Last week, Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB) kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month by successfully mixing business with celebration!

Held from Sept. 15 to Oct 15 each year, Hispanic Heritage Month pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with 53% percent of its students identifying as Hispanic, UHD takes great pride in celebrating this month.

On campus, MDCOB got Hispanic Heritage Month off to a fantastic start with a program highlighting the business school’s partnerships with the influential Latino business associations Power on Heels and Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA). These two organizations help bolster our students’ business acumen and networking, preparing them for the careers of their dreams as they become the leaders of tomorrow. 

Attendees at the event included Founder and CEO of Power on Heels Fund Inc. Ivette Mayo; Mabel Casanova, ALPFA Houston’s Director of Corporate Events; Clarissa Barboza, ALPFA Director of Social Events; and Zackery Miller-Perez, ALPFA Director of Student Affairs.

Other VIPs included State Representative Christina Morales, who read a proclamation to the crowd gathered in the lobby of the Shea Street Building, and longtime UHD supporter and UHD alumna District H Houston City Council Member Karla Cisneros, who also read a proclamation. UHD Provost Deborah Bordelon and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies Justo Manrique both welcomed the crowd, and MDCOB’s Assistant Dean Christine Poleski emceed the event and presented gifts to the VIPs and partner organizations. 

The grand finale of the event was a live performance by Leslie Lugo (right), the bilingual, international award-winning performer and accomplished Grammy-recognized singer/songwriter. Attendees were treated to great music while enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen.

This launch event was just the beginning of the many UHD has planned for Hispanic Heritage Month. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Oct. 6 reading by Dominican-American, award-winning author Jasminne Mendez. Visit the complete calendar for more events.