UIW Students Organize “Celebrando Mi Cultura” Event

In a vibrant celebration of heritage and artistry, members of the UIW student organizations "As One We Will" and "Teatro Del Mundo Nuevo" organized and hosted an event called, "Celebrando Mi Cultura," a Hispanic Heritage Month event. Held on Thursday, Sept. 19, the event welcomed guests to a joyous evening celebrating Latin culture through music, poetry and storytelling in the Student Engagement Center (SEC) Ballroom.

Gabriella Ramirez, UIW graduate student and graduate assistant in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Office, played a key role in organizing this second annual event. "Celebrando Mi Cultura" was intentionally designed to enhance existing Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and provide a platform for Hispanic artists, offering a fun night dedicated to honoring and celebrating Latin identities.

Ramirez elaborated on the event's mission, stating, "The purpose of this event for us is to uplift Latin artists and culture. Storytelling, art, music and performance is such an integral part of our culture, dating back to our indigenous roots. The student organization, Teatro Del Mundo Nuevo, was founded as a way to create a safe space for artists of color. As graduates of the UIW Theatre program, we recognized the lack of platforms for artists of color in our future industry, especially for those of Latin and Indigenous descent. We hoped this event would highlight the talent coming from people who look like us, right here in our home and Cardinal community!"

Guests had the chance to shop from local vendors, immerse themselves in cultural presentations, and participate in lively discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of Hispanic and Latin identities.

Ramirez and her fellow students are proud to provide opportunities for the UIW family to reflect on the intellect, power and creativity of diverse communities.

"We feel that our attendees benefited from this event by feeling at home in our space, represented and proud of their culture," shared Ramirez. "For our non-Latin brothers and sisters, this was a time to celebrate as friends of our community, as sharing and spreading the love is in our nature. We were excited to share our event and cultures with our entire Cardinal community."

By providing a space for connection and celebration, Ramirez and her fellow students not only uplifted their own culture but also fostered a spirit of inclusivity and friendship within the UIW family.