News Summary
Vanguard University recently concluded its Leadership and Latina/o Identity course, celebrating 37 participants. The event emphasized the importance of diversity in leadership, with plans for expanding the program under new director Celina Canales. President Michael Beals pointed out the need for greater representation, aiming for future Latina/o leadership within university administration. The program focused on cultural identity and personal leadership skills, contributing to the development of future leaders in the Latino community.
Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA – Vanguard University recently celebrated the completion of its Leadership and Latina/o Identity course, a six-week program designed for first-year and transfer Latino students. The ceremony honored the participation of 37 students, marking a significant step in fostering leadership among Latino youth within the university.
Vanguard President Michael Beals delivered remarks during the event, highlighting the need for diversity in leadership. He pointed out that of the ten past university presidents since 1920, only one is a woman, and all are of white descent. Beals expressed his strong belief that within two presidential terms, a Latino or Latina will ascend to the presidency at Vanguard University, signaling a shift towards inclusivity that reflects the current student demographic.
As of now, approximately 47% of Vanguard’s student body identifies as Latino heritage, marking this group as the largest demographic on campus. Nationally, reports show that 25% of first-generation college students are also of Latino descent, emphasizing the importance of tailored programs that support this community.
Celina Canales, who was appointed as the new director of the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership in August, shared her enthusiasm for expanding the Leadership and Latina/o Identity program. She has a personal connection to the late Dr. Jesse Miranda, an influential figure in the Hispanic Evangelical movement who passed away in 2019. Under her leadership, Canales aims to enhance the program, transitioning it to a credit-earning course in the future to further engage Latino students.
During the course, students explored various themes such as cultural identity, emotional intelligence, and goal-setting, facilitated by faculty and administrative leaders. The program is voluntary and currently offers chapel credit without academic credit. However, students who completed the program were recognized with gifts, including crew-neck sweatshirts and laptop sleeves.
Students like Benito De La Rosa shared insights gained from the course, emphasizing the importance of personal leadership in navigating challenges. Emiliano Sosa, a third-year student and alumnus of the program, remarked on how the course assisted him in recognizing his cultural roots and developing vital leadership skills to succeed in his academic and professional journeys.
Dr. Michael Jimenez, an associate professor, served as the keynote speaker at the ceremony, discussing his research on Dr. Miranda and emphasizing the significance of leadership development within the Latino community. The collaborative nature of this initiative aims to scaffold leadership training throughout students’ college careers, progressing from personal leadership skills in their first year to more advanced organizational leadership strategies in their senior year.
Canales expressed a commitment to ensuring that every Latino student graduates with the confidence and capabilities necessary to excel in work environments and leadership roles. The event not only celebrated current achievements but also highlighted the university’s vision for future Latina/o leadership within its administration. With the demographic trends at Vanguard University suggesting a growing Latino population, the potential for a future president of Latino descent remains a tangible goal, promising a more diverse and representative leadership structure in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Trains Next Generation of Latina/o Leaders
- PR Newswire: Vanguard University Announces Naming of Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management
- Newport Beach Independent: Local Immigrant Mother Inspires Latina Business Owner
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard Graduate Looking to Study the Brain
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Introduces Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management
