Community Events

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Mariana graduated from Merici High School and received a journalism degree from Universidad Católica. When the government of Hugo Chávez shut down independent media outlets in her home country, she participated in student protests for democracy. After being assaulted in an armed robbery, Mariana left for the United States when she received a full- merit scholarship to Columbia University’s Journalism School and received her master’s degree in broadcast journalism.

Mariana got her big break anchoring and reporting at Univision, where she also filed stories for the Documentaries and Investigative Unit. She won a Peabody Award and an Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Award for her work uncovering illegal weapons sold across the border in Mexico. She also won a Gracie Award for directing, writing, and reporting PRESSionados, a documentary about press freedom in Latin America.

Early Bird Conference Tickets Ends March 1, 2025: DIA DE LA MUJER

Mariana made the crossover from Spanish to English-speaking television as a national correspondent for NBC News where she was known for her boots-on-the-ground, engaging, and empathic field work. Her investigative work on Latin America, the Latino community, cartel violence, women’s and migrants’ rights earned her three Emmy nominations, a Hillman Prize, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award.

In the course of her broadcast career, Mariana has reported from places like Haiti, the Syrian border, and China, underscoring the common threads in our humanity and that we are all more alike than different. She has interviewed dozens of notable figures, including Pope Francis, President Joe Biden, King Felipe VI of Spain, Nancy Pelosi, chef and humanitarian José Andrés, author Yuval Noah Harari, and director Francis Ford Coppola.

Early Bird Conference Tickets End March 1, 2025: DIA DE LA MUJER

Register Today for the 30th Dia de la Mujer Conference!

DDLM Website: DIA DE LA MUJER

DDLM Facebook Page: Facebook

Salsa Verde, founded in 2008, was created for students to practice and perform Afro-Cuban music. Over the years, they’ve played concerts, festivals, cultural events, and more across Michigan. Their performances feature music by legends like Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Tito Puente, and Gloria Estefan, with many original arrangements by the band. Salsa Verde is made up of students and faculty from the MSU College of Music.

Purchase Tickets: Feb 22 – Salsa Verde

Doors open at 5:00pm with a dance lesson at 8:30pm, and the show starting at 9:00pm. Limited table reservations are available online. If purchasing a table, please plan to arrive 30 minutes before the performance to get settled. For general admission, hover over the yellow “General Admission” box on the seating chart on the website for details.

Presale Tickets: $15.00 – At the Door: $20.00.

Urban Beat Website: UrbanBeat | Lansing’s Premier Customizable Event Venue

Urban Beat Facebook Page: Facebook

Urban Beat Facebook Event Page: Salsa Verde Band | Facebook

Purchase Tickets: Feb 22 – Salsa Verde

The “Quince” for the Annual Cesar. E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta Celebration will take place Saturday, March 29, 2025, once again at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University. From 6:00pm to 10:00pm, attendees will celebrate farmworkers through conversation, food and dance. The well attended event will be highlighted by awards, a packed house and great food. More details to come!

The Annual Dia de la Mujer Leadership & Empowerment Conference will be held March 22, 2025, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. The Annual Conference is the largest Latina conference in the Midwest. Held at the Kellogg Center on the Campus of Michigan State University, this is a “can’t miss” event.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED

$25 Early Bird Registration ends March 1st, 2025

Onsite Registration is March 22nd and only guarantees a printed schedule of the conference.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: http://ddlm.ocat.msu.edu/registration/

The 30th Annual DDLM Conference is:

Date: March 22, 2025

Time: 8:00AM-5:00PM

Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center

Address: 219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

Phone: 517-432-4000

For more information, please contact Juan Flores at floresj2@vps.msu.edu or the MSU Office of Academic Transitions (OCAT) at 517-353-7745. To Register: DIA DE LA MUJER (msu.edu)