Latinos En Acción Brings AU Latine Community Together

As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, Latinos En Acción (LEA) at American University continues to be a source of cultural representation and community empowerment on campus. As a chapter of United We Dream, 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 (DACA) program.

Finding Community on Campus

Elizabeth García, SIS/BA '27, is a passionate member and leader within LEA. García was born in Mexico but grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, before coming to AU. As an International Studies major, her choice of academic program and future career path is driven by a love for learning about diverse cultures.

"Studying in the nation's capital offers unique opportunities to engage with diplomats and world-renowned experts," García said, reflecting on how her background and experiences shape her academic interests. "I 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."

García's journey with LEA began during her freshman year, largely influenced by the organization's dynamic social media presence.

"LEA's outreach on platforms like Instagram made it easy for me to find information about meetings and events," she explained. "Their active social media presence showed me that there was a community I could connect with, which was essential when I felt out of place."

Life in Latinos En Acción

The mission of Latinos En Acción is centered on bridging the Latino community, which García explains is particularly important within a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) like American University. LEA fosters community growth on and off campus through various initiatives, including campus events and outreach programs in the greater DC area.

"Our goal is to ensure that the voices of Latine students are heard and that we create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued," said García.

One of the standout initiatives that LEA has is the Pa' 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, García understands the impact it can have on the community: "We want to help younger students navigate the complexities of higher education."

Recently, LEA took part in the annual Culture Fest on campus, an event that celebrates the diversity of student organizations. García shared that, "Participating in Culture Fest was a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to incoming freshmen and let them know that there's a supportive community for Latines here at AU."

The event featured various performances, including a mariachi band, which highlighted the beauty of Latine culture.

"Seeing our traditions celebrated in such a lively atmosphere was incredibly rewarding," García added.

LEA also participated in the recent Fiesta DC event, a festival that celebrates Latin American culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. García said the event exemplified the organization's commitment to cultural engagement and community building, while also providing an opportunity to foster connections within the Latine community on campus and beyond.

"We had a wonderful turnout, with many members bringing their families to enjoy the festivities," García 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.

"Cultural organizations showcase the diverse backgrounds that make up AU," García said. "They help ensure that everyone feels seen and heard, creating a supportive atmosphere where students can grow personally and academically."

Latinos En Acción remains a vital force at American University, championing cultural pride and community connection.

"Being part of LEA has shown me that I am not alone," García shared. "It's about finding your community, uplifting each other, and making sure our voices are heard."

For students eager to join or learn more about Latinos En Acción, the organization invites them to connect through their Instagram account (@au_lea_) and participate in upcoming events.

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