Latina professionals will share their stories with 400 high school students at the Comision Femenil San Fernando Valley (CFSFV) 22nd Annual Adelante Mujer Latina Career Conference on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at California State University, Northridge.

The Latina Career Conference engages high school students in workshops led by Latina professionals, many of whom are from the same neighborhoods as the attendees. This year’s workshops will include more than 20 professional Latinas who use their careers to promote social justice. The Latina women from different educational backgrounds including medicine, dentistry, urban planning, education, physics, design, law, law enforcement and engineering hope to inspire the students by sharing their personal stories of achievement.

Students will learn the necessary steps they must take to pursue their educational ambitions.There will be a workshop focused on preparing students for college and informing them of the financial aid process. The conference will conclude with a college and resources fair.

“The conference cultivates a sense of solidarity as presenters share their passions for their careers,” said Rocio Leal, lifetime member of CFSFV. “Attendees gain new perspectives and wisdom, which may help them develop a stronger connection to their community. I believe it is crucial for women to share their passion with the community because it is at the passion that motivates and inspires others to take action.”

Ana Guerrero, who serves as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s chief of staff, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Comision Femenil addresses the unique challenges faced by Latinas. “As women share their passions with the community, they share their stories, perspectives and knowledge, which call attention to important issues that are often overlooked or dismissed,” said Edith Guerrola, CFSFV co-president.

The Latina professionals emphasize the different challenges they have encountered such as pursuing a career in male- and white-dominated fields, navigating through college as a first-generation student, facing resistance from family or friends when leaving home to attend college and financing an education when the family income is at or below the federal poverty level.

Adelante Mujer Latina Career Conference is organized by Comision Femenil San Fernando Valley, a nonprofit professional volunteer service organization, with the support of Los Angeles Unified School District. CFSFV’s mission is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the Latina and her family through education, leadership development and community involvement.

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