Hispanic and Latine Student Leaders Celebrate NJIT's Commitment to Diversity

As NJIT celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month for the first time as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an R1 research university, the moment highlights more than just a designation-it represents the ongoing efforts of student leaders and organizations that work year-round to create a welcoming and thriving campus environment.

The monthlong celebration is the culmination of their relentless dedication to engaging the campus community, fostering belonging, and ensuring that NJIT continues to be a place where every student can succeed.

This year's opening ceremony brought together organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Society of Hispanic and Latine Appreciation (SHLA), the Hispanic Association of Computing College Students, the Caribbean Student Organization, Latin fraternities, and the Hispanic and Latinx Leadership Council (HLLC). Spearheaded by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the event symbolized the strength of NJIT's diverse community and highlighted the vibrant culture that these groups promote on campus throughout the year.

As NJIT moves forward with its 2030 strategic plan, becoming a global nexus of innovation, diversity remains a core value. The university's status as an HSI not only amplifies the voices of its Hispanic and Latine students but also opens the door to new opportunities for future generations. Through their hard work and leadership, these students are ensuring that NJIT remains a place where everyone-regardless of background-can thrive.

Natalia Peña

Natalia Peña is a third-year Computer Engineering student in the Honors College and serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative for the Student Senate.

Natalia reflects on her identity, explaining that being Mexican is a core part of who she is, though she grew up unaware of her Hispanic background. Her family spoke Spanish, and she attended Spanish classes in elementary school, but it wasn't until later that she truly understood her heritage. For Natalia, being Latina means family, opportunity, and sacrifice-values she connects to her abuela's journey from Mexico to the U.S. as a teenager. Natalia emphasizes that her education is about more than just herself; it's about bringing her family into this space and succeeding together.

As an active member of the Student Senate, Natalia has been involved since her first week at NJIT. She represents her peers to the administration with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion across campus. For her, NJIT's Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status holds special meaning, as it fosters a sense of community where shared Hispanic experiences are celebrated. She is grateful to be part of the journey and looks forward to seeing these changes positively impact future students.

Victoria Almeyda

Victoria Almeyda is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student and the President of the Society of Hispanic and Latine Appreciation (SHLA).

For Victoria, being Hispanic/Latina is deeply tied to her upbringing. As a Uruguayan, she grew up immersed in her family's traditions-especially around food, soccer, and the drink Mate. Speaking Spanish is particularly meaningful to her, as it's a way to connect with her family and the broader world. She admires how diverse the Hispanic/Latino community is, sharing a language while celebrating unique traditions, art, and food.

As SHLA's president, Victoria sees her role as helping students embrace their heritage. She understands that some students may not have grown up fully connected to their culture, and SHLA provides a platform for them to rediscover and share its beauty. Victoria believes NJIT's new HSI designation will bring more opportunities for Hispanic/Latino students and deepen the impact of cultural organizations like SHLA.

Rick Kanashiro

Rick Kanashiro is a Junior in Communications and serves as the President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at NJIT.

To Rick, being Latino is a blessing. It's not just his background, but the food, language, and community that define his life. For him, the most important aspect of being Latino is family-whether it's the friends he calls "familia," the neighbors he grew up with, or the connection he shares with millions through language and culture.

Rick views SHPE as a second family. He highlights SHPE's commitment to helping members become the best versions of themselves, driving progress for both individuals and their communities. With NJIT's HSI status, Rick sees new opportunities for Latino students to connect, grow, and thrive. He's proud to be part of an institution where diversity is celebrated, and students can always find a sense of belonging.

Angel Cazares

Angel Cazares is a third-year Computer Science student and the President of the Hispanic and Latin Association of Computing College Students (HACCS).

Growing up in West New York, NJ-one of the most densely Hispanic/Latino towns in the U.S.-Angel didn't realize the contrast between his hometown and broader American society until later. His experiences as a Latino have shaped his views on social standing, family, and success. For him, being Hispanic is a mix of pride for his community and a determination to break through socioeconomic barriers.

As the leader of HACCS, Angel focuses on creating opportunities for Hispanic and Latino students in the computing field. He admires the founding women of the organization, who worked tirelessly to establish HACCS as NJIT's first Hispanic/Latino-serving computing group. He believes NJIT's HSI designation represents meaningful progress and credits initiatives like the Hispanic and Latinx Leadership Council (HLLC) for their support of the Latino community on campus.

Isaac Perez

Isaac Perez is a senior studying Financial Technology and serves as the Chapter President of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Isaac's Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage is central to his identity. Growing up surrounded by his family's culture, he developed a strong sense of community and pride. As a member of Lambda Theta Phi, Isaac has found guidance and support through the fraternity, which encourages Latino men to achieve their full potential.

Reflecting on NJIT's HSI status, Isaac is excited to see how the university has grown to better reflect its Hispanic/Latino student population. He feels a stronger sense of connection on campus now, with more students sharing similar cultural backgrounds and experiences. Lambda Theta Phi has been instrumental in his journey at NJIT, helping him grow into the person he is today while encouraging others to pursue excellence.

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