The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs hosted the first South Carolina Hispanic/Latino Affairs Summit on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Midlands Technical College Airport Campus.
The free event highlighted the economic, social, and cultural contributions of the State of South Carolina’s Hispanic/Latino community. Community, faith-based, and thought leaders had the opportunity to network and share their experiences advocating for the Hispanic/Latino community.
Beaufort County School District Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez delivered the keynote address. Dr. Rodriguez served the South Florida educational community for 26 years in a variety of positions prior to starting his position as superintendent of the Beaufort County School District. At the Florida Department of Education, Dr. Rodriguez served as a secondary Social Studies teacher and a program coordinator. He was also an elementary and secondary principal, an assistant superintendent for six district departments, and an area and regional superintendent in the Palm Beach County schools.
Dr. Rodriguez earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education from Florida State University (1993), his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida Atlantic University (2000), and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University (2009).
Other speakers included Maria Yturria, Deputy Chief of Professional Development/Public Affairs Office at Richland County Sheriff’s Department; The Honorable Michèle Patrão Forsythe, Family Court Judge at Charleston Circuit 9; Ivan Segura, Director of Multicultural Affairs at SCCMA; Vanessa Gongora, Territory Director for Norsan Media; Melanie Delgado, former Infrastructure Implementation Communications Intern at The White House; and Sarai Melendez, Councilmember of the City of Walhalla.
For more information, contact the SC Commission for Minority Affairs at 803-333-9621.
