Community members, students, and travelers from other cities, counties, and states turned out in numbers for this cultural event, sponsored by the OWATC’s Office of Diversity, with Manager, Pamela Candia Hernandez serving as the program M.C.

Historic Hispanic Boy Scout Troop 85 opened the program by presenting the colors and leading everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Pamela Hernandez welcomed everyone and invited the guests to help themselves to the food which was generously donated by our local Mexican restaurants.

The program proceeded, featuring keynote speaker Marisa Contratto-Jeakle who traveled from Seattle, Washington to share her experiences as the Producer and CEO of Filmateria Studios. Ms. Jeakle talked about her upbringing and the time she spent in Utah while attending the University of Utah. Alumni speakers Nallely Ruiz, A.A.T. Medical Assisting graduate and Adam Murillo, alumni from the Information Technology program both expressed their gratitude to the College and its faculty for helping them get on track, and pursue their personal and career goals.

Throughout the evening, Ritmos Sudamericanos, a local folkloric dance group, performed several dance numbers featuring both adult and children and the music and costumes from various Latin countries. Artist Ruby Chacón could not attend the event, but lent her colorful and unique paintings for display in the union building and also donated a print which was framed and then auctioned with proceeds going towards the for the ¡Sí, Se Puede! scholarship.