Joliet Central High School Students Gain Inspiration from Lewis University Si Se Puede Conference

Twenty Joliet Central High School students attended the Si Se Puede Conference at Lewis University on October 8, gaining college readiness skills and inspiration.

A collaboration between Lewis University faculty, staff, students and community supporters such as Junior Achievement and ISAC, Si Se Puede provides participants with the opportunity to engage in workshops designed specifically for their educational goals including high school success for seniors, freshmen and for Lewis University students. The event was established in 2004 and is designed to provide students with tools for educational success.

At Si Se Puede, Central students gained exposure to a university setting, as well as confidence. “I liked being able to actually believe I can attend a university like this,” said JCHS senior Valeria Vazquez. “It had never crossed my mind that I actually can go to college. I learned that I can do it thanks to this experience.”

Experiences like Vazquez’s are exactly what the conference is designed to do. “The Si Se Puede Conference was named after the phrase Si Se Puede!! Or Yes You Can!!,” said JCHS Counselor Aseneth Ruiz. “This persuasive motto was exclaimed by civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and the late Cesar E. Chavez to motivate the migrant farmworkers in their pursuit of improved working conditions.”

The 2015 keynote speaker was Richard P. Montanez, “The Godfather of Hispanic Branding.” Montanez is a Marketing and Sales Executive for PepsiCo America, he leads Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions across PepsiCo’s North American divisions. Richard spoke of his early experiences growing up in California in the time of desegregation. He started his PepsiCo career at Frito Lay in 1976 as a janitor. He is recognized as the creator of the Flaming Hot line of products, influencing future ethnic products and the first Frito-Lay Hispanic marketing team.

The Central Guidance Team uses opportunities such as Si Se Puede to teach college readiness to provide motivation through speakers such as Mr. Montanez. “Being able to attend these types of events gives students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and realize that they are able to achieve more than they thought was possible,” said Ruiz. “I want to thank our school leadership for their support, Ms. Martha Cardenas for her help and to Lewis University’s Multicultural Student Services for inviting us to this annual event.”

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