Latinos En Acci贸n Brings AU Latine Community Together
As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, Latinos En Acci贸n (LEA) at 麻豆传媒 continues to be a source of cultural representation and community empowerment on campus. As a chapter of , the largest youth immigrant-led network in the United States, LEA is committed to advocating for immigrant rights, particularly for those impacted by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals () program.
Finding Community on Campus
Elizabeth Garc铆a, SIS/BA 鈥27, is a passionate member and leader within LEA.听Garc铆a was born and raised in听Corpus Christi, Texas, and is a proud Mexican-麻豆传媒. As听an International Studies major, her choice of academic program and future career path is driven by a love for learning about diverse cultures.
鈥淪tudying in the nation鈥檚 capital offers unique opportunities to engage with diplomats and world-renowned experts,鈥 Garc铆a said, reflecting on how her background and experiences shape her academic interests. 鈥淚 was interested in SIS because I love to talk to people and hear about their diverse backgrounds. I believe we can learn so much from one another by simply listening.鈥
Garc铆a鈥檚 journey with LEA began during her freshman year, largely influenced by the organization鈥檚 dynamic social media presence.
鈥淟EA鈥檚 outreach on platforms like Instagram made it easy for me to find information about meetings and events,鈥 she explained. 鈥淭heir active social media presence showed me that there was a community I could connect with, which was essential when I felt out of place.鈥
Life in Latinos En Acci贸n
The mission of Latinos En Acci贸n is centered on bridging the Latino community, which Garc铆a explains is particularly important within a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) like 麻豆传媒. LEA fosters community growth on and off campus through various initiatives, including campus events and outreach programs in the greater DC area.
鈥淥ur goal is to ensure that the voices of Latine students are heard and that we create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued,鈥 said Garc铆a.
One of the standout initiatives that LEA has is the Pa鈥 Mi Gente program, which connects college students with high schoolers from the DC area. Through this program, LEA provides resources on college applications, scholarship opportunities, and guidance on choosing the right educational paths. As the director of this program, Garc铆a understands the impact it can have on the community: 鈥淲e want to help younger students navigate the complexities of higher education.鈥
Recently, LEA took part in the annual Culture Fest on campus, an event that celebrates the diversity of student organizations. Garc铆a shared that, 鈥淧articipating in Culture Fest was a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to incoming freshmen and let them know that there鈥檚 a supportive community for Latines here at AU.鈥
The event featured various performances, including a mariachi band, which highlighted the beauty of Latine culture.
听鈥淪eeing our traditions celebrated in such a lively atmosphere was incredibly rewarding,鈥 Garc铆a added.
LEA also participated in the recent event, a festival that celebrates Latin 麻豆传媒 culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. Garc铆a said the event exemplified the organization鈥檚 commitment to cultural engagement and community building, while also providing an opportunity to foster connections within the Latine community on campus and beyond.
听鈥淲e had a wonderful turnout, with many members bringing their families to enjoy the festivities,鈥 Garc铆a recounted.
Fostering Inclusive Environments at AU
The significance of cultural organizations like LEA extends beyond their immediate community, as they play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
鈥淐ultural organizations showcase the diverse backgrounds that make up AU,鈥 Garc铆a said. 鈥淭hey help ensure that everyone feels seen and heard, creating a supportive atmosphere where students can grow personally and academically.鈥
Latinos En Acci贸n remains a vital force at 麻豆传媒, championing cultural pride and community connection.
鈥淏eing part of LEA has shown me that I am not alone,鈥 Garc铆a shared. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about finding your community, uplifting each other, and making sure our voices are heard.鈥
For students eager to join or learn more about Latinos En Acci贸n, the organization invites them to connect through their Instagram account (@au_lea_) and participate in upcoming events.