The Adelante Mujer Latina Conference (AML) has made a positive difference in the lives of young women for seventeen years.  It is a nationally acclaimed college and career conference held in partnership with Pasadena City College.  The conference has helped thousands of young Latinas explore opportunities for higher education and professional careers.

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 email at

 adelante@pasadenayouthcenter.org

 or call (626) 798-1538

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Students who attend the conference interact with community leaders, role models and mentors, who encourage them to pursue a college education, and inform them about a number of professions.  Were it not for endeavors like the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference, many capable young women, mostly from working class backgrounds, would not even consider the possibility of pursuing college and professional careers. The conference ensures that students take the right steps to prepare for a successful future.

Designed for success

The conference presents more than 75 interactive workshops for students. They learn about the courses they must take in high school to prepare for college, how to apply for college and financial aid, and they learn first-hand about a variety of career options. Personal development workshops, such as, building self-esteem and healthy life choices, are presented to the girls. Workshops for mothers include ‘helping your daughter succeed’. 

More than 100 Latina professionals conduct the workshops, representing the fields of engineering, science, law, medicine, business, just to name a few.  Young Latina participants are encouraged to attend the conference with their mothers or mentors, which is a unique dimension of the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference.  Workshops are offered in English and Spanish.  The conference also provides a college, career and resource fair.

Our volunteers make it work

Each year community volunteers help make the conference the success that it is.  Volunteers include teachers, counselors, business owners, lawyers, doctors, among many others. Each year a Conference Advisory Board assumes responsibility for planning and recruiting for the event.  A Teen Advisory Committee is also formed to provide valuable input on the conference program and workshops.  Their perspective helps us plan a day that is meaningful for our target audience—young Latinas.  In addition, scores of men and women volunteer on conference day to ensure its success.

Largest conference for young Latinas

The Adelante Mujer Latina Conference is the largest, single gathering of Latinas in the State of California, with more than 1,700 young Latinas and supporters attending the AML 2011 Conference at Pasadena City College. The number of participants has grown steadily from 300 attendees, since the first conference in 1995.  Conference participants are primarily from Southern California, but some come from as far away as Northern California, San Diego County and the Imperial Valley. 

Participant statements

A high school student commented: “I’m so grateful that I could be a part of the conference. What a great experience and endeavor.  My mom and dad and brother-in-law who came to support me were also very impressed. I enjoyed listening to all the workshops I went to and learned so much from the experience. I hope to work on the (teen) committee again next year and help to make it even better if that is possible!”

A City of Pasadena employee wrote: “I thought the event was great.  There were a ton of kids all over the place.  Congratulations on such a successful event.  The kids that came to my workshop were great and we had a good discussion.  I spent more time with them as a ‘life coach’ i.e. ‘get through college, manage your time and money well, get a working knowledge of the language,’ than the ‘how to start a business’ part.  I really think this is a fabulous program and would be happy to participate in any way I can.  So I am open to ideas, flexible and ready to do it again.”

Vanessa Martinez’s story: Vanessa Martinez was a member of the AML Teen committee from 2008 - 2011.  She is a high school graduate from the Class of 2011.  Through hard work and perseverance she has ‘beaten the odds’ and has overcome the stereotypes often applied to Latina teens.  In the process she proved that following her own path, making sacrifices, and not always following what her peers were doing, really does pay off.

Vanessa was accepted to Harvard University, among several other prestigious universities, and received numerous scholarships. She is currently a freshman at Harvard.  Vanessa now hopes to serve as a role model to other young Latinas attending for the first time. She also plans to continue her involvement with AML while at Harvard.

The Future

Young Latinas in our community face many challenges.  Obstacles often prevent high school students from graduating and focusing on the potential of receiving a college education. They have to be encouraged to aim high and to take the necessary steps to prepare for a brighter future.

The Adelante Mujer Latina Conference provides young, low-income Latinas with the guidance, tools and information they need to achieve their goals, of a college education and a sustainable career.  This includes: Information on how to apply to college; how to secure scholarships and financial aid; how to develop and attain professional career goals through mentorship and counseling programs; and how to overcome hardships that could stand in the way of their success.  They need to experience this as early as middle school.

With increased opportunities and access, these young Latinas will escape poverty and hopelessness for themselves and their families.

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