Conference hosts Latino leaders

Boston University hosted the fifth annual New England Latino Student Leadership Conference last weekend, attracting more than 300 attendees from across the country to the George Sherman Union to discuss Latino advancement.

"I think BU is an appropriate place to gather," said Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore in his opening remarks. "We come from a legacy that shows much courage. I hope you will be inspired by our legacy and I hope we give something back [with this conference]."

Keynote speaker Marco Davis praised attendees for working toward a better future for Latinos to "make the young members of the Latino community future leaders."

"You have demonstrated your leadership by coming to this conference," he said.

Conference co-chair Raul Fernandez said he does not think the lacking representation of Latino college students is exclusive to BU.

"I think not only at BU, but at colleges across the board, the Latino student population is not where we want it to be," he said.

The conference held various workshops to address community and leadership development for Latinos.

School of Social Work professor Luz Lopez, said she the conference and workshops were enlightening for Latinos.

"The conference helped create access to information and networks for the Latino students who came," she said. "I don't think many Latinos consider the options they have, but this is a step in the right direction. I think it inspired them to think bigger."