Two leaders at Davenport University have been selected as featured speakers at the 2025 LatinNEXT Summit in Grand Rapids this month. The event, hosted by VIVE MICHIGAN Magazine, will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Goei Center.

Davenport’s executive director of Casa Latina Carlos Sanchez and executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost Gilda Gely will each share their expertise and insight with attendees as part of the summit’s two-track format—Emerging Leaders and Established Leaders.

The LatinNEXT Summit is an annual event designed to foster growth, mentorship, and connection among Latino professionals across Michigan. The summit features speakers, panels, and breakout sessions that address both early career development and seasoned executive leadership.

“We are proud to be part of such an impactful event,” said Sanchez. “Through Casa Latina, we’ve created a community at Davenport that embraces and guides students as they pursue their degrees. Events such as LatinNEXT allow us to connect further with the Latino community and share our experiences as business leaders and educators.”

Sanchez will speak in the Emerging Leaders track. In his session, titled “Keep Growing: How Learning Fuels Career Momentum,” he will talk about how staying relevant, competitive and fulfilled requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Sanchez also will explore the impact of upskilling, certifications and strategic development in staying competitive and unlocking new professional opportunities.

Gely will speak in the Established Leaders track. Her presentation, “Unlock Your Executive Potential,” is aimed at experienced professionals. The session will explore how mid-career professionals can leverage advanced degrees, certifications, and executive education to position themselves for top leadership roles.

In 2024, Davenport University launched Casa Latina, a one-of-a-kind groundbreaking approach to higher education utilizing bilingual methodology across its curriculum to help students become experts in their chosen fields, and professionally proficient in both English and Spanish. The program, offered 100% online, gives students the flexibility to learn where they are while having the support of campus resources.

“Davenport is deeply committed to developing future Latino leaders, not only through programs like Casa Latina but also by contributing to important platforms like the LatinNEXT Summit,” said Gely. “We’re honored to be part of this meaningful event.”

For more information on the LatinNEXT Summit or to register, visit https://vivemichigan.com/events/