Project Spotlight

Initiative Description

The mixer connected former and incoming students as well as Watts employees and community members..

“Latinx mixer with former, current and incomingYuma students. Dr. Stephanie Lechuga-Peña, co-faculty adviser for Latin@s Unid@s, partnered with Brett Petersen to host a joint event to promote and recruit students for Latin@s Unid@s and the mentoring program atYuma campus. We had food, get to know you activities, and a pinata. We also asked students to respond to prompts on about how we can support them and what they want for their student group. During the event I talked with all of the attendees to try to connect with each of them and begin to build rapport. Students shared how they plan to use their degrees to make an impact on their community and their family members.”

Initiative Impact

Highlighted an emerging scholar who challenged traditional presentation convention.

“I think we found a junior faculty that's doing things that nobody's doing. He’s an emerging scholar with emerging ideas.And I think there's something antioppressive about that.”

What’s next?

Latin@s Unid@s will continue create space for the Latino/e community in Watts.

“Students shared they would like to continue to be involved in Latin@s Unid@s.This was the kick off event and now we will begin meetings in July to also include other Watts College students. Dr. Stephanie Lechuga-Peña and Dr. David Becerra will continue to serve as advisers.”