Spotlight Presenters at NAFSA 2023
Join these inspiring speakers as they share their perspectives on making an impact in the world. This year's Spotlight Presenters speak on topics related to this year's conference theme, "Inspiring an Inclusive Future." Learn from them at the beginning of each day, as well as the end of Wednesday. Each talk runs about for about 50 minutes.
Jennifer Borrero
Grassroots Generation
Wednesday, May 31 at 8:30 a.m.
Jennifer Borrero is a first-gen LatinX activist that believes all people deserve to feel cared for, seen, and heard. She tells stories of her experience working on international human rights issues and lessons learned along the way. Through these stories, Jennifer inspires attendees to realize they are capable and qualified of creating change even if they are still figuring out their own journey.
Learn more about Grassroots Generation, presented by Jennifer Borrero.
Tanaya Winder
Words as Seeds
Wednesday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m.
Tanaya Winder is an author, singer / songwriter, poet, and motivational speaker who comes from an intertribal lineage of Southern Ute, Pyramid Lake Paiute, and Duckwater Shoshone Nations where she is an enrolled citizen. She received a BA in English from Stanford University and an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Mexico. Winder’s poetry collections include Words Like Love and Why Storms are Named After People and Bullets Remain Nameless. Tanaya’s programs blend storytelling, singing, and spoken word to teach about different expressions of love and “heartwork.” Her specialties include women empowerment, healing trauma through art, creative writing workshops, and mental wellness advocacy.
Learn more about Words as Seeds, presented by Tanaya Winder.
Samuel Hyun
The Invisible Race
Thursday, June 1 at 8:30 a.m.
Sam Hyun was named one of The Boston Globe’s 2021 Bostonian’s of the Year. He has also been featured in Forbes, Good Morning America, the front page of the Boston Globe, and other publications for his work. Sam was also named one of the 40 Under 40 by Asian Hustle Network and the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs. Sam Hyun believes that anti-racism must include eradicating anti-Asian hate in order to truly create an equitable and loving community. By amplifying the voices and perspectives of the AAPI Community he strives to create understanding, social impact, and change.
Learn more about The Invisible Race, presented by Samuel Hyun.
Saul Flores
Sugarland
Friday, June 2 at 8:30 a.m.
Saul Flores walked 5,328 miles through ten countries to document how grueling and dangerous the journey of immigrants to the United States can be and to raise money for an elementary school in Atencingo, Mexico. The story of his journey, accompanied by a series of photographs, capture the essence of the people, communities, and cultures he encountered along the way. In talks to companies, educators, charities, and NGO’s, Saul spreads his message that social entrepreneurship is fueled through equity, belonging, and grit. We welcome him back to NAFSA after a successful presentation last year.