This October 5, Villanova University will host the ALPFA Student Summit, a day-long event designed to empower students with the tools and networks needed to become tomorrow’s leaders. Organized by the ALPFA Philadelphia chapter, the summit will feature workshops, networking opportunities, and discussions with corporate partners such as Deloitte and AON. The summit’s central theme, Building the Leaders of Tomorrow, aims to guide participants in building the professional skills and behaviors needed to succeed both in their careers and within their communities.

ALPFA, a national nonprofit dedicated to fostering professional growth within the Latino community, is not exclusive to Latino students. The organization seeks to build an inclusive environment for professionals and students of all backgrounds who share a commitment to leadership and personal development. As Miguel Nunez, the event's lead organizer and a key ALPFA Philadelphia member, highlighted during a recent interview, the summit aims to strengthen ties between students, universities, and corporate professionals.

“We want students to walk away with tangible skills and a better understanding of the ALPFA mission," Nunez said. "This summit is about more than just professional development—it's about fostering a community and creating the leaders of tomorrow.”

The event is designed to attract both students who are already involved in ALPFA chapters and those who are curious about the organization’s mission and how it can benefit their future careers.

Workshops Focused on Professional Growth

The event will feature a packed schedule of workshops designed to equip students with essential professional skills, led by ALPFA's corporate partners. One workshop will focus on interpersonal skills, covering topics like personal branding, resume building, and making strong first impressions. The goal is to provide students with practical tools they can use as they begin their careers. Additionally, workshops on resilience and mental well-being will emphasize the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional growth. "Balancing professional growth with personal well-being is crucial," said Nunez, "and we want students to learn how to take care of themselves as they build their careers."

Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals entering the workforce, will also be involved, offering a brief presentation on how students can access their services, such as professional attire and interview coaching. They will have a table at the career fair, where students can learn more about the resources they provide. Another workshop, "Defining Your Purpose," will guide students through exploring their strengths, values, and passions to help them identify their personal purpose and how it can shape their career path.

The summit will also feature Monique Muldoon, Vice President and Account Executive at AON, as a keynote speaker. A Villanova University alumna with an MBA in Business Administration, Marketing, and Healthcare Administration, Monique will share her insights and experiences in the health solutions sector.

Networking and Career Opportunities

Networking will be a key element of the summit, allowing students to interact directly with professionals from various industries. One of the primary goals is to connect students with the corporate world and help them understand the power of networking. As Stephen Arraya, the Executive Vice President of Growth Strategy for ALPFA Philadelphia, emphasized, networking can be a gateway to opportunities students might not have considered.

“Networking is a critical skill that many students don't realize the importance of until they’re in a setting like this,” Nunez said. "We want students to take advantage of the support systems in place and use these networks to propel their careers.”

The career fair will feature several companies from a range of industries, including banking and medical services. These companies are not just looking to present themselves; they are also actively seeking students for internships and job opportunities, making the summit a gateway for students to connect directly with employers.

Future Plans and Impact on Students

While this summit will be a one-day event, it marks the first step in a larger initiative. ALPFA Philadelphia hopes that the connections made and skills learned at this summit will continue to benefit students long after the event is over. Organizers are planning a larger student symposium next year and hope to grow participation across the Philadelphia region.

Stephen pointed out that ALPFA is committed to ensuring that students stay connected after the event through social media and post-event surveys. This engagement will help organizers gather feedback and continuously improve future events, all while maintaining a network of support for students as they transition from college to the professional world.

“We're looking forward to making this summit the starting point for ongoing student engagement," Nunez mentioned. "Whether it's through follow-up events, professional mentorship, or simply staying connected on campus, we want students to take the ALPFA mission with them as they progress in their careers."

Partnerships with AON and Deloitte

AON and Deloitte, long-time supporters of ALPFA, are the featured sponsors of the summit. Their involvement underscores ALPFA’s ability to connect students with major industry players, and their participation helps to make the summit’s workshops and networking events possible.

“These companies have been fantastic partners for several years,” Nunez said. “They not only bring expertise to our events but also actively support our mission to empower students. Having them at the summit gives students direct access to decision-makers in industries they may want to work in."

The involvement of these corporate partners goes beyond the summit as well. ALPFA hopes that students who participate in the summit will maintain relationships with these companies, creating long-term opportunities for internships, jobs, and professional mentorship.

Measuring Success and Looking Ahead

As ALPFA looks to the future, they have high hopes for the summit's success. Organizers plan to measure the event's impact by tracking student engagement through registrations, social media activity, and post-event surveys. Additionally, they plan to continue engaging with students throughout the year, particularly through student chapters at universities.

“Ultimately, we want students to take what they’ve learned and bring it back to their schools,” said Nunez. "If we can help students start ALPFA chapters on campuses that don’t currently have one, that would be a big win for us."

ALPFA’s long-term goal is to grow its membership to one million by 2030, and the summit is just one piece of a larger strategy to achieve that goal. By fostering professional development, creating networking opportunities, and building a strong community, ALPFA hopes to have a lasting impact on students long after their college years are over.

The ALPFA Student Summit is expected to draw students from across the Philadelphia region, and the organization is already looking forward to expanding the event in the years to come.

To register for the event, please visit: Event Registration.

Don't forget to explore the student landing page at: LinkGenie.