CALAHE empowers Latinos in higher education

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted the annual Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education (CALAHE) conference on Nov. 1 at the Student Center. The event brought together high school and college students, educators, and community members from across the state to promote higher education access through workshops on topics such as financial aid, networking, mental health and self-care, and advice for parents.  

“This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Minds for Success,’ captures the purpose of this gathering and the mission that unites us at Eastern,” said Eastern President Karim Ismaili during his welcome speech. “For more than four decades, this organization has opened doors for students and professionals across the state.” 

Ismaili continued: “The path to college isn’t always easy. There will be challenges and moments of doubt, but remember, those moments are not barriers. They are steps that teach resilience, courage, and self-belief.”  

Keynote speaker Mariana Serrano, health sciences and nursing lecturer at Eastern, shared her story navigating college as a first-generation Afro-Latina student. Her presentation, titled “The Power of T.I.M.E.,” showed attendees empowering techniques to self-discovery and mindfulness through four tenets: thankfulness, inspiration, meditation, and exercise.

The conference featured workshops to equip students with tools and resources for their college career. One such component was a college fair, featuring all the institutions under the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, as well as the University of Connecticut and Albertus Magnus College.  

The event closed with a student panel, where current college students engaged in personal conversations and advised attendees on the challenges of higher education, from time management to mental health.  

CALAHE is a statewide organization founded to promote and advocate for access, retention, and participation of Latinos throughout Connecticut’s colleges and universities. It plays “a vital role in ensuring Latino students, faculty, and staff have the support and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Opportunity Programs Director Christina Irizarry.  

The association connects educators, administrators, and advocates who are committed to improving outcomes for Latino students, while helping institutions better understand and respond to the needs of Latino populations.  

“CALAHE empowers future leaders while promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation across Connecticut’s higher education institutions,” said Irizarry.