On Sept. 29 in Cody Commons at 5:30 p.m., Antonio Neves will be a keynote speaker for an event hosted by The Center for Student Involvement and the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Information found at Neves official website states that he was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. He pursued a successful career in the television and digital industry working for a multitude of networks such as Nickelodeon, NBC, PBS, BET, and E!.
Currently, Neves is a “nationally recognized college speaker, award-winning journalist and leadership executive, who “asks the important question” to college audiences: “Who makes you better?”
Neves mission statement is “to help college students and young professionals discover what makes them great,” along with focusing on “leadership, communication, and career success” by inspiring audiences to create their “own luck.”
Neves was a NCAA Division I student-athlete, attended Western Michigan University, and received a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University Graduate School.
Although Neves later became a successful entrepreneur, he created his own luck as his modest beginnings started with “moving to New York City with just $600 in his pocket,” sleeping on a floor and working multiple jobs.
“I’m very excited to have Mr. Neves on campus,” Amber White, coordinator of diversity affairs. “I believe that his energy and positive message will be inspiring to all that will be in attendance. The HALO officers specifically wanted him to come and speak to their peers and the community. There’s no doubt in my mind that they made a great choice. ”
Marisol Regalado, HALO president, believes that it is important to share and observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, because it promotes diversification of cultural heritage.
“I believe it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because we are able to keep our culture alive and make people more aware and open their eyes to things that they don’t see on a regular basis,” Regalado said.
“Diversity is key in life. The events that we are putting on for the campus give a little piece of our culture that we can share.”
Neves will be a speaker during one of the several events hosted by the organization for National Hispanic Heritage Month taking place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15
According to White, the following activities are scheduled for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which students are strongly encouraged to attend.
- Diversi-Tea: Hispanic Heritage Month
Wednesday, Sept. 24th 1:30-3:30pm
Sunset Lounge, Memorial Union
Hosted by: Center for Student Involvement - Open Your Eyes
Thursday, Sept. 25th at 5pm
Trails Room, Memorial Union
Hosted by: Center for Student Involvement - Antonio Neves
Monday, Sept. 29th at 5:30pm
Cody Commons, Memorial Union
Hosted by: HALO - All Campus Fiesta
Monday, Oct. 13th
The Quad at 5pm
Hosted by: HALO - Movie Night: Cesar Chavez
Wednesday, Oct. 15th at 7pm
Cody Commons, Memorial Union
Hosted by: HALO
More information about Neves can be found at his official webpage: www.theantonioneves.com.