Keynote Address to Kick Off Latine Heritage Month at Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College will host a keynote address by Dr. Gina Ann Garcia to launch Latine Heritage Month, focusing on the concept of “Servingness” in Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The event on Thursday, Sept. 19, aims to foster dialogue on enhancing educational experiences for Latine and historically minoritized students.

Dr. Garcia, a professor in the School of Education at UC Berkeley, will present her research on equity and justice in higher education, with an emphasis on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Her talk will explore how these institutions can better serve minoritized populations and low-income students.

The address, titled “Floreciendo / Blooming with Servingness,” is open to all members of the PCC community. It will take place at the Westerbeck Recital Hall from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants will learn about the Multidimensional Conceptual Framework of Servingness at HSIs and strategies for transforming HSIs to advance racial equity and social justice. The event aims to equip attendees with actionable steps to improve PCC’s service to Latine students.

Dr. Garcia, author of “Becoming Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Opportunities for Colleges & Universities,” has delivered over 150 public lectures and workshops across the country. She also hosts the podcast “¿Qué pasa, HSIs?” and founded the Cal HSI Center. Her newest book, “Transforming Hispanic Serving Institutions for Equity and Justice,” was released in Spring 2023.

The keynote, hosted by PCC’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions Alianza, is part of the college’s efforts to embrace its identity as a HSI and promote institutional change. Attendees can earn credit towards Professional Development obligations by registering and confirming attendance at the event.

Dr. Garcia holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from California State University, Northridge, a master’s degree in college student personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Ph.D. in higher education and organizational change from the University of California, Los Angeles.

To register for the event, visit https://pasadena.edu/calendars/event.php?eventid=17567my_key_0.