‘By offering a more inclusive vision and realistic pricing, colleges and universities can become global beacons offering alternative pathways for the next wave of Latin American Change Agents.’

—Weaving transformative education & powerful storytelling to open doors for underserved communities.
Author | Founder, BeNeXT Global | Principal, Mitikah Co. | Op-Ed Columnist & Host, The Embassy F.I.L.E. (Al Día News)

 

 

We’re excited to hear and learn from Hector H Lopez during his keynote speech at the Latin America Institute on International Admission & Guidance in Bogotá, Colombia, from 28 February–1 March. 

His initiatives have connected US $28 million in funding to Latin American students. He brings a wealth of expertise in leadership development and cross-cultural collaboration to inspire and empower future generations.

We asked him ... 

What do you consider the biggest challenge facing students in Latin America right now?

Millions of bright, motivated Latin American students are standing at the gates of higher education while outdated models at colleges and universities at study destinations across borders and overseas loom too expensive, too insular, and too indifferent to cultural realities. 

These students sense the system isn’t built to welcome them. And, frankly, they’re right. 

This is where we come in … bold, forward-looking higher education institutions. 

By offering a more inclusive vision and realistic pricing, colleges and universities can become global beacons offering alternative pathways for the next wave of Latin American change agents. 

The core challenge is closing the gap between underserved talent and accessible education. It’s about forging new alliances, scrapping tired admissions rituals, and reshaping the idea of who belongs in higher education. 

 

 

Please give us a sneak peek into your keynote session by highlighting key takeaways for attendees

My keynote title is Change Agents at the Gate: Transforming Admissions to Shape the Future of Global Higher Education.

‘[My] keynote isn’t a lament about what’s broken—it’s an uncompromising call to lead, authored by Change Agents at the gate.’
 

1. Admissions as a springboard to global leadership
   We’ll explore how admissions teams—especially those eager to go beyond tradition—can reposition themselves as architects of inclusivity, casting the net outside the bounds of privilege. You’ll learn how to leverage your institution’s global vantage point to tap into Latin America’s massive talent pool.
    
2. Blueprint for a lifelong learning renaissance
   The days of “pay $80,000, sit in class, get your diploma” are ending. I’ll present a modular, hybrid model that pairs new learning modalities with real-world immersions, offering students degrees and ever-evolving skill sets. Imagine drastically reducing tuition while boosting enrolment and impact.
    
3. Navigating a post-affirmative action world
   As places like the U.S. contend with legal and legislative headwinds and DEI challenges, universities around the world can enter the gap and champion diversity. I’ll show how storytelling, cultural authenticity, and radical outreach can become your most potent recruitment assets.
    
4. Honoring Michael Gaynor’s Latin American legacy
   We’ll spotlight the late Michael Gaynor’s innovative approach to admissions—how he awakened universities to the vast promise of Latin America. By embracing his “break-the-mould” leadership spirit, institutions can claim the spotlight in the next era of global higher education.
   
   Bottom line? I’m inviting participants to think bigger than ever—to shake off old, elitist formulas and envision a truly global learning ecosystem.

 

Name three practical ways your keynote will motivate your audience to take action when they return to university/school

1. Launch a “global access coalition”
   Participants will walk away with a roadmap for forming strategic alliances between Latin American high schools, industry partners, and their universities. The goal? Real pipelines for underrepresented students built on bold commitments, streamlined admissions, and intuitive bridging programs.
    
2. Reinvent curriculum with global, experiential hubs
   We’ll discuss ways to slash tuition without compromising rigor. From hybrid classes and shared international residencies to awarding micro-credentials for community-driven projects, these forward-looking modalities appeal to globally mobile students eager to lead tomorrow.
    
3. Create story-driven outreach that magnetizes talent
   Enough with the same recruitment fair playbook. We’ll dig into how culturally resonant storytelling can reshape your brand for Latin American audiences—and attract students from across our neighbouring borders and beyond who are seeking a fresh start. It’s about showcasing the authentic, human angles of your university so that prospective families recognize you as the bold, inclusive choice.

Our role as the global vanguard

At a time when some countries’ higher education systems seem tied in knots by legal battles, eye-watering tuition, and archaic admissions traditions, others stand on the verge of a massive breakthrough. This keynote isn’t a lament about what’s broken—it’s an uncompromising call to lead, authored by Change Agents at the gate.

I’m here to be the participants’ ally, trusted advisor and ace in navigating recruitment across South, Central, and North America while sharpening their narrative strategies and propelling them ahead of the curve. It’s a new frontier now, and we hold the keys.

When we gather in Bogotá for the Latin American Institute, we won’t just talk about transformation—we’ll spark it. So, I encourage participants to bring their questions, ambition, and open and innovative spirit. 

The gate is wide open. Let’s step forward in unity and reshape the future—together. 

 

---

 

Related content:

CIS Events:

View our events for university guidance counsellors, future pathways advisors, admissions reps and student services:

• International University Fairs
• University Exploration Days
• Regional Institutes on International Admission & Guidance
• Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance
• Monthly one-hour live member connections

 

Blogs:

• What we learned at the 2024 CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance
• Celebrating excellence in higher education admission & guidance
• Bridging the gap between schools & universities for successful post-secondary student transitions
• Key trends in international university guidance and admissions