latino youth to pursue educational opportunities beyond high school. Participants attend workshops focusing on leadership, cultural arts, and college preparation. Students are assigned to groups hosted by SOU’s Latinx student ambassadors throughout the day’s events.
Our Mission
"To instill in our Latinx youth the value of education, which nurtures mind, body and spirit in order to develop a social consciousness that empowers them as leaders for social justice and civic responsibility in the greater community."
- Keynote Speaker
- Conference Schedule
- Workshops
- Conference Information
- Exhibitors & Presenters
- School Information
Keynote Speaker
Eduardo Chavez: Director, Speaker, Activist & Postcast Host
As the grandson of both the legendary civil rights activist César Chávez and the Cuban revolutionary Max Lesnik, Eduardo Chavez is the scion of two revolutionary families. Eduardo's political and activist background influenced his feature documentary, "Hailing Cesar," released April 2018.Since its debut, Eduardo has screened Hailing Cesar and spoken at 50+ universities in 3 different countries. In addition to being a director, speaker & activist, Eduardo is the co-founder of Latindia Studios and a member of the Speakers’ Board for the Chavez Institute for Law and Social Justice. Eduardo is also the host of the podcast "We Are Latinx." Launched this year, he interviews Latinx individuals about their work and how their culture shapes it. It is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Conference Schedule
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2O24
8:30 – 9:20 am | Registration and Check-in | Stevenson Union (SU) |
9:25 – 10:30 am | Welcome | SU Arena |
10:45 – 11:30 am | Session I | SOU Campus |
11:45 – 12:25 pm | Lunch I | The Hawk |
11:45 – 12:25 pm | College Fair I | Lithia Pavillion (Small Gym) |
12:30 – 1:15 pm | Lunch II | The Hawk |
12:30 – 1:15 pm | College Fair II | Lithia Pavillion (Small Gym) |
1:30 – 2:15 pm | Session II | SOU Campus |
2:30 – 3:15 pm | Session III | SOU Campus |
3:30 - 4:30 PM | Closing/Dance | SU Diversions |
Workshops
Workshops 2024
These workshops are offered in March 2024. There are FOUR workshop tracks: College & Career, Leadership, Life Skills and Culture, Identity and Arts.
College & Career
Workshop Title |
Workshop Description |
Presenter(s) |
How to Plan Your Life (and College Major) |
Embark on a transformative journey into your future with Dee Fretwell, the visionary Business Department Chair at SOU! Uncover the mysteries of your career path by reshaping your skills and passions. Join Dee Fretwell in unveiling cutting-edge perspectives, illustrating how the fusion of your distinct abilities and passions can open doors to unparalleled opportunities throughout your college adventure. | Dee Fretwell is the Chair of the Business Department Southern Oregon University and has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. |
Be FireBright: Considering a Career in Wildfire |
This workshop will draw from selected portions of the FireBright Curriculum Module 4: Wildfire Careers. Students can get a feel of what a day in the life of a wildland firefighter, handle tools used in the field, and learn about the decision making skills necessary to do the job. To be presented bilingually. |
Kara Baylog is a Program Coordinator for Forestry and Natural Resources with Oregon State University Extension. They are the primary author on the recently published FireBright: A Curriculum for Wildfire Careers and Community Resilience. Jennifer Payne is with the Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative and co-author on the FireBright Curriculum. Jennifer specializes in K-12 education and continues to implement FireBright classes in Jackson county. |
College Counseling 101 | An overview of the college application process so students will know what to expect. | Eve Benton: MA in Counseling & Ed Psych with emphasis in College Student Development, 10+ yrs experience in advising |
ODHS Tribal Recruiter HRA |
Career Development Tools, and Resume Writing for Government careers. |
Michelle Ochoa is a Tribal recruiter for ODHS and a Human Resource Analyst. I provide career development tools. Here at ODHS we are committed to ending systemic racism and oppression and bringing a diverse workforce to the table of Oregon State Government. |
College Essays: Telling Your Story |
In this interactive session for sophomores and juniors, we will craft several strategies for writing a personal statement for a college application. You are the best YOU out there. Your story is worth telling. We will give you some ideas on how to share it with colleges. Expect to write a little and share some thoughts out loud as we help each other find our voice. |
Lesley Klecan is the Dean of Academics & Director of College Counseling at St. Mary’s School in Medford. With a MA from Syracuse University and a BA from UC San Diego, she has over 10 years of experience in college counseling as well as decades of experience teaching writing and running workshops. A presenter at national, regional, and state conferences for college and school counselors, Ms. Klecan is a strong advocate for students as she helps them see their worth and find their voice. |
Interviews: How to Be Yourself AND Professional |
Whether it is for a job, a scholarship, or for college admissions, many students will experience an interview. This interactive session will give you tips on how to present yourself and answer questions with confidence. Expect to practice with a partner and stand up in front of the group--something we will work to make not too scary! |
Lesley Klecan is the Dean of Academics & Director of College Counseling at St. Mary’s School in Medford. With a MA from Syracuse University and a BA from UC San Diego, she has over 10 years of experience in college counseling as well as decades of experience teaching writing and running workshops. A presenter at national, regional, and state conferences for college and school counselors, Ms. Klecan is a strong advocate for students as she helps them see their worth and find their voice. |
Oportunidades en el Bosque |
This workshop will cover a brief history Latinx contributions to Oregon's forests (Pineros, bosqueros, and the current Latinx forest workforce in S. Oregon) and highlight a few of the career pathways and business opportunities that exist in the woods. This workshop is intended for students that are interested in starting a small business in the forestry sector or learning more about career opportunities in the woods. |
Manuel Machado, M.Ed., is an educator with over ten years of experience developing and implementing accessible educational experiences in English and Spanish for diverse learner groups. As the Forest Workforce Coordinator for OSU’s Extension Fire Program, he develops business training materials for Latino forest workers and is focused on raising awareness of southern Oregon's forest workforce and how to make it safer and more equitable. Erubiel Valladares, M.P.A., is from Queretaro, Mexico and currently works for Rural Development Initiatives as a Bilingual Facilitator and Trainer. He has 13 years of experience with working with non-profits, such as Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), Marion-Polk Food Share, Downtown Associations, and City of Independence. Erubiel is also a wildland firefighter, chef, and owner of a small farm. |
Finding Funds For Oregon Students | Do you need money for college? Finding Funds for Oregon Students provides an overview of the financial aid process including key terms and concepts. Included in this presentation is an overview of Oregon Grant programs including the Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon Promise Grant and more as well as a discussion about the OSAC Scholarship Application. After attending this workshop, participants should be able to identify different grants and scholarships that may help them pay for college. | Ms. Anel Venegas-Trujillo is a State Grants Coordinator at the Office of Student Access & Completion (OSAC) with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). A first-generation Latina, Anel graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics from Willamette University in 2015. Anel is a member of the Oregon Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) and served as the 4 Year Public Segmental Vice President for OASFAA. Anel was a Bilingual Financial Aid Counselor from 2018 to 2022 at Western Oregon University, which allowed her to see excellent growth opportunities within the Financial Aid world and the surrounding communities to ensure informational resources are accessible to all prospective and current students. She works passionately to bridge language and first-generational gaps to ensure all students feel they belong and are safe in higher education institutions, especially while students navigate their Financial Aid journey. |
Brilla y Prospera ~ Shine and Thrive | Money for college: The Ford Family Foundation scholarship. We see your potential. The Ford Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting students through not only scholarships, but through academic guidance, leadership development, personal and professional support and access to the Ford Family Alumni network. Come and learn about the scholarship and hear about how to get your ready to SHINE and THRIVE! |
Nancy Castillo McKinnis: Born in Nayarit Mexico and came to the United States of America at the age of nine. I have lived in the Rogue Valley since the age of 10 years old. My careers have been broad, but have most been in social services, education, social justice and health care. I am passionate about uplifting others, and supporting youth succeed. |
Leadership
Workshop Title |
Workshop Description |
Presenter(s) |
Self-Leadership Changes Everything |
The Fundamentals of Self-Leadership will help you see and create the big and little opportunities that change everything! I am here to help you see how to be your own hero by transforming the past, accepting the present, and creating the future that you deserve! Leadership is not about a title, a paycheck, or an age. You have the power to start being your own leader today! |
Cassie Tuijillo is a leadership coach, consultant, and trainer with 25 years experience in people development, with a BA in Psychology, also act as Director of Operations of a $9 million healthcare program. With 18 years experience working with teens and young adults in a variety of environments, I bring a passion for helping them see and own the creation of their future. |
Communicate Como un Líder |
In the workshop I will talk about how to communicate effectively and gently to peers. I will create an awareness of the different types of communication styles and tie them around how each communication style can effect how a leader is perceived. I will have an emphasis on Latinx community and how we are underrepresented as leaders in many communities. How we too can make it to manager positions, team leading, and etc. My goal for the presentation is for the students to have a better understanding as to how they perceive communication and how they communicate with others within our culture and in all spaces. |
Samantha Recino is currently in her last year of my under graduate degree in Creative Writing and works full time as the Graduation Specialist for the Migrant Education Program. |
Life Skills
Workshop Title |
Workshop Description |
Presenter |
Crafting Creative Solutions for Any Industry | My main goal is to add problem-solving skills to participants who want to understand how to add value to any industry. |
Arturo - Creative Director and Problem Solver @ Que Lindo Studio Marketing Agency - I assist companies identify problems and create solutions for their business with video Olivia - Creative Director and Strategic content creator @Que Lindo Studio Marketing Agency - Assists in creative solutions for business with the evolving online business world |
STI'S and Harm Reduction (Cancelled) | STI'S and Harm Reduction | Desiree Yanez Canton: BA IN COMMUNICATION Volunteer Manager |
¿Estamos Listos? // Are We Ready? | ¿Estamos Listos? is a training on emergency and emotional preparedness skills. Providing knowledge and materials to build emergency kits and emergency plans. | Diana Ramos Alonzo is a proud immigrant, mexicana, woman, and first-generation college graduate. Her work is dedicated to the empowerment of the Latinx community, centering advocacy for women and youth. Araceli Jiminez, first generation xicana born and raised in Southern Oregon, has spent countless hours doing community outreach from tabling to canvassing. She brings over five years of experience serving as a volunteer coordinator, community organizer, and advocate. |
Navigating Corporate America | This workshop would focus on giving students an understanding of how to transition to working in a corporate/administrative settings out of school and the struggles of being Latine in these work settings, such as micro aggressions and imposter syndrome, and what they can do to prepare themselves and face these struggles head on. | Mauro Reyes Lopez is a first generation Chicano currently set to graduate in June with a BS in Health & PE, a BA in Spanish Language and Culture, and 3 spanish certificates. I am also a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. I have been working in Human Resources for the last 3 years and will continue to pursue this at a higher level. |
Marijuana & Hemp: The Impact on our Latinx Community | Not a morality lecture or a health class. This workshop will investigate marijuana and hemp. The movement to legalize in that State of Oregon. The conflict with Federal law. How this conflict traps our community in the middle and to empower our youth to make informed decisions that could impact their legal status or that of loved ones. | John- BA & MA in English UCSB. JD University of Arizona College of Law. Immigration attorney in Southern Oregon for nearly 25 years. Son of Mexican immigrants. Viridiana- Immigrated from Mexico at early age. BA in Sociology and Minor in Business Administration from SOU. Nearly 8 years at Stout Law LLC where she is Senior Legal Assistant/Case Manager and Office Manager. Both are bilingual English and Spanish. |
Culture, Identity & Arts
Workshop Title |
Workshop Description |
Presenter(s) |
Poetry As Prayer |
This workshop explores the power of vulnerability through writing into our selves. We will engage in generative making exercises, build community, share creative process, and learn to build little poems that work as prayers. |
Manya Orescan Campos is a Xicana poet, multidisciplinary artist, mother and educator. She is a two-time recipient of the Haines & Friends Visual Arts Grant for her multimedia installation titled, "Latina Geniuses Are Everywhere." Manya received her MFA in Creative Writing from Pacific Northwest College of Art. |
Identity Empowerment Exploration |
Students will have an opportunity to reflect on their different identities and explore how their identities impact their lived experiences. We will explore how some of our identities may inspire pride and others shame due to systems of oppression. Students will discover how they can use their identities to empower themselves. This session will be interactive, and they will engage in partner and group shares to illuminate the diversity in the space. This will be a safe space and opportunity for students to get more intimate with who they are. |
Sweets is a Belonging & Engagement Coordinator at Southern Oregon University. She has a BA in Feminist Studies and is on track to receiving her MA in Organizational Leadership. She is certified in relational leadership coaching and has extensive experience as a restorative justice facilitator and as a leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion. |
Cruising Through Chicano/Lowrider Art & History |
This workshop will mainly be focused on chicano art that was used to express cultural values, as protest or for aesthetic value. We will examine different pieces and discuss together while also exploring chicano movements while listening to lowrider oldies. |
Vanessa Vega is a first gen college graduate in her family. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish Language & Culture and a minor in Environmental Science and Policy. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree to teach Spanish. |
Corridos tumbados: Joyful Music and the Culture of Violence |
In this workshop, participants will reflect on the intriguing paradoxes inherent in modern Mexican regional music. One of the aspects we will explore is the juxtaposition of violence portrayed as trivial alongside the backdrop of joyful melodies. Mexican regional music, deeply rooted in cultural traditions and historical narratives, often showcases a complex interplay between contrasting themes. On one hand, the lyrics and themes of certain songs may depict scenes of violence, conflict, or societal struggles, reflecting the harsh realities faced by many in Mexico. Yet, paradoxically, these narratives are often set to lively and upbeat rhythms, creating a stark contrast between the somber content and the celebratory nature of the music itself. Additionally, we will explore the role of Mexican regional music as a form of cultural expression and identity, considering how it shapes collective consciousness. |
Dr. Enrique Chacón is Associate Professor of Spanish at Southern Oregon University. His main focus is Mexican Literature and Culture. He approaches different contemporary topics from the Cultural Studies perspective as well as Critical Theory. |
Su Nombre/Your Name |
Participants will creativley draw their name on a large piece of paper. They will use prompts related to their identity, likes, passions, dreams, influences, etc. Supplies and materials will be provided for the drawinfg excercise. |
Gabriel Barrera |he, him| is a Mexican American/Xicano visual artist with a BFA from Pratt Institute. His artwork is rooted in advocacy, social justice, and BIPOC youth mentorship. He currently operates ScenicG, an art business providing services in art/design, workshops, facilitation and mentorship. Gabriel is a recipient of the 2021-22 Fields Artist Fellowship and Creative Heights Grant, the Schnitzer Museum’s BLM Artist Grant, and Vesper Meadow Art Residency. Other recent projects include Clarity exhibition at JSMA, Coalicion Fortaleza Mercadito, Vesper Meadow Murals, |
Historia de la Danza Folklórica Mexicana |
Students will learn about cultural heritage that shaped the Mexican culture and traditions. |
Julieta Giron: BA Spanish Literature, ELD Educational Support-MSD |
Celebrate Your Voice: Poetry & Power |
This workshop invites participants to go through a low-stakes writing process that will result in several poems. |
This workshop is led by future teachers. They are presently college students and writers in an SOU English class about Young Adult Literature. |
CulExperiencias en la Clase de Cultura Latina en SOU |
In this workshop in Spanish, we will share what it is like to study Cultura Latina in Spanish at the upper level. Presenters will share their presentations about Panama and Mexico, plus share reasons they study Spanish at SOU and what their experience has been like as Latinas at SOU. |
Anne Connor is a Spanish Professor at SOU. Julia Victorino is a third year student majoring in Spanish. Nansi Cortes is a senior majoring in Psychology and works at the EDI Office on Campus. |
La Charreria como Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad | Participants will learn about the cultural wealth surrounding the Charreria tradition including horsemanship, roping, cattle work, and how the iconographic figure of the Charro contributed to shaping the national identity of Mexico especially after the Mexican revolution. | Antonio is the Founder and Director of Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, a nonprofit organization serving our Latinx community through cultural, artistic, and educational activities and programs. Antonio is a Charro and enjoys sharing about the richness of the arts and cultures in our communities. |
La Llorona | La Llorona has gotten a bad rap. Learn some of the story's origins and the ways the story has been adapted in contemporary times. | Alma Rosa Alvarez has a doctorate from University of California, Santa Barbara in English. She currently teaches English at Southern Oregon University. |
Connecting with Living History to Find Our Roots | This workshop encourages students to reflect on living family members from prior generations. Asking questions like what do we know and what do we not know about our parents or grandparents history. This workshop will highlight the importance of understanding our elders' life experiences. Through discussion we can better understand our families history and learn our origin story. We can also discuss ways in order to facilitate these difficult conversations with our elders. | As the grandson of both the legendary civil rights activist César Chávez and the Cuban revolutionary Max Lesnik, Eduardo Chavez is the scion of two revolutionary families. Eduardo's political and activist background influenced his feature documentary, "Hailing Cesar," released April 2018. Since its debut, Eduardo has screened Hailing Cesar and spoken at 50+ universities in 3 different countries. In addition to being a director, speaker & activist, Eduardo is the co-founder of Latindia Studios and a member of the Speakers’ Board for the Chavez Institute for Law and Social Justice. Eduardo is also the host of the podcast "We Are Latinx." Launched this year, he interviews Latinx individuals about their work and how their culture shapes it. It is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. |
Conference Information
PRE-CONFERENCE
School chaperones please meet with your students prior to the conference to go over Conference Rules and Student Conduct (see School Information). This includes school district and conference behavioral expectations and dress code.
Arriving to Campus
School Bus Arrival/Departure
Conference check-in location to be determined soon.
(see campus map). All conference parking (including Buses, Van and Cars) must park in Lot 36 after dropping off the students. This is the large green parking lot on Mountain Avenue (see campus map). Conference volunteers will be stationed at the drop off site and will direct students into the welcoming session.
If buses are not staying for the conference, they can then depart after students and staffs have unloaded. If buses are staying, they are directed to park in the back of Lot 36. To depart, at the END of the conference, students should walk with their chaperone to their bus parked in lot 36.
Location
The Cesar Chavez Leadership Conference will take place at Southern Oregon University.
Parking on the Day of the Event
All Conference parking (including Buses, Vans and Cars) must park in Lot 36 (see campus map), the large green parking lot on Mountain Avenue for this conference.
Conference Logistics
Check-In
Each student will check-In (by last name) at the registration tables. Chaperones will also check in at this location. Students will be required to wear their t-shirt and a name badge throughout the day of the conference that they will receive at check-in. Chaperones also will be required to wear their conference name badge.
Group Assignments
All students will be assigned a group number. Chaperones are required to attend the conference sessions with the students and will be also assigned to a group. These groups will be led by Southern Oregon University Student Ambassadors at the end of the welcome session. They will lead their student groups throughout the day and to each of the assigned sessions.
Luncheon
All conference participants will be provided lunch. Chaperones will eat with their assigned group at The Hawk. Please help monitor during the luncheon.
College/Career Fair
The College/Career Fair will take place at the Lithia Pavillion Small Gym before and after lunch. This is located righ next to Raider Village and the The Hawk.
Evaluations
The students will be filling out conference evaluations at the end of their last session. Group leaders will distribute and collect the evaluations as students depart their last session. Groups will proceed to the Stevenson Union Arena (downstairs) for the closing dance.
Closing Dance
The conference will end with a dance held in the Stevenson Union.
Departure
Each school will need to have a prearranged time and place to meet their students in the Stevenson Union for departure. School groups will need to walk together to their bus/vans (see School Bus Arrival/Departures section). Please ensure that all students are on the bus/van, and that they have all their belongings.
Questions
Please contact Monserrat Alegria at 541-552-6378 or Genesis Beas at 541-552-6924 or Katie Mena 541-552-8843 if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to a great conference. We want to thank you in advance for all of the assistance you have provided, and will provide the day of the conference!
Exhibitors & Presenters
JOIN US FOR THE 2024 CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Thank you for your interest in being an exhibitor or presenter at the 2024 SOU Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Conferrence.
The conference will take place on Friday, March 8th 2024. Registration to be an exhibitor or presenter are now open.
School Information
SCHOOL/DISTRICT PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION
SCHOOL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TBA | STUDENT REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 5th, 2024
The annual César E. Chávez Leadership Conference will be held in March 8, 2024 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on the campus of Southern Oregon University. This event will provide a forum for Latino youth (grades 9 - 12) to meet community leaders, take part in leadership and cultural workshops and learn about how to go to college. The day begins with check in at 8:30 am in the SOU Stevenson Union Rogue River Room and a welcome session at 9:20. A wrap up session and closing ceremony will be held from 3:00-3:30 pm, we are hosting a dance after the closing ceremony 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided for the students as well as the chaperones.
We are inviting Southern Oregon regional high schools to nominate a select number of students to attend this conference. We ask that two adults from each high school serve as chaperones during this event.
MUST READ: Chaperone Responsibilities
Student Conduct Contract (pdf)
*Schools will get registration information by email such as the number of student slots and other support with logisitcs.
Thanks for your help and support. We are very excited about this event and look forward to working with you.
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