Seton Hall Welcomed Emerging Hispanic Leaders for Weeklong Leadership Experience

Seton Hall University recently welcomed talented high school students from across the country for the American Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session, a flagship leadership program presented by the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). The seven-night residential experience brought 135 rising high school juniors to campus for an immersive week of leadership development and civic engagement.

Hosted on Seton Hall's South Orange campus, the program challenged students to explore public policy, strengthen their communication skills and collaborate with peers as they tackled real-world issues through simulations, debates and legislative exercises. Participants also experienced campus life firsthand while building friendships with fellow emerging leaders from diverse communities.

“It is a remarkable event to see two institutions so thoroughly dedicated to the leadership advancement of the Latino youth working toward the same goal. In one short week, NHI's programming combined with Seton Hall's campus, staff and hospitality created an environment where young leaders of tomorrow were able to root themselves in their community,” said George Nicolas Rodriguez ’20 / M.A. ‘22, an NHI alumnus and two-time Seton Hall graduate. “They have been propelled forward with the faith and optimism at the heart of both of these organizations, and their leadership will guide in the years ahead.”

Hosting the American Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session reflects Seton Hall's emphasis on preparing students to lead with purpose, serve their communities and make a positive difference. As a Catholic university, Seton Hall is proud to partner with organizations that inspire the next generation of leaders.

“We are proud to welcome these emerging leaders to Seton Hall and support their growth through meaningful, hands-on experiences,” said Erik Lillquist, J.D., interim provost and executive vice president of Seton Hall University. “Our partnership with the National Hispanic Institute gives students the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, engage with important issues and prepare to make a difference in their communities.”

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of interactive workshops and collaborative leadership exercises designed to strengthen their confidence, public speaking and understanding of governance. The residential program also introduced participants to college life through campus experiences and opportunities to connect with Seton Hall faculty, staff and student leaders.

The program extended beyond the classroom through experiential learning opportunities, including visits to New York City and engagement with professionals and community leaders who shared insights into leadership, public service and career pathways.

One highlight of the week included programming hosted in partnership with Seton Hall's Unanue Latino Institute, which connected students with accomplished Latino leaders and professionals. During one panel discussion, participants explored topics ranging from leadership and representation to educational and career opportunities.

“The purpose of this experience is to help students understand that history is not finished,” Lori Tarke, executive director of Seton Hall’s Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute and moderator of the event. “Every generation inherits the work of those who came before them. The question is not whether history is watching — it is whether they will answer the call to become part of it.”

For many participants, the experience offered more than leadership training; it provided an opportunity to discover new perspectives, build lasting relationships and develop the confidence to pursue their goals.

According to NHI Magazine, Cruz Ramos of Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska, named one of the program’s Most Promising Leaders, participating in the executive cabinet and meeting participants from throughout the Americas. “My overall experience was amazing, one of the experiences in which I’ve grown the most in my entire life,” Ramos stated. ““I have grown up and lived in a small farming town of 30 people in Iowa... My proposal was about bringing education to them… this is something that I’ve been working on and thinking about.”

“I went into it not really knowing what was going to happen,” said Alexandra Poyo of George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania to NHI Magazine. “We were all a little bit unsure, but seeing people take that initiative and getting a lot of success out of that was really valuable. The entire program was filled with capable, extroverted, qualified people… and just being able to assert yourself and share your ideas was a really big part of it.”  

The partnership with the National Hispanic Institute also reflects the University's Strategic Plan, which emphasizes expanding access to transformative educational experiences, strengthening community partnerships and preparing students to become principled leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Seton Hall looks forward to building on its partnership with the National Hispanic Institute and continuing to welcome future cohorts of student leaders to campus in the years ahead.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Nation and World