HISPA Hosts First-Ever Youth Conference at Kean University Focused on Healthcare and Science Careers
140 Elizabeth Public School Students Explore Pathways in Healthcare, Mental Health, Dentistry, and STEM
UNION, N.J. — HISPA proudly hosted its first-ever Youth Conference at Kean University, bringing together 140 8th grade students from the Elizabeth Public Schools for a day of inspiration, college exposure, and hands-on exploration of careers in healthcare and science.
The conference was co-hosted by the Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children, part of the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University. Their generous support as a major funder of the event included providing volunteers, leading two career exploration workshops, financial support, and campus space. Additional support was provided by the KinderSmile Foundation, Merck, and Pfizer. AT&T also donated books for every student in attendance.
The conference featured healthcare and science professionals who shared their personal journeys and introduced students to a wide range of impactful careers, including neuroscience, mental health, dentistry, biology, and scientific research.
Following welcoming remarks from Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse, attendees heard from Kean’s Ana I. Berdecia, Director of the Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children, and Daniel Flores, Senior Admissions Counselor. The conference keynote, “Take Action, Achieve Your Dreams,” was delivered by Dr. Jennifer Vinces-Cua, Assistant Professor and Assessment Coordinator in the Department of Counselor Education at Kean University’s College of Health Professions and Human Services. Her message encouraged students to reflect on their identities, experiences, and future aspirations.
Students also participated in a college student panel titled “Life After High School,” moderated by Rod Colón. Panelists included Kristina Spencer, Ahad Shabazz, and Celeste Caceres, biology students at Kean who openly shared their journeys, challenges, and experiences navigating college life.
Interactive, hands-on workshops throughout the day included an introduction to neuroscience presented by Pfizer School of Science, crafting futures in mental health and wellness presented by Kean University biology undergraduate and mental health graduate students, changing lives through dentistry careers presented by the KinderSmile Foundation, and a series of experiments presented by Merck.
The afternoon session featured inspirational speaker Gian Paul Gonzalez, whose message encouraged students to fully commit to greatness in their lives and communities.
HISPA was also honored to welcome Aimee Saluccio, District College and Career Coordinator and AVID District Coordinator for the Elizabeth School District.
The day concluded with a special gathering alongside volunteers, supporters, and members of the HISPA Board of Directors, including Board President Kathleen Larkin and new board member Yalitza Torres-Clark.
“This conference represented exactly what HISPA strives to create: meaningful opportunities for students to see themselves reflected in inspiring professionals and to envision futures in college, STEM, healthcare, and beyond,” said Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse, Founder and CEO of HISPA. “We are deeply grateful to Kean University and all of our partners for helping make this transformative experience possible.”
Through programs like Youth Conferences, HISPA continues to connect students with role models, hands-on learning, and pathways to higher education and high-skill careers.
HISPA’s educational programs are made possible by its 2025-26 Founding Partner Verizon, Co-founding Partners and Supporters Bloomberg, Bristol Myers Squibb, the Delta Dental Foundation, and Merck, and Annual Partners Amazon, Bank of America, Citi, the LSEG Foundation, Prudential Financial, and Visa. HISPA is a UnidosUS affiliate.
