 
2026 AAHHE National Conference  
Navigating the Intersections of Geopolitical Realities in Education
San Diego State University San Diego, CA March 27-29, 2026 
 
Pre-conference Events*
 
We are pleased to offer three pre-conference institutes at the 2026 AAHHE Conference. Please view the details below.  *Please note that these pre-conference institutes are separate events. 
Registration for the conference and pre-conference events is now open! 
Register Here for the Pre-Conference Sessions Register Here for the Main Conference
  
Please note that registration for the main conference and the pre-conference sessions are under two different registration forms. Registering for a pre-conference session does not automatically register you for the main conference. 
  
 
The Latino Student Success Institute  
March 27, 2026, 8:30am-11:30am PDT In-person pre-conference session  
Presenters: TBD 
Description TBD 
 
AAHHE Latinas and Leadership in Higher Education 
March 27, 2026, 8:30am-11:30am PDT In-person pre-conference session 
Presenters 
Patricia Arredondo, EdD, President, Arredondo Advisory Group, Past Chair, AAHHE Azara Santiago Rivera, PhD, Professor Emerita, Merrimack College, Consultant, Past Chair, AAHHE 
Description 
This pre-conference Institute centers on the unique assets of and opportunities for early- and mid- career Latina leaders in higher education. Discussion will be grounded in the cultural competency framework of self-awareness, knowledge-building, and skill sets for empowered practices. Topics include recognizing dimensions of intersecting identities as assets and challenges in work settings, the Mujerista mindset, cultural clashes in predominately white institutions, and a roadmap for one’s continuing empowerment journey. This institute will be highly interactive, drawing upon individuals’ experiences to share lessons learned. 
Objectives 
- Apply a cultural competency framework for one’s personal journey.
 
- Define terms relevant to the empowerment journey (i.e., empowerment, Mujerista, and “entre fronteras”).
 
- Identify dimensions of intersecting identities that are workplace assets and those that are marginalized.
 
- Share culture clashes in the workplace and how these may reflect “entre fronteras” experiences, and how one manages these.
 
- Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas of strength and power gaps for one’s roadmap.
 
 
Learning Outcomes 
Participants will be able to: 
- Identify 2 specific strategies to capitalize on strengths in their leadership role.
 
- Identify 2-3 power gaps and specific ways to address them.
 
- Identify 2-3 effective ways of incorporating Mujerista mindset principles in their leadership role.
 
- Develop a roadmap with priorities for thriving on one’s continuing empowerment journey.
 
  
AAHHE Community College Institute Title TBD 
March 27, 2026, 8:30am-11:30am PDT In-person pre-conference session  
Moderator: TBD 
Presenters: TBD 
Description 
TBD 
  
Objectives 
TBD
  Updated November 3, 2025
  
 |