Columbus, NE- The Sueños Summit 2024 was held on October 15 at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska, bringing together nearly 400 students from across the state. The event aimed to equip Latino students, particularly those from rural areas, with the tools and resources needed to shape their academic and professional paths. Organized in collaboration with Centro Hispano of Columbus, Central Community College, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, ESU7, Nebraska Community Foundation, and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), the summit focused on empowering the next generation of Latino leaders.
The day began with sessions designed to help students navigate higher education and career planning. Representatives from Northeast Community College, Central Community College, and Nebraska Wesleyan University participated in the first panel, discussing the admissions process, and offering valuable insights on building academic pathways. Karina Perez, Executive Director of Centro Hispano, highlighted the significance of community collaboration in bringing the event to life, emphasizing its impact on Latino students exploring career options.
“I am excited about the collaboration, and how the community comes together every time to make things happen. The community was able to bring Sueños Summit to live. Sueños Summit gives the opportunity to Latino students, especially students from rural Nebraska, to explore and ask questions about different careers.” Karina Perez, Executive Director of Centro Hispano
Another panel included admissions experts from College of St. Mary, Wayne State College, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, who provided students with guidance on scholarships and the admissions process, breaking down barriers to higher education. A session by EducationQuest introduced students to financial aid options, including the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation scholarships, helping them explore funding opportunities for their education.
A key moment of the summit was the Success Stories panel, where individuals shared their personal journeys of overcoming challenges, offering inspiration to students. NPPD, through its Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Yesenia Peck, expressed pride in participating in the event and reinforced the company’s commitment to building relationships with the community and offering career opportunities for Nebraska’s future workforce. Peck commended the efforts of the summit’s organizers, emphasizing the passion and collaboration that made the event a success.
“When things are done with your heart and expertise, great things happen. This summit is a testament of the collaboration, passion and professionalism of the organizers, volunteers and sponsors involved.” Yesenia Peck, who is also President of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The summit featured a dynamic keynote address from David Edward Garcia, a motivational comedian fluent in five languages, who shared his story of overcoming adversity and achieving academic success. His message of perseverance and self-belief resonated with students, leaving a lasting impact.
With the participation of over 25 communities, the Sueños Summit 2024 was a significant success, providing students with valuable education, inspiration, and connections to educational institutions and future employers. Congratulations Nebraska!