Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch mixed a delightful delivery of inspiration, warmth and humor to the Western Oregon University campus Thursday evening.

The keynote kickoff of the Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Conference took place before a mixed and modest gathering of about 80 in the Werner University Center’s Pacific Room. Those on hand appeared absorbed and appreciative, responding at times with laughter and at other times with tears to the former Army officer and author of "Journey to the Future: A Roadmap to Success for Youth."

Kickbusch urged students to look beyond the idea of success as it’s portrayed as power, influence, authority, command and control, and to instead strive to lead their own lives with passion and to help others. "Don’t leave a legacy; live a legacy," she said.

"I hope these humble words will inspire you, if nothing else, to lead your own life," Kickbusch said.

The speaker engaged the audience throughout, not only moving through rows of seated attendees, but at times connecting one-on-one, an interaction of discourse and a requisite hug.

At times, she portrayed her former military self, the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field of the U.S. Army: at one point she commanded the students to not settle for anything less than their best academically.

"If you don’t give the best of yourself, you take away something from those who need the best in you," she said.

At another point, she related an anecdote about the pride her immigrant mother took in demanding that the toilets she cleaned were left with an impeccable sparkle.

"Do a job that is so well done that even when you are not there your work speaks for itself," she said.

At other times she spoke of the barrio or familial anecdotes that elicited a response on par with comedian Cheech Marin.

"When you come from the barrio, (you have a car) with nine people pushing and one pretending to be driving," she joked.

She also touched on racism — describing her experiences with a game sense of humor — and condemned egocentricity, elitism and classism along with political trends that she feels nurture it.

"I pray that you, the next leaders of this nation, will rise up above this dirty politics… and rise above this (political arena) that pits us against each other."

Kickbusch also presented a counseling side as she praised, encouraged and hugged those who asked questions in the event’s forum finale.

"Don’t be afraid to question your journey," she said. "It’s the way you live your life that will define you — your intentions."