Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit Energizes Students, Professionals
Photo courtesy of the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County
AC JosepH Media
GALLOWAY – The Hispanic Association of Atlantic County brought together more than 120 Latino students from seven Atlantic County high schools on Friday, May 1, for the 2026 Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit at Stockton University.
It proved to be an energizing, daylong program focused on leadership, identity, and career exploration featuring leaders from around the region.
Students from Atlantic City High School, Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Absegami, Cedar Creek, Egg Harbor Township, Mainland Regional, and Pleasantville High School spent the day hearing directly from Latino professionals whose stories reflected both the challenges and the promise of the region’s growing Hispanic community.
Personal Journeys Take Center Stage
The morning panel, “Personal Journeys to Professional Success,” set the tone with candid reflections on perseverance, cultural pride, and navigating pathways that often lacked representation.
Camden City Councilman and business owner Favio Leyva?Martinez spoke about civic leadership and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to see public service as a powerful tool for community change.
Vereliz Santana, director of advocacy for the Office of the Governor, shared her trajectory into state government and the importance of using one’s voice to shape policy. Robert Ortiz, IT manager at AtlantiCare and a working artist, reminded students that careers can be multidimensional, and that creativity and technology can coexist.
The panel also featured Kristine Rios, engineer at Atlantic City Electric, who emphasized the need for more women in STEM; Hector Calderon, probation officer, who highlighted justice?sector careers rooted in service; and Andy Colon, consultant and aviation engineer, who spoke about unconventional career paths and the persistence required to break into specialized fields.
Career Pathways and Practical Guidance
The afternoon session shifted toward actionable advice in “Career Pathways and Keys to Success.” Speakers underscored the importance of education, certifications, mentorship, and adaptability in a rapidly changing workforce.
Javier Guzman, social worker at AtlantiCare, discussed mental health careers and the growing need for bilingual professionals. Trooper Rich Echevarria of the New Jersey State Police outlined the steps toward careers in law enforcement and public safety.
Emillio Melendez, engineer at Atlantic City Electric, reinforced the demand for skilled workers in energy and infrastructure.
Students also heard from Dr. Cassandra Ramirez, psychiatrist at AtlantiCare, who spoke about the long?term commitment required for medical careers; Antonio Sanchez, cosmetologist, who highlighted entrepreneurship and trades as strong career options; and Abel Figueroa, Battalion Chief with the Atlantic City Fire Department, who shared lessons on leadership, discipline, and teamwork.
A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
“This summit is about helping students see themselves in these careers and believe that success is attainable,” said Bert Lopez, President of HAAC. “By learning directly from Latino professionals who have built meaningful careers, our youth gain confidence and clarity about their own paths forward.”
The summit was supported through the partnership of Stockton University and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, whose continued collaboration helps ensure that opportunities like this remain accessible to students across the region.
HAAC leaders said the event reaffirmed their mission: to empower Latino youth by providing exposure, mentorship, and real?world perspectives that inspire leadership, academic achievement, and lifelong success.
Founded in 2018, the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County fosters networking opportunities, and promote the diverse Hispanic cultural heritage through education, community engagement, recognizing leaders and advocating for causes important to the community.
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