Inside the 2025 Rising Together Student Leadership Conference
A buzz of excitement filled the air as nearly 300 high school students from across the Yakima Valley stepped onto PNWU’s health sciences campus for the 2025 Rising Together Student Leadership Conference.
Hosted in partnership with ESD 105’s Migrant Education Program and the Migrant Voice Society, the event served as a powerful space for students to explore leadership, education, and the immeasurable potential that awaits them.
By Students, for Students
The Rising Together Conference has grown tremendously since its 2020 inception, evolving from a small gathering of 40 students to a major event serving hundreds. Cindy Cholico, Assistant Director of the Migrant Education Program at ESD 105, shared how the event was designed to inspire students to see new opportunities while staying connected to their cultural roots.
“We want to help students discover what inspires them while also connecting them with mentors who share similar backgrounds,” explained Cholico. “Seeing people who look like them and learning from their journeys — being able to ask, “How did you do it? What did it take for you?” — that is incredibly powerful.”
This year’s conference was a student-driven initiative. The Migrant Voice Society, a group of student leaders, played a central role in planning everything from the theme to the workshops, and even designing the event t-shirt. Their efforts ensured the event spoke directly to the experiences and needs of their peers.
Workshops covered topics like art therapy, cultivating healthy relationships, daily mindfulness, and mental health resources — issues that resonated deeply with participating students.
“I was amazed at how quickly some of the students picked it up,” exclaimed Rachel Simmons, PNWU-MAMS Class of 2025/PNWU-COM Class of 2029, who helped to lead participants through a suturing workshop. “A couple of them just watched me tie a suture once or twice and then were able to tie a bunch of sutures completely on their own.”
Within Reach
One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was the realization that success is not out of reach — it’s right here in Yakima.
Migratory families face unique educational challenges, including frequent relocations, language barriers, and limited access to resources. These obstacles often lead to gaps in education, making it harder for students to envision a clear path to success.
“For many students, this is the first time they’re seeing a space that feels welcoming and full of opportunity,” Cholico said. “Many of them had never even heard of PNWU before attending this event, so just knowing that a university like this exists, and that it actively supports students like them, is eye-opening.”
Beyond the conference, ESD 105 works closely with local school districts, educators, and families to ensure students stay connected to the resources they need. Whether helping students prepare for college, finding mentorship opportunities, or advocating for programs that support their unique journeys, the goal is clear: empower students to take charge of their futures.
“College is intimidating to begin with,” said Student Dr. Simmons. “I know a lot of the students don’t have family members who have been to college, so they have way more barriers than I ever faced. It was great to inspire the students and give them a little bit of advice on how to navigate the next steps after high school.”
Envisioning Their Future
Conference organizers emphasized that the impact doesn’t end when the conference is over.
Michelle Alegria, who manages PNWU’s Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program, has been working closely with Cholico to explore ways to sustain the partnership and provide long-term support for students.
“We don’t want this to be a ‘one and done’ experience,” Cholico explained. “One of the best things about our program is that we help students overcome barriers now so they can start envisioning their future early on.”
As PNWU continues to strengthen its commitment to serving underrepresented communities, events like the Rising Together Student Leadership Conference serve as a reminder of the power of access, representation, and mentorship.
“I’ve been given such a great opportunity here at PNWU to invest in myself and my community,” said Student Dr. Simmons. “I wanted to share my enthusiasm and inspire the students to follow their dreams.”
“Whether they want to become doctors, dentists, or anything else, there is a space for them here,” added Cholico, “They have support, they have resources, and they have a community that believes in them.”
