
Diane Guerrero; Amada Esquivel; Aleiah Jones/UT’s Director of the Office of
Multicultural Student Success; Meyling Ruiz; and Teresa Alvarado
By Linda Alvarado-Arce
This past Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, The University of Toledo (UT) welcomed 6th-12th grade students, parents, and community members to its 41st Annual Conference for Aspiring Minority Youth. In attendance were 100s of students and adults, all eager to hear Diane Guerrero, author, actress, and immigration activist, and Jason Reynolds, author and co-author of the book “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” with Ibram X. Kendi.
According to Claudia Rodriguez-Diaz, the Community Liaison for Toledo Public Schools (TPS), “This event was very inspiring for everyone! The speakers were very powerful and empowering. They overcame adversity with so much strength within them. It was a great event!”
Reina Chavez, an Avance Latinx Académico Society (ALAS) board member, said that she loved how this event “gave so much time for students to ask questions because it was a great way for them to be seen and heard by such accomplished role models.”
Diane Guerrero spoke on how “forward progress comes from the ability to imagine more” and how “wanting more” involves “being open to more” and “envisioning your future!”
Both presenters spoke about not dwelling on negative energy or letting it define you.
Jason Reynolds said people doing things will always have haters, to keep a small but strong circle of friends around you that always have your back and let the others go. Overall, the event was a success, and hopefully, more Latinx students can and will take advantage of it next year!
For more information about the University of Toledo Excel Program visit www.utoledo.edu/success/excel