Staci Phelan Honored at Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 Reception

Phelan was the recipient because of her work with the Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit event on Idaho State’s campus. She began collaboratively working with the ICHA and the College of Eastern Idaho in 2019 to host the event in Southeast Idaho. For the first time ever, the summit was held on Idaho State’s campus, bringing more than 400 students to the University.

The Hispanic demographic is the fastest growing demographic in the State of Idaho, and the 2021 HYLS event on the Idaho State’s campus was recognized by ICHA as raising the bar for other similar events.

“We are thrilled to present Dr. Phelan with the Amiga del Año Award,” J.J. Saldaña, Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, said. “She was a key player in having the Idaho Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit on ISU’s campus. In our work with Dr. Phelan, we have learned that she does a lot to make sure that all students, faculty, and guests feel included and welcome. We have leaned on her for help a lot over the years, including getting us in touch with statisticians and Benny the Bengal, or helping find the right place to find interns. Through her leadership and kindness, she has made ISU a welcoming campus.”

“I was humbled and honored to be selected for this award," Phelan said. "The committee that put together the HYLS event, and my two co-chairs should also be recognized, as it took all of our efforts for this event to be a success. I look forward to continuing this important work, and continued partnerships to impact Hispanic students in our region."  

The Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit event will once again be held on Idaho State’s Pocatello campus on October 5, 2022.