Student Uses Classroom Lessons in Real Time HISPANIC

Garza says her professors and the connections she made at Northern Essex helped her with some crucial steps in her business journey. And she’s already paying it forward, hosting a Lunch-and-Learn event and cooking demonstrations on campus. Rosita’s Cocina offers catering, classes, and a mobile food stand. Follow @rositascocina1 on Instagram for her schedule and locations.

Observed since 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the U.S.

From September 15 to October 15 each year, NECC celebrates this and the independence days of several Caribbean and Central and South American countries.

This year, NECC hosted speaker Dr. Lorgia García-Peña and artist Antonio Broccoli Porto alongside cultural events, music, film, and food on the Lawrence and Haverhill campuses.

“As this year's theme UNIDOS: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation implies, we are here to encourage all voices to be represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation,” said Director of

International

Student Support and Special Populations

Maria Hernandez. “It’s a celebration of inclusion and being seen and validated.”

In 2001, Northern Essex became the first federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in New England. Of the current NECC student population, 40% identify as Hispanic, many with ties to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. More events are in the works to celebrate Hispanic heritage and Latin culture throughout the year at NECC, starting with a Chocolatada Navideña in December. The Hispanic Student interest group is hosting its take on this Peruvian tradition, which will involve hot chocolate and donut stands on both campuses.

You have probably heard of six degrees of separation—the theory that everyone on the planet is connected by six acquaintances or fewer. Get to know NECC student Jose Rodriguez and you will be a few links closer to a handful of athletes, celebrities, and politicians.

The current editor of the NECC student newspaper The Observer has always seemed to have a keen understanding of the power of connection. He met a well-known MLB baseball scout when he was playing in a league in New York City, where he grew up. That led to encounters with several big names in baseball, including Baseball Hall of Famer and former Red Sox star Pedro Martinez. Rodriguez enrolled in NECC in 2020 and soon met fellow student Raquel Quezada, who inspired him to get involved with advocating for people with disabilities. That work resulted in a citation from the Lawrence City Council and recognition from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

A class assignment would lead him to his latest brush with celebrity. He had to interview someone he admired and connected with Red Sox Spanish Language announcer Nilson Pepen. Later, when Rodriguez went to a game, Pepen invited him to the broadcast booth. It was a dream