In what started as an idea by Executive Director Dr. Felipe Lopez-Sustaita a couple years ago, has become quite an exciting and beautiful event to witness. With about 350 people in attendance, the 2018 Statewide Hispanic/Latino College Graduation Ceremony celebrated their second annual ceremony at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan Friday, April 6, 2018. 70 graduates made it from across the State of Michigan to take part in the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan Program. With so many colleges and universities that were represented, I would be embarrassed to mention them by name and miss one as it appeared we had graduates from quite a few different entities.
The Statewide Graduation kicked off a big weekend for the Latino community in Michigan. Following the graduation was a fundraising event for Cristo Rey Community Center aboard the Michigan Princess. The next day was the 25th Dia de la Mujer at the Kellogg Center located on the campus of Michigan State University. The usual attendance there is about 550 people from around the State making it one of the biggest conferences in Michigan. Saturday evening brought in the popular Latin Xplosion program also at the Kellogg Center.
Lansing has long needed more events catering to the Latino population and this one not only has been successful, it has in only two years become a “can’t miss’ event. Congrats to Dr. Felipe Lopez-Sustaita and his team on their success and future success of this program. Felicidades go out to all the graduates who made it to Lansing and much continued success in all of your endeavors!
The Hispanic Latino Commission exists to advocate for the well-being of the Hispanic/Latino population with the vision of achieving an environment of social justice and economic parity for the Hispanic/Latino population.
Mission: To enhance the abilities of Michigan Hispanics by improving their quality of life and by:
Promoting the appointment of more Hispanics in positions of influence in the public and private sector.
Increasing the economic growth and stability of Hispanics.
Increasing awareness and support of Hispanic issues by local and state government officials.
Promoting better education and academic achievement of Hispanics.
Creating a participatory, empowered Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan
Vision: To achieve an environment of social justice and economic parity for the Hispanic/Latino population.
The Hispanic/Latino Commission is a 15-member Commission under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor of Michigan, for three-year terms, subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate. Commission Leadership is elected from within the Commission.
Noel Garcia – Chair
Sonya Hernandez – Vice Chair
Jeremiah Hernandez – Secretary
Juan Marinez – Trustee
Your Commissoners can be found at this link: https://www.michigan.gov/hlcom/0,7478,7-354-80572—,00.html
To connect with the Commission please email them at hlcomm@michigan.gov or call them at 517-373-8339 or reach out to them via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlcommission/
