WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Ethan Abrams of Westfield traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of the University of Hartford’s “Hartt Salsa All-Stars” music group, which had the opportunity to give a half-hour performance at United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s Educación En Acción Summit on October 15.

The day-long event featured leaders in higher education, best-selling authors, Latino influencers, and even a few celebrities. Salsa music star Frankie Negron and singer/actor Mauro Castillo ( Encanto) spoke with the group about their inspirational careers, offering the visitors advice and encouragement. Later, Mr. Negron and Mr. Castillo went up on stage and performed several numbers with the All-Stars. By the end of the show, the audience was on its feet and dancing, and the young performers were riding high. Founded in 2022, the Hartt Salsa All-Stars is the first University of Hartford music group devoted entirely to salsa music.

Before their set in the LBJ Auditorium, the All-Stars got a special tour of the White House with Secretary Cardona, walking the grounds, taking photos in the press briefing room, and playing a few frames in the Truman Bowling Alley.

The Educación En Acción Summit was the culmination of the U.S. Department of Education’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Spread across seven schools and colleges, the University of Hartford is located on a 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut’s capital city. It enrolls approximately 4,100 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, representing 48 states and 51 countries. The university offers degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education and health professions. For more information, visit www.hartford.edu.