A Thousand Thanks
Because of your support, the Inaugural High School Student Symposium on Latina, Latino, and Latin American Studies was a success.
Thank you to all the students who shared with us their time, research, presentations, and insight into the value of Latin@ and Latin American Studies at the high school level.
Thank you to Professor Alishia Galvez, Director of the Institute of Mexican Studies. Professor Galvez unflinchingly supported the idea of this symposium from the very beginning.
Thank you to Dr. Frank Sanchez, CUNY’s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, for providing a welcoming atmosphere for participants, attendees and volunteers.
ISLAS was staffed by amazing volunteers. Jonathan Hill, Adjunct Professor of Latin American History at Lehman College, along with Lehman undergraduate students Shabel Castro and Melissa Garcia, as well as Marina Garcia-Vasquez, served as amazing moderators. Brian Basik Lewis and Guesnerth Josue Perea were truly remarkable in their trouble-shooting on the day of the symposium, liaising with the Lehman facilities personnel and providing technical support.
What better way to conclude an academic symposium than with an Afro Brazilian dance workshop? Thanks to the Program of Latino and Latin American Studies at Queens College, Mestre Irenio Ginga da Bahia led participants, volunteers, and the public through a heart-pumping and spirit-lifting session of samba.
Our partner organizations were wonderful. Tertulia Resolana, NYCoRE, Mex and the City, the Afro Latin@ Forum, and the Latino and Latin American Studies Program at Queens College believed in the need of this symposium, and their support was essential in bringing ISLAS to fruition.
Again, a thousand thanks.
SEE YOU AT QUEENS COLLEGE FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL! More details to come…
