Michigan State University's Dia De La Mujer annual conference is back and stronger than ever, empowering Latinas throughout the Midwest. DDLM pioneers support for Latinas to reach their full professional potential and personal growth. It’s the only conference of its kind in Michigan and draws hundreds of children, teachers, educators, allies and community members across the Midwest to the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center each spring. DDLM provides a space where Latinas can build connections, foster a sense of belonging and take pride in their culture and achievements. Kicking off Women’s History Month, MSU hosted the 30th annual DDLM March 11,celebrating and supporting Latinas and their accomplishments. The conference was coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy and sponsored by the Culturas De Las Razas Unidas. 

What Happens at DDLM?

As Michigan’s largest Latina conference, DDLM is filled with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Attendees can participate in 30 different workshops led by Latina experts, covering topics such as health, politics, community, family, education, culture, history, and professional and personal development. Workshops covered a wide-range of topics and included Love Yourself Like You Mean It: The Art of Getting Back Up (With Style!), SHINE and Unlock Your Leadership Potential, and Reducing Health Disparities Through Implementation of Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs in Your Community.

This year’s keynote speaker was Peabody Award-winning journalist Mariana Atencio. Atencio is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker and former NBC News correspondent who received three Emmy nominations, a Hillman Prize and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award. Her investigative reporting has highlighted Latina American Issues, cartel violence and the rights of women and migrants. Through her passion and dedication to journalism, Atencio achieved the American dream, transitioning from Venezuela to covering foreign stories at NBC and interviewing prominent figures such as Pope Francis, President Biden and the king of Spain. She stands as a symbol of strength, intelligence and Latina pride.

The conference also featured exhibition tables where community organizations showcased their services and products. This included but not limited to; WKAR, Latino Leaders In Policy, Farmworker Legal Services, the Girlscouts, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Envy Entertainment, Samaritas, First National Bank of America, Hudsonville Chiropractic and Lansing Latino Health Alliance.They honored women who consistently contributed to the Chicana/Latina community through the Maria Zavala Award and welcomed a performance by Michigan’s first five-member, all-female mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Femenil.

First-Generation Inspiration

Sofia Mireles, OMEA committee chair, collaborated with Juan Flores, the Student Success and Community Initiatives coordinator for OMEA, along with a team of volunteers and committee members to bring the event to life. They began planning the conference a year in advance. Mireles led meetings, submitted funding requests and selected a keynote speaker. The team promoted the event through social media (Facebook, Instagram), newsletters and displayed posters at the Multicultural Center. 

Mireles is a first-generation student raised in Mexico before moving to a predominantly Hispanic area in the United States in high school. Adjusting to MSU was challenging, especially as one of the few Latina journalism students. Attending the DDLM conference as a freshman was the first time she saw a large group of Latinas in one space. It allowed her to relate to their experiences and find inspiration from their achievements while speaking Spanish. 

“I really liked hearing people speak Spanish because it’s my first language and really shaped me into the person that I am,” says Mireles. “It was the first time I truly felt like I belonged at MSU. It inspired me to keep going, to continue my education and stay connected to my identity as a Latina woman.”

The conference shaped Mireles’ journey at MSU. From that moment on, she prioritized surrounding herself with other Latinas on campus to feel supported and valued. Her work with OMEA is driven by her desire to give back to the community and make a lasting impact on MSU and Latina students who share similar experiences. 

“DDLM means breaking barriers to gain confidence and create something new and propose new ideas,” says Mireles. “Representation really matters, it inspires people to start their own businesses, take care of mental health and pursue higher education.”

The Field Trip of a Lifetime

Heidi Quintero, executive secretary at MSU, assisted Mireles in securing funding for the conference. Quintero reached out to potential sponsors, including MSU departments and local businesses, which covered registration fees for attendees. Their financial support contributed to the conference’s scale, ensuring a successful event with a prime location and renowned speakers. 

Quintero grew up in Southwest Detroit in a predominantly Hispanic community. She first visited MSU during a DDLM conference field trip in her junior year of high school. She fondly remembers connecting with people who encouraged her to succeed at MSU. The experience inspired her to attend college and support Latina initiatives.  

“Being low income, you don’t really travel or get to see the world,” says Quintero. “Knowing there was another community of people that look like me was shocking.”

Quintero believes DDLM serves as a platform for empowerment, reminding attendees of the strength and resilience within the Latina community. It’s a space where Latinas can gather to celebrate their achievements and share experiences with attendees from all over the Midwest. Her favorite part is meeting attendees in a variety of life situations, including mothers with daughters, teachers, high school students and college students.

“It’s not only for Latinas; it’s a place where you can go learn and experience community,” says Quintero. “You can learn what Latinas are going through, talk about their experiences and learn to be an ally.”

Quintero attends the conference each year to give back to her community, build connections and support Latina’s success at MSU, just as she was supported as a junior in high school. She is thrilled to contribute to the conference’s success each year and plans to continue her involvement for years to come. 

Growing the Legacy

This year’s 30th DDLM was not just a milestone, it was a celebration of the growth and resilience in the Latina community. From 100 attendees in the first few years to around 500 this year, attracting guests from all over the Midwest, DDLM has become the largest and most influential Latina conference in Michigan. For 30 years, DDLM has represented the power, support and growth of the Latina community. Over the past three decades, the conference has touched the lives of thousands, empowering them in their communities and careers. As the conference’s legacy continues, it provides Latinas with the tools, resources and confidence to forge their own paths and achieve success.

“Having an opportunity to attend workshops to help you grow professionally is really important,” says Mireles. “It's very meaningful to know there is a space to feel empowered, to feel you belong and represented.”

Looking ahead, Quintero hopes to see more diverse attendees beyond Latinas and encourages students to explore the event, bring a friend and take advantage of the networking opportunities. She hopes students will join the email list and share feedback to contribute to the success of future conferences. 

For more information on DDLM, check out msu-cru.com/events/ddlm.

Author: Olivia Williams, student communications assistant

Photo: Marissa Delgado
Delgado is owner of Marissa Laura Photography in Mid Michigan. She’s passionate about capturing the beauty in life’s everyday moments. From weddings to corporate events, quinceaneras, senior photos and more. She’s thrilled to have the opportunity to meet amazing people and create memories that will be treasured for years to come.