Pictured LTR: Alejandra Campoverdi and Raul Sagrero Gaona
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 30th annual César E. Chávez Leadership Conference (CECLC) to full capacity for the first time since 2019 earlier this month.
More than 950 participants came together to attend leadership, cultural, and educational workshops, connecting students with colleges and career representatives, and celebrating the achievements of Oregon’s Latiné community.
“CECLC opens doors for students to see themselves not just in college, but as leaders in higher education and beyond. Surrounded by welcoming communities and powerful presenters, they begin to believe in their own potential and the limitless possibilities ahead,” shared Cristian Mendez Garcia, assistant director of Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives. “It’s a privilege to host these incredible students and witness the spark of their future take hold.”
This year’s keynote speaker was Alejandra Campoverdi, a nationally recognized advocate for educational opportunity and women’s health, a bestselling author, founder, and former White House aide.
“It’s not an overstatement to say that CECLC changes lives. The inspiration and sense of possibility in the room was palpable, and I’m grateful to have been welcomed into such a vibrant community-driven conference,” shared Campoverdi.
For nearly three decades, Latiné students from across Oregon have gathered to honor the legacy of César E. Chávez and to celebrate leadership, culture, and community. What began in 1990 as a small gathering of Hispanic high school students from Portland Public Schools has grown into a powerful movement.
“As a first-generation college student, attending conferences like the CECLC and receiving scholarships like the First Gen Fund have allowed me to grow as an influential leader in my community,” shared Raul Sagrero Gaona, a fourth-year student at Western, majoring in Spanish and Psychology. “Being recognized by the First Gen Fellowship recognizes my journey as the first in my family to attend college, honoring both my achievements and the sacrifices of those who have supported me along the way. These opportunities have inspired me to advocate and bring awareness to the challenges we face daily in our Hispanic communities.”
The CECLC continues to be a vital platform for empowering Latiné youth, fostering leadership skills, and promoting cultural pride. As the conference celebrates its legacy, it also looks forward to inspiring the next generation of leaders in Oregon and beyond.
CECLC 2025 Highlights: https://youtu.be/vGKwfFiKXUo
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
