About the Event
DePaul University is committed to shaping a future where Latinx students don’t just succeed—they thrive. As Latinxs make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population and 30% of Chicago’s, their presence in higher education is growing rapidly. DePaul has a unique opportunity to lead as a premier Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), building bridges between academia and the vibrant Latinx communities that define our city.

At a time when federal support for HSIs is under threat, this salon serves as a call to action. How can we uphold our commitment to Latinx student success, amplify faculty research, and forge deeper partnerships with the communities we serve? Join us for an evening of insightful conversations, bold ideas, and collective vision-building as we reimagine what it means to be an institution that serves large numbers of Latinx students in the current moment.

Keynote Speaker: Deborah Santiago – CEO and co-founder of Excelencia in Education, a leading voice in Latinx higher education, Santiago will offer her perspective on the changing national landscape and current policies and challenges shaping Latinx student access and success today and in the future.

Panel of speakers:

Hear firsthand from DePaul leaders and graduates who are driving change in their communities. Alumni will share their experiences as student leaders, reflect on DePaul’s impact, and explore innovative ways the university can strengthen its role in community and service.

Panelists are:

Dania Matos: Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at DePaul University
Marisol Morales: Executive Director, Carnegie Elective Classifications at the American Council on Education,
Nancy Villafranca Guzmán: Founder and ED of Raices: Chicago Story Coalition

Conversation with the audience will follow: Join us as we claim our role as an HSI that leads with community, service, and impact at its core. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the transformation!

Spotlight on Faculty Research, Student Organizations, and University Initiatives – Discover groundbreaking research on Latinx Chicago and explore initiatives across DePaul that are transforming academic, professional, and personal outcomes for Latinx students.

Latinx in Higher Ed: Success, Service and Community