Pictured: Jose Enriquez, Annie Gonzalez, Julie Arocha
“Progress not Perfection” theme highlights leadership, culture, and empowerment
Snow College welcomed more than 1,700 Latino students from across Utah to its Ephraim campus on May 6 for the 2025 Latinos in Action Conference, a high-energy gathering focused on empowering youth through education, service, and leadership.
This year’s theme, “Progress not Perfection,” encouraged students to recognize their potential and stay committed to personal and academic growth, even in the face of challenges. Throughout the day, students participated in inspiring breakout sessions, cultural performances, and keynote presentations that emphasized the importance of resilience, preparation, and pride in heritage.
Founded in 2001 in Provo, Latinos in Action is a national organization that helps Latino youth prepare for college and leadership roles by focusing on academics, service, and community involvement. The program has become a vital force in increasing high school graduation and college enrollment rates among Latino students.
LIA founder Jose Enriquez, who met with college and community leaders before the event began, spoke about the importance of cultivating true leadership. “True leadership doesn’t come from those who seek a position, but those who position themselves to help those who seek,” Enriquez said. His words set the tone for a day filled with motivation and purpose.
The conference featured actor and activist Annie Gonzalez as the keynote speaker. Known for her roles in television and film, Gonzalez shared her personal journey, encouraging students to embrace their cultural identity and believe in their ability to shape their future. Her message resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
In addition to the keynote, students attended breakout sessions designed to strengthen skills in college readiness, civic engagement, and leadership development. Cultural performances — ranging from traditional dance to modern expression — added vibrant energy to the day and reminded participants of the strength found in their shared heritage.
Cody Branch, Snow College’s vice president for student affairs, expressed his admiration for the LIA program and its impact. “We were truly inspired by the Latinos in Action program today. Their strong commitment to empowering youth through education, service, and leadership closely aligns with the values of Snow College. It’s an honor to host their conference on our campus.”
This marks another milestone in Snow College’s growing partnership with LIA. The college continues to expand its outreach efforts to support Latino students and foster an inclusive campus environment. Events like this reflect Snow’s mission to be a place where all students can discover their strengths, connect with their community, and chart a path to success.
For more information about the Latinos in Action organization, visit https://latinosinaction.org. To learn more about Snow College’s partnership with LIA or opportunities to support Latino students, contact Fernando Montano at 435-283-7328.