Latinx Leadership Institute
Established in 2017 by
Alex Cintron, Lauren Faloni, Natalia Heguaburo, Hector Quijano, Vicky Stagnaro, and Raquel Talbott
Creation
This organization was created because the founders felt as though there was a disconnection between the Hispanic/Latinx community and many other large communities at UVA. There was and still is an under-representation of Hispanic/Latinx students in many positions of leadership and organizations with significant influence over our university. This reality was what inspired six Latinx students to bridge those gaps and create the Latinx Leadership Institute. With the support of the Multicultural Student Services office, the first LLI cohort program was launched in the spring semester of 2018.
This initiative strives to empower first and second year Hispanic/Latinx students to maximize opportunities at UVa. It can be difficult for Latinx students to feel comfortable at UVa for a wide range of reasons, such as being a first generation student, having very high family expectations, or simply being at a university that has provided enough resources for the Latinx community. Members believe LLI can help students gain the confidence they need to take action and step up both within the Latinx community and outside of it. Additionally, LLI is designed to foster a space for Latinx students to form bonds that can help them support each other throughout the rest of their time at UVa.
Mission
The Latinx Leadership Institute aims to empower Latinx students at the University of Virginia by providing a space for individual growth and the formation of lasting relationships among Latinx student leaders. The organization seeks to enhance professional skills, build understanding of various Latinx cultures, and to develop leadership potential in action. Through these efforts, the Latinx Leadership Institute hopes to equip Latinx students to be successful leaders and maximize the endless opportunities available throughout the University and beyond.
Efforts
Each year a cohort of approximately 30 students are selected to participate in six weekly sessions focusing on professionalism, cultural fluency, and leadership style development. The sessions consist of dialogue, special guest speakers, and workshop activities. Students work on a culminating project tackling a specific issues within the Hispanic/Latinx community which they will present at a networking event. Additionally, students have the opportunity to foster new friendships through several social events.
