Davenport University hosted more than 200 Latina professionals from various industries at this year’s Latina Conference West Michigan. The event, designed to celebrate, elevate and empower Latina leaders throughout the region, included networking and professional development sessions.

The conference was hosted by Vive Michigan on Davenport’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus on April 22.

“Our theme this year was ‘Power, Voice & Leadership Without Limits,’” said Edgar Garcia, Vive Michigan editor. “The Latina Conference West Michigan was born with a clear vision: to create a space where women can grow, connect and lead without limits. For the second consecutive year, it was a full house. The most powerful changes begin with a conversation.”

Carlos Sanchez, executive director of Casa Latina at Davenport University, said, “We were excited to host the second year of this important networking and professional growth event. As a center of learning, we’re committed to creating opportunities for dialogue that enrich the entire campus. Events like the Latina Conference cultivate leadership and deepen cross-cultural understanding for everyone involved.”

The event brought together a wide range of speakers, including former Davenport University director of marketing and recruitment for Casa Latina, Alejandra Guillen. She now serves as executive director of Latin Americans United for Progress.

Lisa R. Garcia keynoted the conference with the session “No Permission Required: How Latinas Claim Their Voice and Lead From Where They Are.”