Here is a gathering of individuals involved in the signing of the memorandum of understanding
featuring Ferris State University, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic
Center of Western Michigan and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Thursday,
June 15 at the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building in Grand Rapids.
One of Ferris State University’s core values is diversity. As part of its commitment to strengthening diversity and inclusion, Ferris is partnering with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to build upon the existing relationships with these organizations to create pathways for members of West Michigan’s Hispanic community to achieve their educational goals while positioning them for meaningful and successful careers in the public and private sectors.
The partners gathered at the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building in Grand Rapids for a formal memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on Thursday, June 15, to cement the new pact.
“We see this as a vital partnership at an important time at Ferris State University
and throughout West Michigan. We could not be more excited to formally engage with
longtime partners in the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Center
of Western Michigan and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce around a shared
goal of strengthening diversity, inclusion and opportunity,” Ferris President Bill
Pink said. “One key emphasis in my presidency has been and will continue to be building
local, regional and statewide relationships, being responsive to the needs of our constituents
and demonstrating Ferris’ relevancy to our students, faculty, staff and community
members from diverse backgrounds. I look forward to the progress we will make with
these three organizations.”
Ferris State University President Bill Pink addresses the group during the memorandum
of understanding signing event in Grand Rapids at the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building
on Thursday, June 15.
Ferris components of the partnership include:
- Exploring upscale internship opportunities for incoming and current students to promote an early connection to the workforce.
- Providing professional development opportunities for currently employed populations.
- Removing barriers for business owners navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
- Providing pathways for potential students to attend Ferris State University.
- Providing financial and in-kind support for student recruitment, retention and celebration events.
Ferris intends to focus on current students and those in the recruiting pipeline while serving as a lifetime resource for graduates through career services and continuing education opportunities. Additional goals include supporting relevant community programs and being a source of information, leveraging existing K-12 partnerships and hosting summer camps and campus visits.
“Our work will be centered on developing short-term and long-term workforce development and pipeline relationships academically, socially and economically, to create important cultural connections leading to meaningful internships and career opportunities for students and graduates,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bobby Fleischman said. “President Pink is a strong believer in community engagement and partnerships. It’s a charge for us, and this is a great example of the opportunities we’re seeking to serve our Latin X communities in West Michigan and beyond. Our commitment here is comprehensive and ongoing. We strive to partner now and into the future.”
The GR and WMH chambers and the Hispanic Center contributions to the agreement include supporting Latinx entrepreneurs, focusing on Ferris graduates for opportunities, leveraging professional development and leadership programs, providing space for activities, advancing economic development, developing internship options, post-secondary training and more.
“Today, as we sign this MOU, we are not just embarking on a promising partnership. We are also acknowledging the tremendous influence and potential of our growing Latino community,” said Omar Cuevas, vice president of investor and corporate relations for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. “In unifying efforts between our organizations, we aim to further amplify the significant contributions made by this diverse and vibrant community. This agreement symbolizes our joint commitment to empowering the Latino community and, ultimately, building a thriving and prosperous region for all.”
Messages of collaboration and opportunity resonated with Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez, executive director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.
“It is an honor for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan to partner with Ferris State University to promote professional development opportunities and pathways to encourage our Hispanic students to further their education,” Esparza-Gonzalez said.
Further echoing an opportunity theme, Carlos Martinez, director of development for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, sees the regional growth and believes the timing is perfect for this agreement.
“The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest-growing segment of West Michigan. This intentional effort to connect the work of each of our organizations in supporting the economic and professional advancement of the community is an important step to scale this work,” he said. “The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to collaborate with these key organizations to support our community.”
Signing the agreement were President Pink, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rick Baker, Esparza-Gonzalez and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Director of Programs and Strategy Kaylee Moreno-Burke, a former executive director of Ferris’ Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center.
In addition to President Pink, Ferris representatives included Provost Fleischman, Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives David Pilgrim, Vice President for Student Affairs Jeanine Ward-Roof, Kendall College of Art and Design President Tara McCracken, Ferris’s Interim Director of the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center, Sonia Trevino, Executive Assistant to the Provost, Amy Ducher, and College of Arts, Sciences and Education faculty member Tony Baker, who co-founded and is a former executive director of Ferris’ Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center.