Planning Committee
About the Planning Committee
DDLM is planned by a volunteer committee that is composed of students and community members. The committee is led by the Chairperson who is nominated and elected by the MSU Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU) Latinx Student Organization at Michigan State University. Coordination of DDLM is supported by a staff member in the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT).
DDLM Chair
Name: Karissa Zarate
Pronoun: She/Her
Major/Minor: Spanish & Chicano/Latino Studies
Why DDLM? I am honored and happy to announce that I am this year’s Dia De la Mujer Chair. Having the opportunity to lead this conference alongside some of the strongest, confident Latinas at Michigan State is amazing! This conference is important to me because I strongly believe in the empowerment and success it provides to all who attend. From speakers, performances, workshops and more, we want to welcome everyone to enjoy this amazing space and learning experience!
DDLM Committee
Name: Nechelle Calderon
Pronoun: She/Her
Major: Marketing
Why DDLM? When I was an incoming freshman I was looking into all things Latinx. I stumbled across the DDLM instagram and saw the committee for that year. I thought out to myself, I want to be on that committee someday! So now I’m here a few years later, on the committee excited to see what’s to come!
Name: Sullay Garcia
Pronoun: She/Her
Major/Minor: Political Science Pre-Law & Chicano/Latino Studies
Why DDLM? I have attended the conference from previous years and it was so empowering. I joined the committee because I wanted to create a space where others can feel empowered and inspired.
Name: Esmeralda Salazar
Pronoun: She/Her
Major/Minor: Social Work & Chicano/Latino Studies
Why DDLM? I chose to be a part of the Dia De La Mujer planning committee this year to help build a strong and inspiring latina community. I think it’s important to learn about the strength that we have as latinas to help unite and empower the younger generation of Latina women to feel confident in themselves and have pride in their community.
Name: Daffne Ruby
Pronoun: She/Her/Ella
Major/Minor: Advertising Management & Chicano/Latino Studies
Why DDLM? I decided to be part of the DDLM planning committee because I wanted to be part of something beautiful. I attended my freshman year and was motivated by the many inspiring women at the conference. I aspire to be like them when I grow up. They are independent, well-spoken, gritty, and overall, mujeres luchonas.
Name: Lizbeth Munoz-Mejia
Pronoun: She/Her(s)
Major/Minor: Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
Why DDLM? I want to continue being part of a conference that creates a space for Latinas to feel empowered and inspired to achieve their own versions of success.
Name: Lorraine Betancourt
Pronoun: She/Her/Ella
Why DDLM? I joined DDLM because I am deeply passionate about advocating for Latinx women. Our resilience, strength, and diverse cultural contributions have always inspired me. The DDLM conference has strived to empower me and the hopes of other Latinx women to break down barriers, embrace their identities, and achieve our full potential. By celebrating our stories and achievements. Growing up with my three sisters and loving parents, I learned the importance of unity, resilience, and the strength that comes from our diverse heritage. I’m passionate about inspiring and connecting with fellow Latinx women, and I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world for all Latinx women in this conference.
Name: Deana Perez
Pronoun: She/Her
Major/Minor: Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
Why DDLM? I chose to be part of the DDLM planning committee because I love what this event stands for and being part of something so significant to me is important.
Name: Adriana G. Almanza
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Major: Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Concentration
Why DDLM? I chose to be part of the DDLM planning committee because I’m a firm believer that this conference is so powerful in so many ways for all Latina’s. This conference provides strength, courage, and inspiration for both the young and older generation. Being part of this committee is a way to give back to our community.
Name: Alexandra Soto
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major: Economics
Why DDLM? I believe that in an institute with PWI the need for representation and inclusion for Latina Women is something I want to help create. I look forward to creating this year’s DDLM Conference and providing inclusion and diversity at MSU!
Name: Ittaty Aguilar-Guzman
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Major(s)& Minor(s): Masters of Science in Global Health, interests in medicine, law, and business
Why DDLM? Since Freshman year of college, I have volunteered/attended DDLM, and every time I am reminded why I do what I do. I obtain valuable and unforgettable memories and connections. decided to be part of the DDLM planning committee. I have made a commitment to serve my community and give back to future generations of leaders. I want this event to inspire, uplift, motivate and have the realization that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, just like it has done to me!
DDLM Coordinator
Juan Flores
Juan Flores is a Coordinator in the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions at Michigan State University. In this role, he serves as a coordinator for Student Success Initiatives, Annual Día de la Mujer Conference, Todos Organizados Para Cuidar Estudiantes (T.O.C.E.) Annual Scholarship, Annual Thanksgiving Day Fellowship Dinner, and Advisor to the Council of Racial Ethnic Students (C.O.R.E.S.) Culturas de las Raza Unidas (C.R.U.) Latino Student Organization. Juan Also serves as a Co-Instructor in the International Engagement in Mexico (I.E.M.) Study Abroad Spring Break program. Prior to his position in OCAT he worked for the College of Natural Science as a Preprofessional Academic Advisor. While in Graduate school, he spent 3 years working for MSU Migrant Student Services where he worked as an instructor for the High School Equivalency Program and Graduate assistant for the College Assistance Migrant Program. Juan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. He was raised in Southwest Detroit and attended MSU by way of Southwestern High School. He enjoys traveling, meeting people of all cultures, DJing, video editing, Basketball, biking in the summer, Crafts, speaking Spanish, dancing, and is committed to helping students reach their full potential so they can become the best that they can be.