Multicultural Professional Dialogues are career development sessions that provide guidance, preparation, and future opportunities for students to fully meet their career potential. Sessions have various topics that allow participants to build their career readiness skills and focus on understanding one’s unique, cultural lens in navigating diverse work environments. These opportunities are provided in the form of speaker presentations, panel discussions, etiquette meals, resume preparation, and more.

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Multicultural Professional Dialogues (MPD):
Overcome Your Fears, Plan For Success

APR 16  |  11 AM-12:30 PM  |  STUDENT CENTER, ALUMNI ROOM

Panelists:

  • Sabrina Morgan, Promise & STEM Scholars Program Coordinator, Gateway Technical College
  • Jada Peters, Marketing Specialist at Snap-on Incorporated
  • Hector Cedeno Silva, Inbound Central Consumer Loan Officer, Marine Credit Union
  • Samantha Altamirano, Director of Community Engagement, Racine Spanish Center
  • Edwardo Vargas III, Veteran Support Specialist, Gateway Technical College

  • Karla Gonzalez, Bilingual Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent, Muro Signings and Services

sabrina_morgan

Sabrina Morgan, a native of Chicago, Illinois, graduated from UW-Parkside in 2003, double majoring in Sociology and Communications with certificates in community-based learning and conflict resolution. She earned a Masters of Science in Management and certification in project management from Cardinal Stritch University in 2006. After working in the corporate sector Sabrina returned home to her alma mater UW-Parkside serving as the Director of the Upward Bound Program working with disadvantaged youth. Sabrina truly enjoys helping others with their postsecondary and career pathways. In 2012, Morgan went on to work at Gateway Technical College. She currently serves as the Promise & STEM Scholars Program Coordinator, assisting minority, non-traditional occupation, and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth with college accessibility. In her most recent role she serves as the President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, a board she has served on for years assisting in various capacities. She currently serves on the Mahone Foundation Scholarship Committee and holds the position of Project Manager for the organization. She also serves on the Education Foundation of Kenosha board and Education Justice Coalition of Kenosha. Most notably she was awarded the Susan B Anthony Woman of Influence Award in 2022 and Future 5 Young Professional award in 2018 from Y-Link, a division of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance. Most recently she was awarded the Community Contributor award from Gateway Technical College for her impactful contributions to the local community. 

Hector Cedeno Silva

Hector is a former UW-Parkside student and was involved in OMSA, Latinos Unidos, and Omega Delta Phi Fraternity. He participated in immigration activism in college and it is still a big part of his life today. He currently works in finance but also has a huge passion for photography. He is an award-winning concert photographer that has had the honor of working with several Grammy Award winning bands. He enjoys Mexican music, pizza and spending time with his girlfriend, family, and friends. He looks forward to continuing his relationship with UW-Parkside in the future. 

Edwardo Vargas

Born in Racine, WI to Guatemalan immigrant parents, Staff Sgt. Vargas boasts a diverse background that fuels his passion for education and service. Since the early 90s, he has been deeply involved in local higher education, leaving his mark as both a student and advisor. 

During college at UW Parkside, UW Milwaukee, and Marquette University, Staff Sgt. Vargas immersed himself in student clubs and fraternity life. His pursuit of knowledge extended to various Army Schools for professional and military studies. 

Throughout his 25-year career, Staff Sgt. Vargas has dedicated himself to supporting underrepresented student populations as an academic advisor at UW Milwaukee, UW Parkside, and Gateway Technical College. He has focused on Latinos, First Generation students, those with disabilities, and currently, Veterans and military-connected students. 

In parallel, Staff Sgt. Vargas has shown unwavering commitment in military service, with 20 years in the Marine Corps, Army Reserves, and WI Army National Guard. He completed two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in roles such as Psychological Operations Sergeant and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Sergeant. 

Beyond professional achievements, Staff Sgt. Vargas finds fulfillment in mentoring students of all ages, drawing from his own experiences to inspire personal and financial fulfillment. With dedication to education, service, and mentorship, he continues to impact lives, embodying resilience, compassion, and leadership.

Jada Peters

Jada Peters grew up right here in Kenosha, Wisconsin and graduated from Gateway Technical College (AA Marketing ‘19) and University of Wisconsin-Parkside (BA Communication ‘21). In her collegiate journey, she’s been immensely involved at both schools. From starting organizations and revamping programs, to sitting on administrative committees and different organizational executive boards as a student, shes left an impact on every organization she’s been apart of. Growing up, she was shy, insecure, and wasn’t sure if she’d make it far because of these limitations. But, with the help of mentors, peers, counselors, and most importantly her increase of self confidence, she turned those limitations into opportunities. In the midst of it all, she was passionate about helping and championing people. For instance, helping people understand if they want to go to college, that’s great! But, there are other opportunities out there to fulfill your passions (technical college, military, entrepreneurship, etc). Currently, she works at Snap-on Incorporated as a Marketing Specialist. Also, volunteers at the Urban League, Mahone Foundation, and is apart of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Alumni Association. She’s able to use her career and volunteer opportunities to fulfill her passion and distribute positivity into the world. 

Samantha Altamirano

Co-Founder/ Director of Community Engagement for El Centro Hispano de Racine & BI-Link Employment Agency LLC 

  • 1st Generation graduate from the University of Wisconsin Parkside '21  
  • Milwaukee Area Technical College, Medical Interpreting ‘25  

Career notables:  

  • Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas 2017-2022  
  • City Year San Antonio AmeriCorp graduate ‘2017  
  • Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. at the University of Wisconsin Parkside; Operations Advisor, 2023-present 
  • Committee member for LULAC post 309  
  • 10+ Community Translation and Interpreting  
  • 10+ of Community Programming (Youth, Adult, Senior) 

Karla Gonzalez, Bilingual Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent, Muro Signings and Services

As a college student, you’re on a journey that can leave you wondering, “What’s next?” In this career-centered Multicultural Professional Dialogues session, hear from alumni who have leveraged their Parkside experience for career success. While it can be intimidating to plan for the future, this session will help you prioritize goals for your future career while offering guidance from individuals who were once in your shoes. Special guest alumni include Jada Peters ('21), Sabrina Morgan ('03), Hector Cedeno Silva ('16), Samantha Altamirano ('20), Edwardo Vargas III ('98 & '00), and Karla Gonzalez ('16). A free pizza lunch will be served!

Students: Click here to register for this event on Handshake.

Sponsors  |  Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Advising & Career Center, Community Business and Engagement

There are no upcoming events at this time. Please check back later.

Expectations & Guidelines for the MPD Experience

To assist you in making your best impression, we have provided a list of guidelines and expectations.

PROMPT
Fashionably late is not a great first impression. Please be prompt to the sessions you registered for.

POLITE 
When appropriate, express considerate manners by saying hello, excuse me and thank you for your time.

PROFESSIONAL
Introduce yourself, ask proper questions, and be prepared to tell about your own career aspirations. Bring your resume for practice interviews and the resource fair.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY
It is important that you dress appropriately for career related events. Business casual is highly recommended! If you need access to professional clothing please visit the Career Closet. The Career Closet is located in the Advising and Career Center on the D1 level of Wyllie Hall.

Consider a nice blouse, business shirt or sweater, dress pants or skirt. No tie required.

MPD Guest Video

GUEST VIDEO: ONLINE CAREER SEARCH STRATEGIES

Tanisha Stokes '09, M.S., CPRW,CWDP,CMCS
BA, Communication

Tanisha Stokes, founder of Gold Ink Consulting, gives insight to job searching online. Tanisha is a financial coach and consultant. Gold Ink Consulting is a valuable resource for people navigating their career journey.

ACCOMODATIONS
If you need accommodations due to a disability (physical, visual, hearing, etc.), please email Luis Benevoglienti at benevogl@uwp.edu so we can make the necessary arrangements.

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CAREER CLOSET AVAILABLE

Visit the Career Closet Pop-up Shop!

Career Closet

Experience MPD 2020 all over again with session recordings

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A conversation on how to be an advocate as a professional.  

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Listen to professionals speak about their experiences and answer any questions you may have about transitioning to your career.

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Listen to recent UW-Parkside and Gateway Technical College graduates speak about their transition from college to career.

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Come to this session ready to focus on ways to cope during really difficult times. Be ready to reflect on how taking care of ourselves helps us have more energy, ability, and balance.

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Get techniques on how to prepare for various types of interviews and get a front row seat to a practice interview. 

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As you explore the vast opportunities available to you, how to you determine the right fit. Is job security your main driver? Opportunities for advancement? Knowing that your work positively affects your community? Or is ensuring equity for all what matters to you most? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then a job with the government might be the perfect choice for you. 

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Success is highly sought after, yet the failure of business provides an array of learned lessons. The initial step towards recovery begins with learning to accept and acknowledge the factors that lead to business failure. As business owners reflect on their entrepreneurial experiences, they can resolve many business challenges. As a result, failure appears to create an opportunity for learning which in turn generates an avenue for success. 

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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Luis Benevoglienti
262.595.2073
benevogl@uwp.edu

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