Prueba hyla

Program

Thursday, July 27th

HONORING THE PAST

7:00 pm

Opening Session Lecture: “Why spaces like these are important, a historical analysis of the past, why HYLA emerged?”

Rev. Patricia Bonilla

Marsh Chapel

8:00 – 9:00 pm

Responses: (40 min) (in small groups)

HYLA —High school participants

STH B-23

HYLA – College students

STH 115

Raices Latinas - Seminary Students

STH Chapel

ACLAMEN – Latina Pastoras

STH 325

Other Church Leadership – Clergy/faculty/lay leadership

STH 343

8:40 pm

Report back and closing reception STH B-24

9:15 pm

HYLA after Dark for High School students

Thursday, July 27th

HONORING THE PAST

7:00 pm

Opening Session Lecture: “Why spaces like these are important, a historical analysis of the past, why HYLA emerged?”

Rev. Patricia Bonilla

Marsh Chapel

8:00 – 9:00 pm

Responses: (40 min) (in small groups)

HYLA —High school participants

STH B-23

HYLA – College students

STH 115

Raices Latinas - Seminary Students

STH Chapel

ACLAMEN – Latina Pastoras

STH 325

Other Church Leadership – Clergy/faculty/lay leadership STH 343

8:40 pm

Report back and closing reception STH B-24

9:15 pm

HYLA after Dark for High School students

Thursday, July 27th

HONORING THE PAST

7:00 pm

Opening Session Lecture: “Why spaces like these are important, a historical analysis of the past, why HYLA emerged?”

Rev. Patricia Bonilla Marsh Chapel

8:00 – 9:00 pm

Responses: (40 min) (in small groups)

HYLA —High school participants STH B-23

HYLA – College students

STH 115

Raices Latinas - Seminary Students STH Chapel

ACLAMEN – Latina Pastoras STH 325

Other Church Leadership – Clergy/faculty/lay leadership STH 343

8:40 pm

Report back and closing reception STH B-24

9:15 pm

HYLA after Dark for High School students

Who are we? The national association of methodist clergywomen (ACLAMEN) exists to unite, inspire, empower and mentor women clergy for mutual enrichment and strength through faith and leadership.

Our goals:

 To foster unity among Latina/Hispanic clergywomen in the United Methodist church and pastoral leadership from other denominations.

 To identify and motivate Latina/Hispanic women in our denomination who have felt called to ministry and accompany them in the process of formation, consecration, and ordination.

 To advocate and develop strategies so that Latina/Hispanic women's leadership is represented at all levels of the church.

Membership:

 ACLAMEN members are ordained women pastors, deaconesses, local pastors, seminarians, candidates for ministry, retired women pastors, and pastoral leaders from other denominations.

 Application for membership is made individually by filling out the form found at https://www.hylaumc.com/aclamen/ and making the $50 contribution.

 The members of the Assembly meet periodically to interact in spaces of collective care and exchange of knowledge, as well as to receive theological and pastoral formation.

¡Con la fuerza del Espiritu, y la fe de las mujeres!

Table of Contents

Welcome Message

Rev. Dr. Cristian De la Rosa

Message from Organizers – HYLA Team

Honoring the Past, Celebrating our Present & Co-creating the Future

Stories of our Students and Collaborators

Our Past

Lis Valle

Our Present

Karen Pacheco

Andrés de Arco

Óscar Guana

Our Future

Dorlimar Lebrón

Sponsor Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments Support HYLA

Donate and Make a Difference!

message

We are thrilled to gather here today to celebrate two decades of Latinx youth leadership in this interdenominational and intergenerational Encuentro of Latinx leadership. The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformation within the United Methodist Church and The Episcopal Church, as well as in the lives of innumerable individuals and communities.

Our mission has always been rooted in our commitment to facilitate the discerning of call to ministry and justice making through social awareness, spiritual growth, higher education, and leadership development. Through this journey, we have discovered the power of our collective Latinx experience, embracing the diversity and unity that comes from our shared heritage. In our experience as HYLA, we firmly believe in the strength of our community, and we stand in solidarity with El Pueblo Latino, irrespective of legal status. We are resolute in our dedication to support, accompany, and uplift, Latinx students, as we strive together to transform the world around us.

Over the past twenty years, HYLA has nurtured the leadership skills of countless young people, providing them with the tools and opportunities to practice and explore their passions within the church, the academy, and their local communities. We have witnessed incredible journeys of growth and achievement, as our participants have made a lasting impact in various fields and sectors.

Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we also extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of this leadership initiative. From our dedicated clergy, faculty, and lay leadership to the generous supporters/sponsors/partners who have believed in our vision, your unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the lives of these young leaders. We invite you to join us in reflecting on the incredible achievements of the past, celebrating the present, and envisioning a future where Latinx young leaders continue to shine brightly and make a profound difference in their communities. Together, let us renew our commitment to guiding and empowering the next generation of Latinx leaders, as we embark on the next chapter of HYLA's inspiring journey.

Thank you for being a part of this momentous occasion and for your continued support of the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA). Here’s to twenty years of transformation, growth, and a future filled with endless possibilities. With profound gratitude and excitement,

With profound gratitude and excitement, Rev. Dr. Cristian De La Rosa, National Director for The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) at Boston University School of Theology

Message from the

Dear Friends and Participants,

On behalf of the organizing team, it is our utmost pleasure to welcome you to the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA). This momentous occasion marks a significant moment in our journey of empowering Latinx youth and fostering their leadership potential.

HYLA has been a place where young leaders find their voices, discover their passions, and engage in transformative action to overcome the obstacles faced by our comunidad Latina. As organizers, we are immensely proud of the impact that HYLA has made and the lives it has touched. HYLA is not just a leadership program; it is a familia, a vibrant community where Latinx youth and young adults come together to create a better future. It is a space that values inclusivity, diversity, and the power of working collectively.

Together, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of HYLA's 20-year journey. Let us honor the stories of resilience, passion, and leadership that have emerged from this program. As we reflect on the past, embrace the present, and envision the future, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals that HYLA stands for discerning our call to ministry, pursuing higher education, advocating for social justice, and transforming our world.

Thank you for being a part of this meaningful occasion. Your presence, support, and contributions make a significant difference in the lives of Latinx youth and young adults. We look forward to the impactful conversations, inspiring sessions, and joyful celebrations that lie ahead as we commemorate the 20th Anniversary of HYLA. Together, we will continue to uplift, empower, and create a brighter future for all.

With heartfelt gratitude and excitement, HYLA ORGANIZING TEAM

We are proud to support the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy on the occasion of their 20th anniversary.

We also celebrate the following initiatives and programs at Boston University School of Theology:

• Raíces Latinas Program on Theology, Leadership, and Research, including Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA), Raíces Latinas Leadership Institute, Casa Raíces Latinas

• Raíces Latinas Student Association

• Theology and LatinX Studies Certificate

• Raíces Latinas Endowment

As we gather here today to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of HYLA, let us honor the past, embrace the present, and eagerly anticipate the bright future ahead, knowing that our commitment to transforming young lives will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating our Present & Co-creating the Future.

Honoring the Past

The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) has a rich history filled with significant milestones that have shaped its journey of empowering Latinx youth and young adults across denominations. Let's explore the key events and turning points that have defined this remarkable initiative.

Conception and Early Years: The seed for HYLA was planted when Bishop Minerva Carcaño, during her tenure as the director of the Mexican American program at Perkins School of Theology, recognized the need for a leadership formation initiative. With her vision in mind, Bishop Carcaño secured a grant from the National Plan on Hispanic Ministries in the United Methodist Church, laying the foundation for what would become HYLA.

Formation and Growth at Perkins: In 2004, Reverend Jeannie Trevino-Tedley invited a consultant, Rev. Dr. Cristian De la Rosa, to help implement this visionary leadership initiative. Together, they nurtured the largest groups of high school and college students at Perkins, fostering an environment of empowerment and skill development. There a contextualized leadership curriculum, vision and mission of HYLA was developed by a designated national leadership team of HYLA graduates. This new emphasis guided HYLA’s growth into a national and international initiative including students from Mexico and Puerto Rico and it inspired consideration of an interdenominational identity reaching out to other mainline denominations.

Challenges and Rebirth: In 2012, all youth initiatives at Perkins were merged, and unfortunately HYLA was unable to continue. However, the determination of the national leadership team of HYLA led to a pivotal meeting with Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore and Dean Pamela Lightsey at Boston University School of Theology during MARCHA's annual convocation in 2013. They sought the support of Boston University School of Theology and the National Association of Latina Clergy Women (ACLAMEN) to ensure the continuation of HYLA. This marked a transformative moment as HYLA became integrated into Rev. Dr. De la Rosa's new faculty position at Boston University School of

Theology as part of the school’s interest in reaching out to Latinx students, and ACLAMEN served as its fiscal agent for several years.

Expansion and Reach: With Boston University School of Theology's support, HYLA expanded its programs to include high school sessions and college sessions at Boston University. Additionally, a college session at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a high school session at Adrian College were organized. HYLA also supported the establishment of Raíces Latinas Leadership Institute in order to create space for Latinx seminary students. These expanded offerings enabled HYLA to reach between 90 to 120 Latinx United Methodist students every year, providing them with invaluable leadership formation experiences.

Support and Partnerships: Throughout its journey, HYLA has been fortunate to receive steadfast support from the United Methodist Church. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of Church and Society, the General Board of Discipleship and many individuals and local congregations across the country have played pivotal roles in supporting these leadership formation initiatives, solidifying the commitment to nurturing Latinx students. The additional support and coordination with the Hispanic Ministry office of the Episcopal Church through the Rev. Anthony Guillen facilitated the interdenominational identity of HYLA from the early time at Boston University School of Theology.

Celebrating Milestones: HYLA has commemorated the progress and impact it has made with enthusiastic celebrations. In 2014, the 10th anniversary marked a joyous occasion, reflecting on a decade of empowering Latinx youth. The year 2018 brought the remarkable 15th-anniversary celebration, which was themed as a vibrant Quinceañera, symbolizing a profound coming-of-age celebration. HYLA became an international and also an interdenominational leadership initiative exploring partnerships with Episcopal, Lutheran, and Catholic churches.

Celebrating our Present

For the past two decades, the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) has forged a remarkable history as a pioneering institution in the development of Latinx leadership. Within the church and local communities, HYLA has emerged as a transformative force, empowering young leaders and fostering growth in both individual and collective capacities.

A new partnership with The Hispanic Summer Program (HSP) and The Hispanic Theological Initiative (HTI) in 2022 for the establishment of the Doctoral Accompaniment Seminar preparing seminary students applying for doctoral programs is a powerful witness to present accomplishments. The organizing of HYLA Colombia and HYLA Peru, as well as the financial support of Trinity Church Wall Street for the intentional development of a leadership pipeline in the Episcopal church confirms the international and interdenominational ethos that continues to strengthen the growth and outreach of HYLA and its leadership.

As HYLA continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of fostering leadership, education, and empowerment for Latinx students. The collective efforts of visionary leaders, supportive institutions, and committed graduates propelled HYLA forward, shaping the lives of young Latinx generations, and leaving an indelible mark across generations and borders.

Co-creating the future

At its core, HYLA is a dynamic leadership program that passionately commits itself to the formation of emerging Latinx leaders. By nurturing their potential, HYLA cultivates a profound sense of purpose and equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a lasting impact. This program extends its influence beyond the confines of the church, recognizing that leadership is not confined to a single domain but extends to all aspects of life, particularly within one's own community.

HYLA serves as a vibrant space where Latinx youth and young adults come together to engage in meaningful conversations and take action to address the challenges and obstacles faced by our communities. Through this platform, participants are encouraged to delve into critical issues, explore solutions, and spark transformative change. By embracing their unique perspectives, experiences, and voices, HYLA cultivates a powerful young leadership facilitating positive transformation at local, regional, national, and international spaces.

Throughout its 20-year journey, HYLA has consistently evolved, adapting to the shifting needs and aspirations of its participants. It has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generations of Latinx leaders, guiding them on their path toward realizing their full potential and embracing their calls and vocations as transformative social, cultural, and spiritual leaders.

On this 20th Anniversary of HYLA, let us honor the rich tapestry of experiences, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped this transformative institution. Together, we recognize the immense contributions of all those who have dedicated their time, passion, and resources to HYLA's mission.

D U K E D I V I N I T Y S C H O O L

Certificate in Latinx Studies

Three courses

two in Hispanic/Latinx studies

one elective

A minimum of one-year participation in Caminantes for M.Div. students, at least one field education placement in a Hispanic/Latinx context

Latinx Studies Fellowship

Designed for those pursuing the Certificate in Latinx Studies while enrolled in the residential Master of Divinity (M Div ) or Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S) degree programs. Fellows receive scholarship funding to cover the full cost of tuition for up to three years of study

Certificado en Teología

Programa de tres años basado en los requisitos básicos de un grado en teología. Cursos completamente en español No es necesario tener una educación teológica formal previa para aplicar Certificado oficial en teología de la Casa de Estudios Hispanos de la escuela de Divinidad de Duke

@lacasadds

Hispanic House of Studies at Duke Divinity School

By Karen Pacheco – HYLA High School and HYLA Colombia

esencial para marcar muchos años de mi vida. Mi primer encuentro con la academia me ayudó a fortalecer mi identidad como afrolatina y expandir la conciencia sociopolítica de mi comunidad, dándome las herramientas necesarias para ser una líder.

Con aproximadamente trece años y en medio de una incertidumbre vocacional, la mentoría espiritual y profesional que pude encontrar en la academia fue vital para diseñar mi proyecto de vida y direccionar mi liderazgo. Durante los tres años de esta etapa dentro de HYLA identifiqué mi llamado: Salvar vidas. La malnutrición, los conflictos internacionales y nacionales, el racismo, la xenofobia y la misoginia son algunos de los muchos retos a los que nos enfrentamos día a día. Y desde mi llamado, descubrí mi pasión por llevar bienestar y paz a los pueblos a nivel global, lo que me motivó a estudiar Relaciones Internacionales. Así, desde la academia y la acción social podría evitar que niños se quedaran sin sus papás, familias quedaran incompletas y corazones lloraran la perdida de seres queridos.

HYLA me ayudó a proyectarme como una líder que crea soluciones y genera cambios a través de la academia, la identidad y la espiritualidad. Casi ocho años después de mi primera participación en la academia, culmino mi carrera profesional con la misma pasión con la que la inicié y con la profunda convicción de ser instrumento de la voluntad de Dios, siguiendo mi llamado y siendo líder en la gestión de un cambio social.

Latinx Center at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

Latinx Center at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

The Hispanic - Latinx Center´s mission is to meet the needs of Hispa nic - Latinx studentes, pastors, parishioners and community leaders in a creative, insightful, useful and organic ways.

It also seeks to cultivate a community of friends who have a heart and concern about the realities of Latinx communities across the United States, Latin America and beyond.

Garrett is proud to partner with HYLA on our campus for HispanicLatinx college students. Hyla is a United Methodist Leadership initiative that provides an intensive summer leadership academy and a long - term mentoring experience around the topics of calling, education and Latino@identity.

The Hispanic-Latinx Center’s mission is to meet the needs of Hispanic -Latinx students, pastors, parishioners, and community leaders in cre ative, insightful, useful, and organic ways. It also seeks cultivate a community of friends who have a heart and concern about the realities of Latinx communities across the United States, Latin America, and beyond.

Latinx Center at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Leadership Academy (HYLA)

The Hispanic-Latinx Center’s mission is to meet the needs of Hispanic -Latinx students, pastors, parishioners, and community leaders in cre ative, insightful, useful, and organic ways. It also seeks to cultivate a community of friends who have a heart and concern about the realities of Latinx communities across the United States, Latin America, and beyond.

Garrett is proud to partner with HYLA on our campus for Hispanic -Latinx college students. HYLA is United Methodist leadership initiative that provides an intensive summer leadership academy and long-term mentoring experience around the topics of callin g, education and Latino@ identity.

By Andres De Arco – HYLA High School, College and Raíces Latinas. Volunteer and supporter of HYLA.

Participating in the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) has been one of the most pivotal elements of my personal and vocational development. HYLA not only enhanced my leadership abilities but empowered me to become an active change agent within my community. One of the most transformative experiences was being able to engage in college workshops with mentors and former students who all looked like me and could relate to my experiences.

Ultimately, I have been challenged to radically recreate my relationship with my community and leverage my problem-solving skills in ways that create opportunities for others in our community to advance.

HYLA College’s rigorous academic mentorship and resources have also been instrumental in my journey toward higher education. The support I received from mentors and peers within the academy fostered my academic confidence and sparked a passion for continual learning and growth.

Now, as a Harvard graduate, I look back with immense gratitude for my HYLA experience. The lessons I learned from HYLA are a constant reminder of my responsibility to uplift those around me. Today, with every step I take in my vocational journey, I carry the essence of HYLA’s mission, committing myself to unapologetically create spaces for future generations to thrive and find empowerment within the institutions they occupy.

The national plan congratulates the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy on your 20th Anniversary.

We salute your steadfast commitment to training and developing leaders that impact the church and the world. We are blessed to be in your partnership with you.

www.nphlm.org

By Oscar Guana - Raíces Latinas Program

with affordable housing and a loving community; it has sponsored my participation in numerous events, and it has given me opportunities to work and exercise my leadership by serving HYLA high school and college students, as well as by serving as co-president for the Latinx graduate student association Boston University School of Theology.

All of these roles I pursued while trying to find my place in a foreign country and in a culture where I am forced to see myself as a minority, and where some of my needs and most of the issues that mean the most to me are either unknown or dismissed in predominantly white institutions.

I will always be thankful for the generosity and warmth that the dear Rev. Dr. De la Rosa puts in all her many efforts to support the students, and which also characterizes all the faculty and leadership that make up Raíces Latinas. I am thankful for the knowledge and skills I have acquired and for the new opportunities that are opening to me, and most of all, I am thankful for the friendships I have gained and all the different ways we have celebrated the good times and endured the hard ones together.

Sponsor

We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the sponsors who have generously supported the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA). Your commitment has been truly commendable, and we are deeply grateful for your invaluable contributions.

We extend our gratitude to all our sponsors, both large and small, whose contributions have helped make this event possible. Your support has allowed us to provide scholarships, develop impactful programs, and create a nurturing environment where young leaders can thrive. Your investment in HYLA's mission is an investment in the future of our communities, our churches, and our world.

We are immensely grateful for the support and collaboration of Boston University School of Theology since 2011. The support of The United Methodist Church through the National Plan on Hispanic Ministry, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of Church and Society, and the General Board of Discipleship since 2003. The support from the Episcopal Church through Trinity Church Wall Street since 2020. The support of Lilly Foundation since 2021. Your partnerships and commitments to leadership formation and the agency of Latinx youth have been vital in expanding the reach and impact of the many leadership initiatives along two decades.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the vision and mission of HYLA. Together, we are creating a brighter future for Latinx youth, building leadership excellence, and shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

With the deepest gratitude,

With the deepest gratitude, HYLA ORGANIZING TEAM

The Hispanic Summer Program celebrates

Years

of Latinx leadership formation by our partner, the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy. We look forward to the next 20 years.

www.hispanicsummerprogram.org

¡Bienvenidos a ¡Bienvenidos a ¡Bienvenidos a Wesley Th Wesley Th Wesley Th

Ofrecemos a a Ofrecemos

Scholarships up up Scholarships

Gente Latinx stu Gente Latinx Gente Latinx stu Writing Center s Center Writing writing in Englis in Englis writing Leadership coho Leadership coho Leadership coho

Students must speak and write in English There are opportunities for Spanishlanguage study through the Hispanic Summer Program and specific courses Come, study in the nation's capital, and be in a diverse, urban learning environment

Lucila Crena, Assistant Professor in Christian Ethics and Public Theology

C R nas

An intentional community of seminary students congratulates HYLA in its 20th anniversary!

FCUMC has been supporting and mentoring international students and students of color since 2020

Want to get involved? Communicate with us!

55 Otis Street, Medford, MA office@firstcommunitymedford.org firstcommunitymedford.org

f o r m a t i o n o f L a t i n x y o u t h !

Support HYLA

Donate and make the difference!

We invite you to join us in supporting the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Latinx high school, college, and seminary students. Your generous donations will enable us to provide scholarships, resources, and transformative experiences for these young leaders.

To make a donation, we offer convenient and secure options:

1. Zelle: You can easily donate through Zelle by sending your contribution to hyla.umc@gmail.com.

2. PayPal: We also accept donations through PayPal, a trusted and secure online payment platform. Visit https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9XLSJTASKNAPQ and follow the instructions to make your contribution.

3. Checks: If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to “Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy” and send it to:

Boston University School of Theology & Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) 745 Commonwealth Ave. Suite 110 Boston, MA 02215

Thank you for considering a donation to HYLA and for being part of this incredible journey.

With appreciation,

HYLA Organizing Team