Latinas Unidas de Harvard College, founded in 1991, provides a forum for community building, intellectual discussion, and the empowerment of women and femmes. We believe that our individual backgrounds, while diverse, combine to form a strong and unique culture. We foster this strength and unity through three main branches of action: 1) Advocacy Events, 2) Social Events, and 3) Professional Outreach. We believe and embrace the important responsibility to showcase the power of women, build communal ties, and establish long-lasting career pipelines.

In December of 2021, I was elected president of Latinas Unidas, and I was so honored to have the opportunity to serve my community. Having grown up in a predominant immigrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Chicago, I always valued heritage and sought to find a community at Harvard that I could call “home.” Throughout my time at Harvard, Latinas Unidas has been a community of love and acceptance. It is where I was able to meet my best friends, cultivate relationships with professors, and create lifelong memories. As I reflect on my experiences and share what I learned, I encourage others to find their community on campus.

1. Be true to yourself. Coming into the city of Cambridge, amidst the historic buildings and “big name professors, I was nervous about how I would “fit in.” I realized that it was my unique experiences, my heritage, and my personality which made me special. Despite being far away from home, I embraced my culture more than ever and cherished where I came from. 
2. Make friends, mentors, and mentees! Upon going to different Latinx cultural events, I quickly made friends with others who shared in my experiences. In Latinas Unidas we work to create relationships with Latinx professors and faculty. I have established strong relationships with Adams House Faculty Dean Mercedes Becerra, and Adams House Scholar in Residence Margarita Rosa, both people I look up to who have empowered me to pursue academia. 
3. Take time for yourself. Among my course work, jobs, and research, I learned the importance of self-care and taking time for yourself. Life moves fast, and it is important to listen to your body and mind. I worked with the Academic Resource Center to learn best practices for studying and time management. 
4. Always give back. I am two and a half semesters away from graduating, and as I reflect on my experiences, I hope to help students younger than me navigate college. As a first generation, low income student, I had lots of questions about Harvard. I looked to a lot of upperclassmen to help guide me, and I wish to return the favor to new generations.

   

5. Always have fun! I made such great friends within the Latinx community. One of my favorite memories is Latinx convocation, which is a ceremony to welcome first years to Harvard! I also enjoyed celebrating Latinas Unidas’ Birthday, marking over 30 years of community, empowerment, and friendship. 

I greatly enjoyed my time as president of Latinas Unidas and am eager to see how the community will grow in the future.