IU to host Latino conference

With the theme "Latinos con passion y direction," or "Latinos with passion and direction," diversity and leadership will be stressed during the fifth-annual Indiana Latina/o Collegiate Leadership Conference.\nStudents from IU, IU-Purdue University Indianapolis, Ivy Tech state college, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, University of Indianapolis, IU-Kokomo and local high schools are expected to attend.\nNine different panel discussions will be held with keynote speaker Marco Davis, director of leadership and development at the National Council of La Raza, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.\nThe panel topics include discussions about "English Language Learner in the U.S.," "Practice Leading Diversity Discussions: An Integral Component in Student Leadership Skills," "Taking charge of your Future: Reflections and Advice from Alumni," "Cultivating Latino Pride and Leadership on Campus," and "A Community Heath-Intervention Practice for Cancer Prevention among Latinas."\n"The main mission that we try to do is build leadership skills, Latino role models and create a strong Latino network," said Lillian Casillas, La Casa's director. "We celebrate distinctiveness of Latino scholarship and leadership and encourage development through panels and discussions."\nStudents will be given the chance to network with alumni, professionals and with other students throughout the day.\n"It's a great place to network and meet people, we try to build leadership and identify Latino role models and create a strong Latino network," said Jessica Rodriguez, chairperson of the event.\nIUB has 797 self-identified U.S. Latinos, as well as 200 international Latinos. Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the U.S.\nThe conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 6 in the Indiana Memorial Union. There is a $5 registration fee which will include breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Registration must be completed by March 3. \nFor information on how to register, contact Casillas at 855-0174 or by e-mail at mlcasill@indiana.edu.