From Penn State Berks
Photo courtesy of Samantha Bower
As part of the college’s ongoing efforts to engage with and support the local Hispanic and Latino communities, Penn State Berks will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with a variety of vibrant events, educational presentations, and cultural showcases. These events include dynamic speakers, cuisine, music, dancing, and more. All events are free and open to the public, and most are held at Penn State Berks, except those sponsored by the Berks LaunchBox.
Berks LaunchBox Talk: ‘Connect & Inspire,’ Hosted by Frael Reinoso Moreta
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m., Berks LaunchBox, located within the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
This Spanish-language networking event will focus on building meaningful connections and improving communication. The evening will begin with a short presentation on how to effectively introduce yourself and your business, followed by an interactive networking activity inspired by speed dating. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their elevator pitch, receive feedback from others, and make new connections in a fun and engaging environment. The event is hosted by Frael Reinoso Moreta, owner of Palaeli Studio, host of the popular podcast El Posca, and coordinator of the Berks LaunchBox Makerspace. Attendees must register in advance.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff
Wednesday, Sept. 16, noon, Perkins Plaza
The inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month activity coincides with the Mexican Day of Independence. This event features live music from a mariachi band, remarks from our Mexican and Mexican American faculty and staff, and Mexican food. In the event of rain, this event will take place in the first-floor Multipurpose Room in the Perkins Student Center.
Daniel Cortés Presents ‘What Does It Mean to Identify as LatinX in 2026’
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 5 p.m., Perkins Multipurpose Room
Daniel Cortés is a Penn State Berks PEPP alumnus turned immigration attorney/professor. He will share his experiences from the classroom to the courtroom in a talk titled “What does it mean to identify as LatinX in 2026, how we got here, and what is in our future?” Light refreshments will be served.
Javier Ávila Presents ‘My Name Is Trouble’
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5 p.m., Perkins Multipurpose Room
Javier Ávila offers a close examination of the American-Latinx experience, taking the audience on a journey as he moves between cultures, navigating a world of misunderstandings and misconceptions. He provides a fascinating perspective on what it means to balance assimilation with cultural preservation. Ávila is a professor of English, poet, novelist, and public speaker. His work has earned numerous awards. Latin food tasting will follow the talk.
Penn State Day (Information Session)
Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-noon, Franco Building
Prospective students are invited to register for Penn State Day, the college’s largest admissions event of the year, beginning at 9 a.m., starting in the Franco Building. Information will be presented in both English and Spanish. Attendees are invited to stay after the program for the Family and Homecoming Weekend festivities. Advanced registration is required.
Berks LaunchBox Webinar: Paid Advertising for Beginners: Meta Ads
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6-7:30 p.m., Berks LaunchBox, located within the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
This Spanish-language webinar will cover the basics of paid advertising without the complexity. It is designed for small businesses that want to understand how Meta Ads work and how to use them more strategically. It will cover when to use Meta Ads, how to define a campaign objective, how to identify your audience, how to set a basic budget, and which mistakes to avoid so you don’t waste money. At the end of the webinar, you will receive a simple checklist for planning a basic advertising campaign. The event is hosted by Frael Reinoso Moreta. Attendees must register in advance.
Latino Forum: ‘The Evolution of Nosotros’
Friday, Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; keynote at 11 a.m., high school registration at 9:30 a.m., and high school activities from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Perkins Student Center Auditorium
The 14th annual Latino Forum will feature keynote speaker Fran Rodríguez, who will present “The Evolution of Nosotros: An Intergenerational Conversation.” Many important decision-making tables have something in common: the absence of underrepresented voices. Beyond the benefits of DEI, convening generational groups ignites innovation and creative solutions. This session will disrupt the traditional keynote address and instead welcome a whimsical community conversation of curiosity. This event is for high school students, their teachers, and the community. Pizza will be served for the attendees in the Perkins Multipurpose Room following the presentation. Registration is required.
Penn State Berks Hispanic Heritage Month is supported by the Berks SIF Student Fee, the Howard O. and Jean Beaver Endowment for Guest Lecturers at Berks Campus, and the Berks Art and Culture Endowment.
For additional information on any of the events held on campus, contact Donna Chambers, teaching professor of Spanish and coordinator of Academic Community Engagement, at DMC6004@psu.edu or Belén Rodríguez-Mourelo, professor of Spanish and head of the humanities, arts and social sciences division at BRM4@psu.edu.
For more information on the Berks LaunchBox events, contact Erica Kunkel, director of the Berks LaunchBox, at ELS5014@psu.edu.
For a complete list of all Penn State Berks Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit Hispanic Heritage Month.
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