Hispanic Heritage Month 7×7 Speaker Series

Photo by Sydney Mitchell

Kansas Wesleyan Community Share Powerful Messages

Energy filled the room as Kansas Wesleyan University recently marked Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual 7×7 Speaker Series. This unique event brought seven different speakers to the stage, and each one received exactly seven minutes to share a message centered on the theme: “Voices That Inspire Us.” The event took place in Peter Science Hall’s room 201. The goal was simple: provide diverse, inspirational perspectives in short bursts.

This series was designed specifically to highlight local Hispanic stories and encourage students. The speakers, all of Hispanic descent, truly delivered highly personal and moving narratives. They covered everything from family devotion to resilience in the face of tragedy. The overall energy in the auditorium remained high, and the speakers expertly used their limited time to make lasting impressions on the crowd.

Identity, Community, and Faith

The series kicked off with Dr. Kelly Moore, a respected professor at KWU who discussed a deeply personal experience: growing up as a “no sabo” kid. She focused on the challenges of feeling disconnected from her language and culture. She told the crowd that this struggle ultimately taught her a powerful lesson about self-acceptance and finding belonging. Moore is currently learning Spanish to connect back to her heritage. “Every word I learn in Spanish is an attempt to get back to that quiet view on the back porch with my grandfather,” she declared. Her powerful words immediately resonated with the students in the audience.

Photo by Sydney Mitchell

Furthermore, Mateo Hoyos, a senior at KWU, followed with an impactful message about the power of place. He spoke directly about how his local community influenced his journey. He credited friends, mentors, and local groups for shaping his success. Next, Cristina Segura, another KWU student, took the stage. She continued the theme of identity by passionately sharing how her strong faith and family serve as her constant source of inspiration and drive.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Next in the lineup was Juan Maldonado, the director of career services here at KW. He delivered one of the evening’s most touching stories about the long, difficult process of earning his permanent residency in the United States. He detailed the perseverance, hope, and support it took to navigate that challenge. Consequently, his message focused heavily on persistence and fighting for a dream.

Moreover, Shayra Diaz, a parent of a KWU student, shared her inspiring perspective as a mother. She focused on her family, specifically on her son, who is currently a freshman at Kansas Wesleyan. Her story powerfully highlighted the dedication required to balance family life, showing that her son and her devotion to him serve as her greatest motivation.

Lasting Impact and Hope

The speeches reached their powerful climax with two deeply moving messages. Rev. JJ Martinez, a campus minister, took the stage to address a profound tragedy: the shooting that occurred in El Paso, Texas. He talked about having faith, even in the darkest moments.

Photo by Sydney Mitchell

The final speaker, , who also spoke at the 2024 Women In Leadership conference and a current ministry leader, closed the event with a heartfelt perspective on intergenerational inspiration. She shared how her father’s story of hard work and sacrifice, coupled with her own personal faith, continually inspire her leadership on campus. She stated, “I came to the United States, and I’m embracing the culture that I’ve come to meet and sharing mine. I’ve transcended into a version of me that was greater than before.” Above all, Annie urged the audience to embrace who they are and follow their dreams.  

The rapid, focused delivery of all seven speakers made a huge impact. The university community left the auditorium feeling motivated and ready to act on the diverse and powerful voices they had just heard.

Photo by Sydney Mitchell