By Michele Richinick

More than 20 colleges and universities from around New England were represented Friday and Saturday at the 2008 New England Latino Student Leadership Conference (NELSLC) hosted by Northeastern’s Latino/a Student Cultural Center (LSCC).

The purpose of NELSLC is to initiate and encourage connections among Latino student college leaders within the New England region, according to a Northeastern press release. This year the conference focused on the empowerment of future Latino leaders in an increasingly global environment.

While making the closing remarks Friday, Rosa Rodriguez Williams, the director of the LSCC, said it was encouraging that black, white, Asian and Latino students were working together.

“Words cannot express how overjoyed I am at this very moment. We stand united,” Williams said. “We will share many experiences. We will have similar stories as we leave here. We will leave re-energized and empowered to do amazing work on our campuses, to reach out to others and to collaborate.”

Workshop sessions and panel discussions during the weekend showcased practical and progressive approaches to the development of leadership, according to organizers. More than 20 interactive workshops covered aspects of Latinos in higher education, including student organizations, leadership, social activism and life after college.

Northeastern President Joseph Aoun encouraged the attendees to differentiate themselves from their peers.

“You are going to face many challenges in the future,” he said. “Yes, you are going to face rejections. Yes, you are going to face people saying ‘We don’t believe in diversity.’