¡CONÈCTATE! at EOU

Gathering seeks to connect Latino-serving organizations

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3585
Source contact: Vicky Hart, University Advancement, 541-962-3844 

LA GRANDE, Ore. April 17, 2017 – Organizations with a focus on serving the region’s Latino communities are converging at Eastern Oregon University Saturday, June 3 for “¡CONÈCTATE!”

The gathering is the first of its kind to be held on campus and EOU is coordinating with the Oregon Community and Ford Family foundations to bring the idea to fruition. The objective is for non-profit and community leaders to gain knowledge from one another while building key relationships with regional partners to increase access to resources and information.

“It is important for the Oregon Community Foundation’s Latino Partnership Program to not only explore the most effective ways to respond to the growing needs of Latinos in rural communities, but also celebrate their contributions,” said Mirna Loreli Cibrian, community engagement coordinator for OCF’s grants and programs department. “¡CONÈCTATE! is an opportunity to hear directly from Latino serving organizations and leaders, and also for folks to connect with each other.”

Panels, round-table discussions and facilitated conversations throughout the day will focus on Latino leadership, education, immigration and ongoing philanthropic projects in the region.

“It has been great working with these groups and our campus partners to bring this event to EOU,” said Gina Galaviz-Yap, the university’s director of admissions. “Because of the challenges in terms of access and distance that we all face living in eastern Oregon, one of the main focuses of this program is to get Latino serving organizations from all over the region to connect and collaborate.”

Sidronio Rangel, president of the Associated Students of EOU, sits on the organizing committee. He is a first-generation student set to graduate in June with a bachelor’s of arts degree.

“To lead, innovate and pave a road for the chance to share and learn with other Latino-serving organizations is something to be proud of,” Rangel said. “This work being done today will embark ¡CONÈCTATE! on a new journey that will leave a legacy for eastern Oregon – something that is long overdue.”

For more information and to register, visit www.eou.edu/conectate.