October 31, 2008 - The Department of Diversity and Intercultural Relations is sponsoring the first event of its Hispanic Futures Conference series. The conference will take place at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 9.  

The theme of the event is: “Be Informed and Aware of your Resources and Power.” Hispanic students and parents from all Austin schools are invited to attend the conference, where speakers and exhibits will provide information, materials, and hands-on experiences that will help to advance academic achievement.  
 
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Olga A. Vasquez, who will speak about university and community collaboration in education, principles of respect for the community, and issues of diversity in education. She will also talk about the promise and opportunity of programs and initiatives like the Hispanic Futures Conference and La Clase Mágica, a community-based, technology-rich, after-school program for English Language Learners.  
 
Over the course of the academic year, there will be a series of Hispanic Futures Conference events across the city based on the theme, “Towards a 21st Century Education.” These events will focus on bi-literacy, youth leadership, health and housing, parental and community engagement, and college and workforce readiness. The series serves as a platform for supportive programs that inform, prepare, engage, and empower Hispanic youth and their parents.  
 
For more information, please call Leonor Cisneros at (512) 414-0884.