HETS hosted the 13th edition of the Student Leadership Showcase 2026 (SLS) at The Summ: Student Experience Summit, on Thursday, August 27 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. This hybrid with simultaneous translation event brought together more than 500 students, educators, and administrators from HETS member institutions in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and Latin América. The event started showcasing HETS online services and resources and recognizing the Student Ambassadors selected for this academic year 2026-2027.
The showcase featured a panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence discussed which skills will make the difference: Human Skills or AI Skills, led by Dr. José “Joe” Díaz, President, Peak Performance: Research, Training & Consulting Group, Inc. The panelists included: Dr. Jessica Santiago, CEO of JSR Services and Host of “Human Resources with Calle” and Dr. Marcos Vélez, Academic, Author, and Specialist in the Strategic Integration of Artificial Intelligence. This panel provided students with invaluable insights into how artificial intelligence is changing the job market and the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Likewise, students from HETS member institutions in Puerto Rico shared two innovative projects. Ther first ones were William Y. Cosme Rivera and Heclianis Navarro Vargas from Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Cupey Campus, who shared the CORA Project: a Puerto Rican initiative aimed at the recovery and repurpose of discarded textiles with the goal of reducing textile waste.
The second project were presented by students Yamira A. Franco-Munroe, Isamar De Los Santos Ortiz, and Julia Magalie Laureano Real from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus. Their project Innovation in Puerto Rican Robotics: Finding the Solution, is constituted by a team of 15 STEM students passionate about engineering, robotics, and innovation, with the goal of sharing their knowledge, experiences, and discoveries with others throughout the entire process.
Also, students benefited from the alliance with The Summ by participating in interactive and immersive experiences that simulate real work environments and have access to pavilions and exhibitors from higher education institutions. The exhibitors included The HETS Corner showcasing five member institutions from New York and Texas, and a HETS booth promoting the services and resources for students.
After the event presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask the presenters questions. Also, all students in person and virtual entered a raffle to win a 2-night, 3-day stays, laser printers, gift certificates for shopping or dining at various restaurants, among other prizes, thanks to the generous support of Camera Mundi; Aloft Hotel; Double Tree by Hilton in Condado; the Condado Plaza Hotel; The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel; Plaza Las Américas; Chili’s, Macaroni & Grill; and P.F. Chang’s.
In addition, HETS corporate partners support the event: American Heart Association; Anthology; COBIMET; Educational Testing Services; Miami EdTech; inQmatic; Teach Access; Territorium; Desire to Learn Brightspace; Dreamscape Learn; Raíces Cyper; Online Learning Consortium; and Symplicity. Their commitment to education and leadership development is instrumental in providing these valuable opportunities for students.
To conclude the SLS 2026 agenda, a panel of Presidents and representatives of recognized universities and colleges in Puerto Rico, shared their perspective about the future of Higher Education and how their institutions are innovating to help student succeed and preparing them for emerging professions. Another panel of Presidents was presented the first day of The Summ with five additional representatives of universities and colleges, including HETS Chair, Dr. Gladys Nieves, President of EDP University.
Relive the excitement and inspiration from HETS Student Leadership Showcase 2026, see the recording and all presentations highlighting the event’s best moments here: HETS Student Leadership Showcase 2026.
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