The 2025-2026 academic school year Leadership Conference will be hosted on Friday May 8, 2026 at Western Oregon University. This is the largest leadership event for Latiné and all students in Oregon, which has brought thousands of students to Western Oregon University to attend workshops/presentations, hear from distinguished speakers, and participate in a college and career fair. This year our theme is “Estamos Aquí” (We Are Here): Asserting Our Presence and Protecting Our Stories. 

We are proud to announce our Keynote Speaker for the Leadership Conference is Gustavo Guerrero. Gustavo is a Western Oregon University alum and a dedicated Field Representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. In this role, Gustavo plays a crucial part in connecting diverse communities across Oregon with Senator Merkley’s office, addressing local concerns, facilitating communication between constituents and their federal government, and ensuring their voices are heard and well represented in Washington D.C. Gustavo‘s background as a Mexican-born immigrant and former DACA recipient shaped his worldview and inspired him to uplift rural and marginalized communities
a passion that has led him to work with and alongside leaders at the local, state, and federal levels

Please email leadershipconference@wou.edu if you have any questions about this year’s conference.

We would like to give a special thank you to our sponsors for their major support of the Leadership Conference. The continued success of our programs relies on the generosity of corporate sponsors, foundations, individuals, and contributors.

Our Key sponsor for this event is the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF)

Accommodations

If you would like to request disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in a WOU activity or event, please complete the online request form at least three (3) business days in advance. If you have questions, contact Disability Access Services (DAS) at 503-838-8250 or das@wou.edu.