MONTEBELLO – Nearly 700 Montebello Unified intermediate and high school female students heard inspirational messages at the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation’s 37th annual National Latina Women’s Conference on May 13 and the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference on May 14. The events are part of the District’s efforts to expose MUSD’s young women to Latinas who represent the drive and ability to succeed, no matter what the circumstances.

“To us, education occurs both inside the classroom and out – and these events provide a perfect opportunity for our young women to understand that they can not only achieve their dreams, but that there is a whole network of women out there to offer support, guidance and experience to enhance their lives,” Montebello Unified Board President Benjamin Cardenas said. “Thank you to all leaders and staff who made these events possible for our students.”

The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) event, held at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, focused on professional development. The mission of MAOF is to provide for the socio-economic betterment of the greater Latino community of California, while preserving the pride, values and heritage of the Mexican American culture.

Nearly 600 Montebello Unified female students were inspired at the Adelante Mujer Latina (AML) Conference, where workshops, informational booths and keynote speakers encouraged young Latinas to pursue academic and professional aspirations.

The event, held at Pasadena Community College, encouraged the students to interact with Latina professionals, who presented workshops in English and Spanish on topics relating to college, career, personal and professional development. The conference also featured a college, career and community resource fair.

“I would like to thank our Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Anthony Martinez and staff for getting more and more students involved in these motivational and well-attended events,” Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said. “I have no doubt that our students today will one day be part of the presenters, teams and leadership that encourage the next generation of young women.”

Photo Captions:

MUSDCONF1: About 100 Montebello Unified intermediate and high school female students heard inspirational messages at the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation’s 37th annual National Latina Women’s Conference last month.

MUSDCONF2: Nearly 600 Montebello Unified female students were inspired at the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference, where workshops, informational booths and keynote speakers encouraged young Latinas to pursue academic and professional aspirations last month.