Latino Institute Features Diverse Guests in New Series  

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute's virtual series, "Café con Joes" welcomes diverse and dynamic speakers every Wednesday at 4 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The series, inspired by the monthly meetings the Institute hosted for its scholars, aims to keep Seton Hall students engaged and connected to prominent Latino professionals. The series covers topics ranging from arts, sciences and business to philanthropy, communications and professional development.

"When the University shifted to virtual learning and cancelled on-campus events, students asked to continue learning from the diverse professionals the Institute invites to its events. We decided to move our 'Café con Joes' fireside chats online and make them every week, to keep students connected and engaged through the end of the semester. Over the last few sessions, we've found common themes of resiliency, pivoting and embracing the change," says Ana Campoverde, Executive Director of the Latino Institute. The series has been met with positive feedback from students who have heard from three speakers to date.

The series is open to all Seton Hall University students.

April 1 – Let's Talk About Mental Health:
Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute Board of Advisors member and Seton Hall University alumnus, Dr. Enmanuel Mercedes, alongside University staff psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Mazzetti connected with students on feelings of anxiety, isolation and maintaining positivity during the coronavirus outbreak. Students shared their experiences, asked insightful questions and listened to the stories and advice from Dr. Mercedes and Dr. Mazzetti.

April 2 – Resume, Interviews and Networking Chat:
Natal Alves, Senior Specialist, Human Resources Strategy at BMW North America and Alethea Corrales, Recruiter at Amazon shared their powerful insight in to standing out amongst hundreds of applicants during job searches. They shared tips on preparing a resume, virtual interviews and maintaining a strong professional network.

April 15 – Empowered Latinas, Empower Latinas:
Maday Martinez, Founder and CEO of Union City Music and Dance Academy and Project DALE, shared how she embraced her Cuban American heritage and ventured into entrepreneurship. She and the students connected on self-branding, developing confidence and uniting dual identities.

April 22 – Own Your Story: Resiliency in an Unprecedented Time:
Jeffrey Martinez, Executive Vice President, East Territory Executive at PNC Bank will share his story, highlights of his career and how he went from the U.S. Army National Guard into the financial services industry. He will share insight into the economy during the coronavirus outbreak and aim to have students recognize the resiliency within themselves.

April 29 – It's Okay, Charge Ahead:
"It's okay to not have everything figured out," says Joel Paulino, Senior Brand Manager, Avion & Altos at Pernord Ricard USA and Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute Board of Advisors member. Joel will share his story, career trajectory, provide insight into his industry and encourage students to embrace progress within these unprecedented times.

Categories: Arts and Culture