Midwest HALO Encuentro
Thank you for joining us at the 19th Annual Midwest HALO Encuentro!
Fall 2026 | Date and Details TBD
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
Registration for the 2026 Halo Encuentro Conference will open in the fall.
| *schedule subject to change. | |
| Time | Agenda Item |
| 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.
"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.
"The Art of Networking"- TRIO Eric Thompson
"Your network determines your net worth"- Porter Gale. In this engaging session, students will gain 7 effective strategies to enhance their networking abilities as they prepare for the next stage of their academic or career path. Attendees will depart with fresh tools, boosted confidence, and the readiness to forge new connections.
"Caminos al Éxito: Funding Your College Journey"- Powercat Financials
In this session, you'll learn how to fund your college education from filling out the FAFSA to finding scholarships that celebrate your heritage. We'll also cover important topics like understanding student loans, budgeting for college expenses, and accessing resources that can make higher education more affordable. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to turn your college dreams into reality!
"Pero I Already Speak Spanish"- Faculty Modern Language
Why would a student who grew up speaking Spanish at home enroll in Spanish classes in college? Deepening your heritage language in an academic environment can help you grow as a person and connect with communities that matter to you. This interactive workshop is led by two K-State Spanish professors who are passionate about creative, authentic bilingual language usage. Participants are welcome to use Spanish, English, and Spanglish to connect and create together.
"Work Habits that Can Stall or Catapult Your Career"- Amy Williams
In today's fast-paced work environment, it's not just technical skills or qualifications that matter- but how you work can significantly influence your career trajectory. This workshop will highlight both positive and negative work habits that can directly impact your career progression. This workshop aims to help participants understand how their daily work habits can either hinder or propel their career growth.
"From First-Gen to Founder: Owning Your Future"- Miguel Ramos
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.
"Si Podemos! First-Generation Students Belong in College"- Rebeca Paz
Bienvenidos! This interactive session will dismantle perceptions about college accessibility and the ability to succeed in college for Latinx and first-generation students. Through shared stories and dialogue, we will unpack the value of a college education, its relation to our Latino and/or first-generation identities, and our place in the nation as the largest growing community.
Participants will gain an understanding of the value that Latinx students bring to college campuses, the first-generation student experience, and the networks of support available to them. They will have the opportunity to affirm their ability to succeed in college and will explore the impact of their investment in higher education in our communities and the nation.
"Aura Mapping: Learning & Understanding Your Energy"- Ingrid Perez Esquivel
Discover your energy, see how it shows up in your body, and learn simple ways to change it and understand yourself better. Through creative expression and guided breathwork, you’ll explore your feelings, notice patterns in your energy, and practice tools to feel more balanced and in control.
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.