Learning Spanish with grandparents, dancing salsa with cousins, playing Loteria on Friday nights or visiting the graves of loved ones on Dia de los Muertos are just a few traditions that emphasize Hispanic people’s connections to their heritage. At UT, another way people feel connected is by joining one of the more than 20 Hispanic-centered student organizations.
Every year the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers creates a theme for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” showcases the collaboration, creativity and perseverance of the Latinx community.
“(UT is) the number one Hispanic institution, but the organizations are doing it all,” said Manuel Ayala, a management information systems senior and president of the Hispanic Business Student Association. “Although we help our members grow professionally, our biggest goal is to build a community here so that people can find a home away from home.”
HBSA is not the only organization focused on building community. Texas Latin Dance is an organization full of Hispanic cultural ties from dancing Bachata and Salsa to socials which promote communication, learning and friendship.
“Half of our members aren’t even Hispanic. … They understand that dance is another form of communication,” Priscilla Teran, an environmental science junior and the Texas Latin Dance social media officer said. “So regardless of your ethnicity … you can connect with someone.”
The Hispanic Finance Association also highlights connections. With their student to student mentor program, they assist the Hispanic student community in taking advantage of finance career opportunities.
“It’s like one big family,” said Thomas Slocombe, a junior finance major and president of the finance association. “Each act of mentorship can really influence generations of students.”
Many of these organizations also prioritize bettering themselves and Austin by participating in community service. Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc., or Texas Señoritas, philanthropy goes towards many different groups in and around Austin.
“We mainly spread out our projects so that way more people can get involved,” said president and biology senior Lauren Carrillo.
Ayala, Teran, Slocombe and Carrillo also agree that there needs to be more representation at UT and in professional industries.
“Hispanics are definitely just as important as any other ethnicity. We bring so much to the table,” said Melanie MacDonald, a public relations senior and vice president of Texas Hispanic Public Relations Student Association. “Just joining organizations that really help increase Latino representation in big industries … is a start of making an impactful difference.
Carillo said she feels the most important part of Hispanic Heritage Month is learning and understanding the culture.
“There’s lots of outlets and different ways people can support the Hispanic community,” Carrillo said. “Getting involved in events or even just showing up and making an effort to meet people in the community to see what they’re lacking.”
