Riverside City College Students Gain Life-Changing Experiences at National HACU Conference

Riverside City College (RCC) expresses its deepest gratitude for the support that made it possible for Associate Professor Maria M. Maness, Dr. Kris Acevedo, Dr. Ginger White, Luis Molina and Ruby Acevedo and five RCC students to attend the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) conference in Denver, Colorado. This transformative event offered students the chance to engage in professional workshops, connect with leaders across the country, and explore career pathways.

“This experience showed me that leadership is a journey of growth and connection. I am grateful to RCC for this life-changing opportunity and for your unwavering support of our academic and personal success” stated Carelia Torres, RCC student.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is a national organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for Hispanic students in the U.S. Founded in 1986, HACU represents more than 500 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success. Through programs, conferences, and scholarships, HACU provides critical resources for Hispanic students, empowering them to achieve academic and professional success.

For two of our students, the conference marked their first time flying and participating in a professional event. This journey represented an invaluable stepping-stone for these young scholars, equipping them with both career insights and personal growth opportunities. Professor Maness and Dr. Acevedo facilitated impactful conversations, inspiring students to adopt a “Sí Se Puede” (Yes We Can) mentality as they navigate their academic and career journeys.

One of our standout students, Sebastian, was selected from over 700 attendees to apply for the prestigious HACU Ambassadorship—a testament to his dedication and potential. His achievement reflects the drive and aspirations of RCC students, all of whom benefitted immensely from the experience.

The students shared their personal reflections, underscoring the conference’s influence on their career outlook, self-confidence, and aspirations. For example, George Molinero spoke of newfound connections and opportunities, including internships in states he had never previously considered. He said, “HACU greatly increased my confidence in my leadership abilities and my sense of belonging.”

Another student, Carelia Torres, expressed gratitude for the chance to develop professional skills and learn from other leaders. She highlighted the transformative power of simple actions, such as a confident handshake, which she recognized as setting the tone for leadership interactions.

One first-generation student attending the conference noted how engaging with professionals who shared his background deepened his sense of purpose and provided him with invaluable insights and networking opportunities. “A highlight of this trip was networking with a lawyer who introduced me to the Justice Douglas Pre-Law Fellowship Program,” he shared, emphasizing how the experience illuminated new pathways.

 “HACU gave us an amazing opportunity to network, build leadership skills, and gain confidence. I left Colorado with a clear sense of direction and a new motivation to pursue internships and opportunities nationwide” stated George Molinero, RCC student.

RCC is committed to providing such enriching opportunities to our students, helping them to build skills, foster connections, and envision paths beyond the college campus. With your continued support, we look forward to expanding access to these life-changing experiences.