You are invited to participate in the LULAC Arlington 2025 Women’s Conference: Resilience, a powerful gathering celebrating and empowering women through education, finance, health, and resilience!
This year, the TEXAS LULAC Director for Women has partnered with Arlington LULAC Council 22320 and the Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS) at the University of Texas at Arlington to bring together inspiring women like yourself to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies for success.
Conference Highlights:
- Insightful panel discussions with influential leaders
- Workshops focused on resilience, education, finance, and health & wellness
- Opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded individuals
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: The Commons,
Second Floor
University of Texas at Arlington,
440 S Nedderman Dr, Arlington, TX 76019
Note: depending on the map, the street address can be W. or S. Nedderman.
Free parking for those registered before April 10. Parking is located at W. Parking Garage and Lot 34.
We have four spots for vendors. We also welcome Sponsors. Please contact clazua@gmail.com if you are interested.
Register today at https://tinyurl.com/awoman25. The last day to register is April 14th.
🎟 Registration Fees:
Adults: $25
Students: $10
UTA Students: $5
Continental breakfast and lunch are included. Registered attendees receive free parking.
All are welcome. The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you require accommodation or services to participate fully, please contact cmas@uta.edu at least 10 business days before the event.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch at cmas@uta.edu, 817-272-2933, clazua@gmail.com.
Conference Schedule
Conference Detailed Agenda
Speaker Profiles
Master of Ceremonies
Claudia Azua
Host, Texas State LULAC – Deputy State Director for Women
Claudia Azua is a passionate leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through education, service, and outreach. With over 20 years in bilingual education and nonprofit leadership, she champions diversity, equity, and access. A proud Catholic, her faith fuels her commitment to family, education, and public service. Known for her strategic planning, fundraising, and event organizing skills, Claudia drives initiatives that foster growth and inclusion. Her motto, “YES, YOU CAN!”, reflects her belief in perseverance and the transformative power of advocacy.
Rebecca Aguilar
Journalist, Founder of Latinas in Journalism
Event Proudly Hosted By
Keynote Speakers
Dra. María Yareli Delgado
Senior Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at UT Arlington
With more than 15 years in higher education, her research focuses on women of color in leadership and Latinx student access. She has published in several leading academic journals.
Jeanette Martinez
Fort Worth City Council Member
Jeanette Martinez is the Executive Administrator to Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles and the first Latina elected to Fort Worth’s District 11 City Council. She holds degrees from Texas Wesleyan and UTA, and serves on several nonprofit boards.
Conference Speakers
Zamanda Martinez
Licensed Professional Counselor
Session 3 & 8: Cultivating Resilience Through Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Sarah Hahs
Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Linda Fyffe, M.Ed.
Community Health Educator
For over 30 years, Linda Fyffe has taught community health education for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. She holds a Master of Education degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in education with honors and has received extensive training in sexuality education. Session 1: Health and Wellness for Women
Lizbeth López Reyes
Senior Immigration Attorney
Bringing over eight years of expertise in immigration law. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and her Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Specializing in immigration removal defense, Lizbeth advocates for individuals facing deportation. Lizbeth volunteers with Proyecto Inmigrante. Session 4: Immigration Information Workshop
Dra. Cecilia N. Sánchez Hill
TCU Ph.D Candidate & Educator
Lorena Vargas
Language Specialist and Curriculum Writer
Holds a BA in Elementary Bilingual Education from Texas Wesleyan University. She is the Chair-Elect for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-Fort Worth Chapter. From 2021 to 2023, she mentored in the Latinas in Progress Education Committee. She volunteers and serves on several boards and committees promoting educational excellence, collaboration, and advocacy. In 2023, she was honored as the HWNT Fort Worth Shining Star and co-authored the educational Teacher’s Guide, “Blooming Writers.” Women’s Empowerment and Resilience Panelist.
Mara Vaughn
UNT Dallas Program Director, Former Citizenship Ambassador, LULAC Council President
Ann Cavallo
Dean ad Interim – UTA College of Education, Distinguished Professor of Science Education
Rosa María Berdeja
Founder of The Law Office of Rosa Maria Berdeja
Rosa Maria Berdeja, a South Texas native and first in her family to graduate high school and pursue higher education, is the founder of The Law Office of Rosa Maria Berdeja, specializing in immigration law. A graduate of Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law) and the University of North Texas, she worked as a paralegal for many years before becoming an attorney. Known for her collaborative spirit, Rosa is a respected community leader who builds strong partnerships and fosters meaningful relationships to drive positive change.
Perla Bojorquez
Texas State Representative District 93, Empowerment and Resilience Panel
Alyssa Azcarate
Founder and Owner, Teatro Café & DISD Teacher
Sponsors
Sal Carrillo
LULAC District, District Director STF Services Tax Specialist
Carmen Carrillo’s Taxes
Hector Carrillo’s Income Tax
Host and Co-Hosts
Claudia Azua
Host, Texas State LULAC – Deputy State Director for Women
Connie Flores
LULAC District 21, Deputy Director for Women
JoAnna Cardoza
Host, Texas State LULAC – Deputy State Director for Women
Xavier Medina Vidal
Director, Center for Mexican American Studies
Political scientist, a graduate of the University of New Mexico (B.A. in Economics, M.A. in Political Science) and the University of California, Riverside (Ph.D.). As a Professor-Researcher of Political Science and Director of the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, Dr. Medina Vidal teaches courses on North American and Mexican politics.
Monica Aurora López
Program Coordinator, Center for Mexican American Studies
CMAS Staff
Diana Botello
Administrator
José T. Ayala Rodríguez
Academic Coordinator
Giselle Govea
Web Designer
Ángel Hinojoza Gándara
Graphic Designer
Hector Maldonado
Communications Liason