GVSU hosts 2024 Latine Summit

Grand Valley hosted on June 21 the Michigan Latine Summit, which drew together leaders from across the state to address ways to break down barriers, support and create opportunities for Latinos.

The summit at the Eberhard Center, led by the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan , was designed to bring together organizations to discuss best practices in reaching, supporting and serving the Latino population. This summit served to address systemic and structural issues impacting organizations serving Latinos on a daily basis.

“GVSU is proud of our record of success in creating educational opportunities for the Latino community,”  said President Philomena V. Mantella. “We are honored to host similar-minded organizations as we collaborate on this work which will have a vital impact on Michigan's future.”

Mantella shared opening remarks before the summit featured a welcome video from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that was presented to an audience of over 200 people.

“Michigan’s strength lies in our diversity,” Gov. Whitmer said in her video statement. “I encourage you all to keep identifying challenges, brainstorming solutions and charting a roadmap for an inclusive, equitable future.”

Grand Valley Chief of Staff to the President and Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, Jesse Bernal is the chair of the commission. The groups purpose is to advocate for the Hispanic/Latino community specifically working toward social justice and economic parity 

The summit held breakout sessions, providing attendees an opportunity to hold conversations about pursuing organizational goals.

Consuela Barber-Lopez, executive director of AMANDLA, a council of grassroots organizations in Metro Detroit dedicated to improving collective response to crimes and engagement with communities of color, served as the summit’s keynote speaker.