Davenport University recently hosted the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s March Conecta membership meeting at the university’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus.

The Hispanic Chamber’s monthly Conecta meetings provide an opportunity for networking and feature a presentation on new initiatives, programs or topics of interest to its members.

Carlos Sanchez, executive director for Davenport’s Casa Latina online bilingual program, was the featured guest and gave a presentation on the importance of bilingualism.

“I am passionate about the important topic of bilingualism, and it reinforces one of the reasons the Hispanic Chamber exists: to have access to one of the largest populations in West Michigan in their language,” said Sanchez. “Also, being bilingual gives professionals an advantage in today’s competitive job market.”

According to Sanchez, Davenport hosting Conecta meetings allows students to network with companies that may be hiring in the near future. The networking opportunity also helps students appreciate the diversity of cultures they will find in their professional careers.