Florida State University’s student-led academic forum fosters intercultural dialogue, empowers research on and by the Hispanic community.
The Hispanic Graduate Student Association (HiGSA), in collaboration with the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication (CHMC) and the Multicultural Marketing Student Association (MMSA) at Florida State University, will proudly host its signature annual event, HiGSA Talks, on April 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the FSU Student Union Senate Chambers. The event will bring together graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and professionals for a vibrant day of academic presentations, dialogue, and community-building centered on the theme “Thriving in Our Identities and in the Academy.”
HiGSA Talks has become a cornerstone of FSU’s multicultural and academic calendar. Created to spotlight emerging voices in academia, the event invites students from all backgrounds to share work that either reflects Hispanic identities or addresses issues relevant to the Hispanic community. With a strong commitment to interdisciplinary engagement, this year’s edition will offer a dynamic platform for research that bridges academic insight and lived experience.
The program will feature two keynote speakers whose work exemplifies leadership in cultural understanding and effective communication. Dr. Edgar Hernandez will open the day with a keynote titled “Hispanic Networks in Modern Social Landscapes,” providing perspectives on the role of social dynamics in shaping Hispanic identity. Mr. Eduardo Crespo, an expert in business and multicultural marketing, will close the event with a forward-looking discussion on reaching and engaging all audiences in today’s media and business environments.
In between, student-led presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including Gen Z consumer behavior, the credibility of digital influencers, sociolinguistic topics in ESL education, and the cultural role of language in marketing. A featured panel titled “Migration, Identities, and Multiculturalism” will further explore issues of heritage, displacement, and identity across borders.
“This space not only showcases outstanding research, it opens the door to dialogue and connection,” said Dr. Sindy Chapa, Director of the CHMC. “HiGSA Talks exemplifies the kind of academic excellence that FSU is proud to support, highlighting for everyone work that is by Hispanics, on Hispanics, and in service of a more robust academic community.”
During the midday break, attendees will be invited to a networking luncheon featuring a Hispanic/Latin@ Faculty Author Table, where they can connect with FSU faculty members and explore published work highlighting Hispanic perspectives in academia. This table will serve as a celebration of scholarly achievement and a unique space for conversation between students and faculty about mentorship, research, and cultural identity.
The event will conclude with a powerful education panel, featuring graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher. This final session will address how Hispanic students and scholars can thrive within academic institutions, reflecting on personal experiences, widespread challenges, and the importance of community. It will bring the event’s theme full circle—emphasizing that success in academia is not about assimilation, but empowerment through authenticity.
HiGSA Talks 2025 will not only provide a platform for academic excellence but also reinforce the value of belonging, community, and cross-cultural understanding. The event is free and open to the public.
About the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication
Founded in 2004 by Dr. Felipe Korzenny, the CHMC is the first program in the United States dedicated to educating students and researching the Hispanic market. Over the past 20 years, the Center has grown into a nationally recognized leader in Hispanic and multicultural marketing communication, preparing students for successful careers in one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy.
About HiGSA
The Hispanic Graduate Student Association (HiGSA) at Florida State University is dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture, supporting the academic and personal success of graduate students, and fostering a welcoming community on campus. HiGSA provides mentorship, facilitates cultural and academic events, and raises awareness of social and political issues affecting Hispanic countries and their relationship with the United States.
Media Contact
Pablo Floyd Ocampo
Outreach & Public Relations
Center for Hispanic Marketing Communications
Florida State University
Phone: (850) 644-9698
Email: pf23d@fsu.edu