Hobbs, NM — Members of the New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) SkillsUSA chapter recently attended the Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI), a four-day national conference held each September in Washington, D.C. The event brings students and advisors from across the country together to develop leadership skills and advocate for skilled trades and career and technical education (CTE).

WLTI offers students a once-in-a-lifetime experience through leadership training, panel discussions with government officials, tours of historic monuments and museums, and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

A highlight of the conference is visiting elected officials on Capitol Hill to share personal experiences and advocate for continued support of career and technical education. These visits help lawmakers and their staff better understand how SkillsUSA and CTE programs prepare students for successful careers while building essential leadership and professional skills.

The NMJC delegation met with staff members from the offices of Senator Martin Heinrich and Representative Gabe Vasquez. Students visiting Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office received a special surprise when the senator himself stopped by, providing an opportunity for a more personal conversation about the importance of SkillsUSA and career and technical education.

Another exciting highlight was the participation of Cyna Centeno, NMJC’s own SkillsUSA National College/Postsecondary Vice President, in the Congressional Networking Panel sponsored by TikTok.

Jill Henning, NMJC Professor of Nursing and SkillsUSA Advisor, emphasized the lasting impact of the conference on student leadership and advocacy.

“WLTI is a conference our state officers look forward to attending each year. It truly leaves the attendees with a better understanding of advocacy and heightens their desire to be better leaders within their organization at the national and state levels and as members of their community,” Henning said. “New Mexico Junior College was fortunate to be represented during the conference by two of our students, Cyna Centeno, who serves as the SkillsUSA National College/Postsecondary Vice President, and America Valdiviez, who serves as the SkillsUSA New Mexico College/Postsecondary President.”

Experiences like WLTI help students recognize the value of their voices, strengthen their leadership abilities, and inspire them to become advocates for their future careers and technical education.

To learn more about SkillsUSA, contact NMJC campus advisor Jill Henning or visit: www.skillsusa.org 

About: New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, and services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu, or Emilee Jarrett, Social Media and Communications Specialist, 575-492-2930, ejarrett@nmjc.edu