By Audrey Werth/tr news editor

Community leader Eva Bonilla will speak on TR Campus Sept. 25 at the 27th Leadership eXperience Summit: Diversity in Leading. 

The program will begin with Bonilla’s keynote speech and move into breakout sessions for students to learn various leadership skills.

Bonilla is currently vice president for the national board of MANA, a national Latina organization. She began volunteering at the age of 14 with United Way Day Care Center and served on her first board of directors at 23.

Growing up, Bonilla’s family was active in its community. Her father had her working in the community right along with him as soon as she could walk.

“Working in the community is the best education you can have,” she said.

Bonilla is a TCC alumna. She and her husband met as students, and together they joined the Mexican American Youth Organization, helping Latinos register to vote.

Leadership development center coordinator Stevie Blakely learned of Bonilla while searching for possible speakers and felt she would be excellent.

It wasn’t until later that Blakely discovered Bonilla had been a TCC student.

“I just think it’s kind of a great story in general,” Blakely said.

At the conference, Bonilla will discuss these moments of her journey that have shaped her as a leader.

“I truly believe there is no such thing as a natural born leader,” Bonilla said. “We are molded and taught by our role models, experiences and failures.”

The Leadership eXperience Summit will be 12:30-3:30 p.m. in TRTR Action Suite A. All interested students should RSVP to the student volunteer hub.