Midwest HALO Encuentro

Join us for the 19th Annual Midwest HALO Encuentro!

Fall 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 7, 2025

The Hispanic American Leadership Organization at Kansas State University would like to invite you to this unique event. The goal of the Encuentro is to provide an environment where students can learn about the unexpected challenges they may encounter during their collegiate years, and how others before have overcome those challenges and attained their educational goals. It is also an educational tool that assists in Latino student identity development.

Registration

The 19th Annual Midwest HALO Encuentro (October 7, 2025) has reached full capacity.

You may still complete the registration form, but please note that your group will be placed on a waitlist. If space becomes available, Ana Guanes will contact you directly to confirm whether you would like to attend.

Thank you for your interest and support of Encuentro!

If the above button does not work, you can access the application here: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3yrEO4EoLc3CWi2

Example Conference Schedule

(Schedule subject to change)

8:30-9:30 am	Arrive on campus; Browsing Fair
9:30-9:40 am	Welcome
9:40-9:45 am	Introduction of Keynote Speaker
9:45-10:30 am	Keynote Address
10:30-10:40 am	Transition to Breakout Sessions
10:40-11:25 am	Breakout Session One
11:30 am - 12:15 pm	Breakout Session Two
12:15-1:30 pm	Lunch + Entertainment
1:30-2:00 pm	Closing Remarks and Surveys
2:00-3:00 pm	Campus Tour (Optional)

2025 Keynote Speaker

Miguel Ramos

Biography:

Miguel Ramos is a business professional, entrepreneur, and talent manager. A proud first-generation college graduate, Miguel earned his degree in Marketing and Leadership Studies from Kansas State University. Born in Lerdo, Durango, Mexico and moving to the U.S. at a very young age, he built a successful career in sales and strategy with Fortune 500 companies before taking a leap into the entertainment industry, founding Elevación Talent LLC, an artist development and management company. Miguel’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and the belief that success doesn’t follow a single path—it’s about writing your own. He now uses his story to inspire young people, especially Hispanic and first-generation students, to pursue education, embrace their identity, and boldly create their future.

Breakout Session Workshops

HALO's Survival Guide to College - K-State HALO

Going into college can be stressful but K-State's Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) is here to answer all your questions from the point of view of Hispanic students. In this sessions, students will get to have one on one discussions with HALO members about their experiences navigating college and learn some tips/tricks they've picked up along the way.

K-State Admissions 101 - K-State Office of Admissions and Recruitment

Connect with K-State Admissions as they share the many opportunities available at the university, answer questions you have about higher education, and everything you need to know about applying to be a Wildcat.

You Belong in College - K-State TRIO & First-Generation Student Center

This interactive session will inform college bound students that college is accessible and attainable. We will explore resources and opportunities to succeed in a predominantly white campus. Participants will gain confidence that they belong in college and will receive tips and tools essential to academic success.

Best Practices for University Graduation - Dr. Rana Johnson

Our goal of accelerating degree completion for Latino students aligns with our mission and vision of educating the Next Generation of scholars at K-State. Data from the Latinos in Higher Education Report- 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts- will be presented with impactful topics to establish post-traditional pathways to higher education, degree completion, and life after higher ed. We will address the use of resources to survive the rigors of postsecondary education and the tools required to be successful.

"From Campus to Career: Steps for Latino Students to Enhance Marketability After College" - Paulicia Hungerford

Preparing for a successful career begins long before graduation, especially for Latino college students who may face unique challenges as they transition into the workforce. This workshop will equip students with the tools and strategies needed to stand out in today’s competitive job market. We will focus on actionable steps students can take while still in college to boost their post-graduation marketability. They'll learn how to create a strong resume that truly shines, leveraging academic, vocational, and extracurricular experiences to tell their unique stories. Additionally, we'll provide insights on how students can effectively market themselves to potential employers, ensuring they enter the workforce with confidence and a clear sense of direction. By the end of this session, students will have a deeper understanding of how to navigate the job market, overcome potential barriers, and secure opportunities that align with their career goals. This preparation is not just about getting a job—it's about paving the way for long-term success and economic mobility while contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

More Workshop Information Coming Soon!

Contact

Please direct any questions you might have to our Assistant Vice President, Mirta Chavez at 785-532-6276 or mirta@k-state.edu or Program Administrator, Ana Guanes at anaguanes@k-state.edu.

Student Belonging will not provide Parking Passes for this event. Hotel and Transportation accomadations can be made by request to SB. Please know that support is not guaranteed and is dependent on funding availability.

Thank you to our sponsors: Koch Industries, Cargill, K-State HALO, K-State Office of Recruitment and Admissions.

Connect with K-State Halo!

We're social! Connect with us on Instagram @ksu_halo.

Please note that photos may be taken throughout the day that may be used by Kansas State University. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.