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Last week, we concluded two HISPA Leaders in College cohorts at Passaic County Community College.

As a final close to this transformative program, we had students put the skills they learned
throughout—networking, interviewing, internships, professional communication—to the test. Thank you to Rajesh S., Stephanie Leiva, L. Max Perez, and Roberto Mejia for taking the time to network and celebrate with our students.

We were wowed by the testimonies students shared. One key takeaway was the importance of being seen and welcomed. HISPA’s mission is to inspire students to discover their potential; this includes creating environments where students can build their confidence and access opportunities.

Thank you so much to our partners, Bloomberg and Merck, and to William Paterson University of New Jersey and Ramapo College of New Jersey for hosting select sessions. Every time you are present for our students, it gives them the opportunity to know they can shine! Special thanks to our session guests: Luis Valle Burguete, Iveth Cestona, CPA, CGMA, Adolfo Pertuz, MBS, Isabel Perez, Ph.D., Noani Propst, PMP, MBS, CEM, Sophia Castaneda, Belmarie Siverio, and Erick Villavicencio. Your impact resonates with our students.

Thank you to the Passaic County Community College team:Yelena Lyudmilova, Ed.D., Garland G. Collins M.A. , Maxwell Toledo, Ian Berdugo, Antonio Hernandez, Aleeah Powell, and Abrar Rawashdeh, MA, specially Susan Gaulden for believing in our work and mission and for opening the doors once again to impact students’ lives.

Looking forward to the new semester!

During , we want to recognize and celebrate the incredible teachers and counselors who make a lasting impact every single day. 🍎✨

Teachers and counselors are so much more than educators and advisors. They are mentors, role models, advocates, and a source of encouragement for students navigating their futures. Their dedication helps build confidence, spark ambition, and create opportunities that can truly change lives.

At HISPA, we are deeply grateful to the teachers and counselors who support our students and help bring our HISPA programs to life, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Because of your commitment, students are reminded that their dreams are possible and their potential is limitless.

Thank you for the passion, care, and energy you bring into your schools and communities every day. It is an honor to work alongside educators who are transforming lives and shaping brighter futures. 💙

Last week, HISPA had its first-ever Imagine Day at Turner Construction Company! It was not only a milestone for HISPA, but a wonderful collaboration to celebrate Founder’s Day at Turner Construction Company!

During this celebration, students:

🌟Got inspired by Amaury Genao, who kicked things off with his incredible energy and introduction to Turner.

⭐Immersed themselves in the world of construction with a guided tour of the Turner office.

👷Tackled real-world challenges through the Build the Bridge: Construction & Coordination Workshop, a great way for students to learn what it takes to be part of the industry.

✋ Heard from a wonderful panel about the diverse professionals and functions that make modern construction possible.

A special thank you to all the Turner volunteers for their dedication and commitment to expanding students’ horizons about diverse career opportunities and future leadership opportunities.

What a great way to celebrate the conclusion of Financial Literacy Month: an empowering Leadership Workshop for HISPA’s Leaders in College students, hosted by Bank of America! Student cohorts from New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Norm Brodsky College of Business at Rider University, and Mercer County Community College spent an incredible day during which Bank of America demonstrated that leadership isn’t just a topic—it is a lived experience.

A massive thank you to the incredible team who made this day possible:

🌟 To David Riascos for leading the charge. A day full of networking and expansion is possible when you set your mind to it.

🌟 To Kowsky Georges for sharing your wisdom about leadership extending beyond titles and into our daily work.

📈 To Matthew Armendinger, CFP® for the expert breakdown on how investing is key to financial success.

📝 To Chris Dumont, Lori Hendricks, and Amy Brinkman for an all-star panel emphasizing the importance of adaptability, that success is built beyond a GPA, and that a well-crafted resume is your "ticket to opportunity.”

🎤 To Coral Peguero for moderating such a dynamic session and synthesizing these golden nuggets of advice.

We are so grateful to Bank of America for closing the gap between what is achievable and what is possible with the power of community and determination.