Latine Education Summit "Eye Opening" for Durham Tech student representatives
Durham Tech students Nancy Leiva Ramos and Jovani Carrillo Ramirez attended the 2024 Latine Education Summit in Winston-Salem in mid-September, which is a statewide gathering of Latine leaders and education champions committed to advancing Latine success.
The annual assemblage celebrates those who are mobilizing resources and cultivating a thriving Latine education landscape. The goal is to amplify actionable strategies and jointly address the barriers faced by North Carolina’s Latine learners and leaders.
Over the two-day summit, participants learned about the state of Latine education in North Carolina and gained invaluable networking opportunities. The hope is that each participant took home insights and practical steps from statewide leaders to transform learning environments and educational experiences.
“The summit offers students an in-depth exploration of the significant demographic shifts within the Latine community across our state, highlighting the profound changes occurring within our educational ecosystem. It fosters a sense of belonging by highlighting leadership that mirrors their own identities in various sectors of education, both in North Carolina and beyond,” said Abe Dones, Durham Tech vice president and chief student services officer. “Durham Tech had two great representatives in Nancy and Jovani.”
Both students shared that the lessons learned, and relationships built at the gathering were strong and would help them as they move into careers.
“It was eye-opening. It was a broad experience,” said Ramirez, who is studying to be an electrician. “Everyone had commonalities, but such differing experiences and thoughts. It was all new and I was happy to be a part of it.”
Ramos also had many takeaways from the summit. Upon graduation, Ramos, a second-year Business major who is also a beauty entrepreneur who helps others start beauty businesses, hopes to help others in her community and beyond.
“My takeaway from the Latine Summit is important for me. This was my second time attending and I am always reminded to step outside my comfort zone, to push beyond barriers. To follow my passion for people, business and beauty,” Ramos said. “I always leave motivated and ready to take on the next thing.”
This was Ramirez’s first time attending.
“Dr. Dones asked me to come, and I was surprised, grateful and looking forward to it,” Ramirez said. “God definitely put Dr. Dones in my way so I would have this opportunity.”
Dones said the summit provides valuable connections and knowledge for the students who attend.
“For many students, this experience is crucial in affirming their place within the educational landscape and deepening their understanding of the opportunities that await them, despite the challenges posed by the underrepresentation of Latine leaders in our schools,” he said. “Through engaging with national leaders, students can broaden their networks and connect with educators dedicated to nurturing their academic and professional journeys.”
The Latine Summit teaches that as the makeup of schools and communities continues to change, part of the success of North Carolina depends on the success of Latine students and families.
Both Ramos and Ramirez shared the support they received from family and friends as they continued their educational journeys. Both said they see education as providing opportunities for all people, but especially for their community.
“Opportunities come through learning. There are some people who will live their whole lives in Durham without knowing of Durham Tech and the education it provides for all its students,” Ramos said. “Us having a chance to attend the summit leads us toward all sorts of new experiences, and we would not have a chance at these without Dr. Dones and Durham Tech.”