Program Title: “My Parents’ American Dream”
Date: November 21, 2025
Room: Texas D-H
Program Summary:
In this heartfelt and motivating keynote, Ernesto Mejia shares his powerful personal journey as the proud son of Mexican immigrants who believed in the promise of education and hard work. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome at 16 and temporarily paralyzed, Ernesto defied the odds to become a first-generation college graduate, a college dean, and a nationally recognized speaker.
Through storytelling, humor, and deep reflection, Ernesto connects with families, students, and educators alike—reminding them that challenges don’t define us, but choices do. His keynote is a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and the vital role families play in a child’s success. Above all, it’s a message of hope: that the American Dream is alive, achievable, and shaped every day by the decisions we make.