This month, delegates from the Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) had incredible opportunities to connect and grow. Huge thanks to Hispanic Heritage Founder, Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. who joined our State Seal of Biliteracy panel to hear from students in Dunkirk, Jamestown, and Buffalo as they delivered their presentations in Spanish. We also wrapped up the institute at Niagara University, where students engaged in a pre-mock assembly, refining their voices and leadership skills. Thank you for the hospitality, Elizabeth Falzone! The WNY delegation is ready to take the next steps in debating with other student leaders in Albany very soon!

Students from Buffalo, Dunkirk, and Jamestown participating in the Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute have had the incredible opportunity to learn from two distinguished speakers this month.

On January 10th, María Pérez-Gómez facilitated a workshop on Latine identity centering the magic of the Le Lo Lai.

Today we welcomed Assemblymember Rivera, representing New York State’s 149th Assembly District to our campus, who spoke with our delegation about his role and impact in our community. Our students asked thought-provoking questions, gaining valuable advice on debating on the Assembly floor in Albany, where they will engage in discussions with other delegations.

A huge thank you to María Pérez-Gómez and Assemblymember Rivera for taking the time to speak with our delegation and for the important work they continue do for our WNY community. Please know that your dedication, advocacy and leadership inspire the next generation. 

Students from PRHYLI had the incredible opportunity to attend a talk with renowned author Sandra Cisneros. During the event, they learned about her unique writing process and the inspirations behind her celebrated works. Afterward, students were able to ask insightful questions during the Q&A session, deepening their understanding of her storytelling approach. To top it off, they were thrilled to receive autographs from the author herself, making the experience truly unforgettable.

On May 11, 2024, the PR/HYLI Western Delegation celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s work at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State University. The students showcased their work based on this year’s conference theme, "The Art of Democracy," which provided the perfect canvas for the students to express their "dreams for democracy" through the creation of ceramic vessels. The dream vessels, meticulously crafted by hand, served as artistic testimonies of the students' "Justice Dreams towards Democracy." Each vessel bore witness to historical and contemporary injustices, sparking critical thought, healing, and empowerment. Dr. Morales and Dr. Hunter, both of SUNY Buffalo State University, supported students in this companion project for our PR/HYLI students. Three of the PR/HYLI students effortlessly facilitated this culminating event that featured special invited guests including Dr. Wendy Patterson, Dean of the School of Education at SUNY Buffalo State University, Dr. Callie Johnson, Buffalo Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement, Candace Black, Associate in World Languages at NYSED OBEWL, Sean Ryan, NYS 61st District Senator, and Jonathan Rivera, NYS 149th District Assemblymember.