HISPA Kick-Off and Recruiting Events in New Jersey and Florida Unite Communities for Collective Impact
HISPA hosted its annual Role Model Program Kick-Off and Recruiting Events on September 11 and 23 in New Jersey and Florida, respectively. Themed “Collective Impact: Honoring our Stories, Inspiring the Future,” the events united local professionals dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders by sharing their personal stories of success and perseverance. The evenings celebrated the collective achievements of the past year and highlighted the power of working together to inspire youth. They also invited attendees to deepen their impact by joining HISPA as volunteers in 2025-26.
HISPA’s programs are open to everyone, though HISPA primarily partners with schools in low-income communities. In our K-12 partner schools, 97% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and approximately 96% identify as students of color. HISPA mobilizes professionals in high-skill careers who reflect our students’ backgrounds and experiences. They present their stories in classrooms, corporate offices, and college campuses to inspire students to follow in their footsteps and fulfill their academic and professional potential. Since 2007, HISPA’s programs have reached over 30,000 students in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
New Jersey: Honoring Stories, Inspiring Action
Hosted by the Mercer County Community College Office of Student Access and Completion at the Conference Center at Mercer County Community College, HISPA’s New Jersey Kick-Off & Recruiting Event featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and panelists who underscored the power of collective action.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Carmen Negrón-Santana, EOF Advising Specialist at Mercer County Community College’s Office of Student Access and Educational Equity. She was followed by Karla Lopez-Rosa, Constituent Service & Field Representative for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, who shared her personal journey as an alumna of the New Jersey Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Class of 2022, illustrating the lasting impact of mentorship and representation.
Inspirational speaker Andrés Acebo, President of New Jersey City University, delivered a powerful message on resilience and finding light in difficult times and reminded guests that volunteerism is a profound act of civic engagement.
A panel discussion, moderated by HISPA Board Member Roy Love, further explored the event’s theme. Panelists included Dwayne Redmond (Market Executive New Jersey, Bank of America), Dr. Susan Gaulden (Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Passaic County Community College), Mathieu Nelessen (President and CEO, Princeton Area Community Foundation), and Viviana Jimenez (Project Manager, PSEG). Their conversation offered inspiring examples of what can be achieved when individuals and organizations work together toward shared goals.
The program concluded with remarks shared by Dr. Lauren Zyriek Enriquez, Assistant Secretary of State, New Jersey Department of State, and a special letter from Governor Phil Murphy recognizing HISPA’s mission and impact across the state.
Florida: Building Community, Inspiring the Future
Hosted by Bank of America, HISPA’s Florida Kick-Off & Recruiting Event brought together local leaders and supporters—each an essential piece of HISPA’s “Collective Impact” puzzle.
The evening began with welcoming remarks and a surprise recognition from Vania Laguerre, Miami Market Executive at Bank of America—a powerful symbol of what happens when generosity meets purpose.
HISPA Board Member Andrés Polo spoke passionately about the importance of sharing our personal stories, showing how authenticity and courage can inspire young people to dream bigger and reach higher.
A lively panel discussion, moderated by HISPA Board Member Rene Herrera, highlighted the diverse perspectives and personal journeys of HISPA volunteers and community leaders: Laura Pozo (Senior Vice President, Process Design Manager, Bank of America), Kenny Amaya (Regional Learning Manager, Amazon), Nestor Carlos (Sr. Data Reporting Consultant, AFLAC), Mariano Valero (President, FIU ALPFA), and Ruben Taveras (Customer Experience Executive Consumer Client Experience and Governance, Bank of America). Together, they shared first-hand experiences that underscored how even small acts of mentorship can have a profound and lasting impact.
Closing remarks by Sylvia Garcia (NA Visa Data Products, Visa) and Yamin Gonzalez (VP, National Consumer Banking Operations Manager, Bank of America) left attendees energized, emphasizing that a single hour spent volunteering can shape a young person’s future for years to come.
To every attendee, thank you for taking the time to join us, connect with one another, and share your stories. Your energy and commitment turn moments into movements. HISPA is proud to count you as part of our family as we continue to work together to inspire thousands more students in the year ahead.
Did you miss the in-person Kick-Offs? Join us for the Virtual HISPA Kick-Off on October 16 and be part of the movement that continues to grow nationwide. Register today at hispakickoff.org.
HISPA proudly acknowledges its 2025–26 Founding Partner Verizon, Co-founding Partners and Supporters Merck, Bloomberg, and PSEG, and Annual Partners Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb, Citi, the Delta Dental Foundation, the LSEG Foundation, Prudential Financial, and Visa for their steadfast support in advancing our mission. HISPA is a UnidosUS affiliate.
