On Saturday, September 27th, the Rosemont College ALPFA attended the ALPFA Philadelphia Student Summit at the PECO headquarters in Center City. The theme of the event, “Building Leaders of Tomorrow,” encouraged students to grow as emerging professionals and step into leadership roles with confidence. The ALPFA Club Faculty Advisor is Dr. Christine Hagedorn, who supports and mentors the chapter in its mission to develop Latino leaders.
A Day of Inspiration & Impact
The summit featured presentations from accomplished industry leaders who shared their personal stories and professional insights. David Vahos, Chief Executive Officer of PECO, spoke about the importance of taking every opportunity and investing in one’s future. David Oliver Echevarria, Supervisor of Materials and Logistics, discussed the importance of adaptability and commitment in the workplace. Hector Salcido Torres, Head of Foundation Services at Vanguard, delivered a powerful message about the value of personal history in shaping a career.
Key Takeaways for Future Leaders
Hector Salcido Torres encouraged students to break barriers in professional spaces. He reminded attendees that their personal stories, including challenging or nontraditional experiences, play a critical role in building professional identity. Each moment contributes to future success.
David Vahos emphasized the importance of saying yes to opportunities. He pointed out that attending events like the summit is a strong investment in personal and professional development. His message inspired students to approach every opportunity with openness and curiosity.
A Message from ALPFA Rosemont’s President
“This event reminded me that opportunity grows where community shows up,” said Lorenzo Jayakanthan, Rosemont College ALPFA President. “Philly’s ALPFA network, and partners like PECO, are helping students like us turn ambition into access, and access into impact. On behalf of the ALPFA Rosemont College Chapter, I’m grateful to PECO and our Philadelphia ALPFA community for opening doors, sharing wisdom, and investing in the next generation of Latino leaders.”
Building Connections Across Campuses
Rosemont College students connected with ALPFA chapters from Villanova, Temple, Drexel, and the University of Pennsylvania. These interactions created space for meaningful conversations about leadership, career goals, and academic experiences. Students found inspiration in hearing from peers with similar ambitions.
Networking with speakers like Akaya Riley, Angie Escalante, and David Oliver Echevarria also provided valuable insights into different career paths. These one on one conversations allowed students to ask questions, share goals, and build lasting professional relationships.
Moving Forward with Confidence
This ALPFA Student Summit Recap prepared and provided by Madison Morton, Rosemont College ALPFA Club Vice President, highlights a transformative experience for Rosemont attendees. The summit empowered students to recognize their potential, value their backgrounds, and connect with others striving for excellence. Each participant returned to campus with renewed motivation and a clearer vision for the future.
