Senderos presents Latino Role Models – a FREE conference for Santa Cruz County students from grade 6 to college and their families. LRM features Latino professionals and college students. The conference is conducted in Spanish with English translation..2026 Keynote Speaker – Dr. Adriana Ayala,
Adriana Ayala, Ph.D is the Executive Director of the Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF), a Bay Area non-profit that promotes pathways for Latinas. Dr. Ayala has more than 20 years experience in higher education as both a professor and administrator. She taught students at community college and four-year university levels and was a trusted leader at several universities. Adriana is also a member of Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (MALCS) where she served two terms as the national chair. Recent Speakers at Latino Role Models
Author and Artist Jaime Cortez – 2024
Executive Director of CLF Olga Talamante & Artist Juan R. Fuentes – 2023
Activist Dolores Huerta – 2022
Professor Manuel Pastor – 2021
Author Reyna Grande – 2020
Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez – 2019.
Organizer: Senderos
Partners: Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, Mexican Consulate (San Jose), and local school districts (PVUSD, SLVUSD, Live Oak, Santa Cruz City, Soquel)
Marco Antonio Mena Rodríguez is the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, having assumed the position in August 2025.
Cabrillo College President Dr. Jenn Capps
Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, said “Latino Role Models provides an inspiring space for students and families to connect with professionals, college students and community members who share real stories, offer practical guidance, and help to widen the path to college and career success.”
The conference program features keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Ayala, Executive Director Chicana Latina Foundation, as well as panel presentations, college and community resources, lunch and door prizes. Please sh
