Wyoming Latina Youth Conference Oct. 13

Students will gather in Laramie Oct. 13-14 for the 17th annual Wyoming Latina Youth Conference (WLYC).

WLYC is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization focused on empowering at-risk young Latinas through mentorship and awareness. The conference targets fifth-12th-grade girls of Hispanic descent and attracts young Latinas throughout Wyoming.

After many years being held in Cheyenne, the conference has permanently moved under the wing of the UW Latina/o Studies Program.

“UW Latina/o Studies Program has taken, under its fiscal umbrella, the WLYC. We are proud to do so, because it gives us great visibility throughout the state of Wyoming,” says Cecelia Aragon, Latina/o Studies Program director.

Cost for students is $35 before Oct. 6 and $45 after that date. The fee includes all conference events, an evening banquet dinner Oct. 13, and breakfast and lunch on workshop day Oct. 14. The registration form and full schedule of events are available online at www.wyominglatinayouthconference.com. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct.12.

This year’s conference, “Embracing Leadership, Science and Creativity,” will be held on campus and at the Laramie Hilton Garden Inn. The Power of Choice conference is a two-day event that includes an opening-night banquet followed by a fun-filled night of activities and a day packed with informative workshops.

Students will take part in a variety of workshops to discuss such topics as healthy relationships and identity, robotics and leadership. The conference program includes a tour of the UW Art Museum and a session devoted to learning about the UW admissions process.

“All participants will receive information that they can take back to their communities to continue the work of the Power of Choice program,” Aragon says.

Keynote speaker at the Friday banquet is Linda Alvarado, president and CEO of Alvarado Construction Inc., a large general contracting firm in Denver. She also is part owner of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. Alvarado has been nominated as one of the most influential Hispanics in the nation and has made continuous efforts to support women’s professional development.

The banquet is open to the public at a cost of $45 per person. Reservations are required by emailing wlyc.mail@gmail.com.

“Scholarship assistance is available on the conference website for students who may otherwise not be able to attend,” Aragon says.

Scholarship information is available by emailing wlyc.mail@gmail.com.