Each spring, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) brings together higher education leaders, policymakers, and student advocates from across the nation for its Annual National Capitol Forum on Higher Education in Washington, D.C. Now in its 30th year, the two-day forum continues to serve as a platform for advancing the priorities of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). As the only national educational association that exclusively represents HSIs, HACU stands as an important voice in the mission to strengthen Hispanic student success.
This year, Criswell College sent four students to participate in the HACU Capitol Forum: Merari García (B.A. Education), Sarah García (M.A. Theological and Biblical Studies), Roy Suarez (M.A. Christian Leadership), and Misael Tello (B.A. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics). They were accompanied by Criswell Hispanic leadership and staff, including Luis Juárez, Vice President of Student Affairs and Communications; Cesia Juárez, Career Services and Title IX Coordinator; Denis Reyes, Director of Marketing and Communications; and Noemi Rodriguez, Student Affairs Executive Manager.
In addition to engaging in policy briefings and advocacy training, students experienced a range of impactful opportunities. These included guided tours of the U.S. Capitol and the White House, a visit to the Museum of the Bible, and a monument tour led by Criswell alumnus Edward Meshell ’24 (B.A. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics).
The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to meet and engage with the staff of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who represents Texas’s 30th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Dallas and Tarrant Counties. Known for her strong advocacy on behalf of minority communities—including the Hispanic population—Congresswoman Crockett was a particularly meaningful figure to meet, given Criswell’s designation as an HSI in 2024. The meeting, led by Misael Tello, Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA), provided the students with an opportunity to share not only the College’s mission and student profile but also the importance of HACU’s advocacy for supporting Hispanic students in higher education. This meeting opened the door for a relationship between the College and Crockett’s office and also concluded with a moment of prayer, during which the students lifted her staff and their ongoing service.
These discussions provided students with firsthand experience in navigating the political process and representing the interests of their communities at the national level.
For Misael Tello, the opportunity to engage directly with congressional leaders was the highlight of his college experience. “As a Hispanic SGA member who has been advocating for our student body the past three years, this has easily been the highlight of my college career,” Tello said. “The Forum has been pivotal in confirming the Lord’s calling for my life and career: to serve my community through public policy. I encourage all to take to heart that opportunities like these are essential in shaping our future, and I am so thankful to Criswell College for this opportunity and for allowing me to meet with our congressional representatives.”
Other students echoed the importance of service as central to their educational journeys. Roy Suarez remarked, “We work not for ourselves, but for the service of people. There is no reward for self-contribution. Therefore, when opportunity presents itself to lend the helping hand, we stretch it out and lift.”
Merari García offered a personal perspective on the power of educational funding. “Funding is not only about money, or politics,” she explained, “it is about giving someone the opportunity to try; it is about caring for all those people who are less fortunate.”
Sarah García emphasized the broader implications of HACU’s work: “Higher education must not only be a possibility for Hispanics but a right that builds professionals, leaders, and citizens that contribute to the community. HACU enables HSIs to make this a reality.”
The Capitol Forum was not only informative but transformative. Students’ takeaway from the experience encouraged them to broaden their minds regarding advocacy and policy communication. Other key takeaways included learning how to structure policy pitches, applying academic and student leadership experiences in real-world settings, and building relational skills in engaging with elected officials.
Criswell VP Luis Juárez, a 2024–2025 fellow in HACU’s prestigious one-year leadership program for national executive leaders in higher education, La Academia de Liderazgo, emphasized HACU’s impact and Criswell’s institutional commitment to serving Hispanic students: “As a Hispanic senior leader at a predominantly White institution, it was a profound honor to take four Hispanic students and staff to the White House and Capitol Hill for the HACU National Capitol Forum. Being in spaces where decisions are made that shape our nation was both inspiring and empowering. I’m deeply grateful to Criswell President, Dr. Barry Creamer, for his commitment to opening doors for all students—especially those from the Hispanic community—ensuring they, too, have a seat at the table.”
The 30th Annual HACU National Capitol Forum highlighted the importance of giving Hispanic students the tools, exposure, and voice to help lead in the future. For Criswell College, participation in the Forum represents more than a trip to the nation’s capital—it is an investment in student leadership, community service, and Christ-centered advocacy that will have lasting impact far beyond the walls of the classroom.
