The Future of Latinx Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation at GovState
By Emmanuel Lopez, Director of the Latinx Resource Center, Guest Writer
As we celebrate Latinx/ Hispanic Heritage Month at Governors State University (GovState), it is important to recognize and empower the next generation of Latinx leaders who will shape our future. As director of the Latinx Resource Center, it’s been my mission to build an ecosystem that unifies and supports our Latinx community.
As a new center, we are bringing a light to the services that we offer and also the opportunities that we have.
Two organizations at the forefront of this effort are ALAS (Association of Latin American Students) and the Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG). These groups are not only nurturing leadership skills but are also creating a supportive community where Latinx students, staff, and faculty can thrive.
ALAS: Building a Strong Foundation for Student Leadership
ALAS serves as a pivotal platform for Latinx students at GovState, providing opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, and leadership development. Led by Kate Del Rio (President), Jaqueline Franco (Vice-President), Manuel Paz-Estrada (Treasurer), Fanely Feregrino (Marking Coordinator), and Nancy Cordero (Secretary) ALAS is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and unity among the Latinx community on campus. Through a variety of programs and events, ALAS empowers students to take on leadership roles, both within the organization and in the broader university community.
In addition to this, ALAS organizes events that celebrate Latinx culture and heritage, such as cultural festivals, speaker series, and community service projects. These events allow students to lead and organize, further honing their skills in project management, teamwork, and public speaking. Through these experiences, ALAS members are prepared to become the next generation of leaders, not just within the Latinx community but in any field they choose to pursue.
SOMOS Latinx ERG: Supporting Staff and Faculty Leadership
While ALAS focuses on student leadership, the Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) at GovState plays a crucial role in supporting Latinx faculty and staff.
Led by Karina Hernandez Cazarez (Chair), Daisy Lozano (Vice Chair), Stephanie Contreras (Secretary), Cesar Flores (Executive Representative), Eddie Gamboa (Faculty Representative), Kate Del Rio (Student Representative) the ERG provides a space where Latinx employees can connect, share experiences, and advocate for professional development and career advancement. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the ERG empowers Latinx staff to take on leadership roles within the university and beyond.
If interested in learning more please contact Somoserg@govst.edu.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
The collaboration between ALAS and the Latinx ERG exemplifies the holistic approach GovState takes to developing Latinx leadership. By working together, these organizations create a continuum of support that extends from the classroom to the workplace. This partnership not only empowers individual students and staff but also strengthens the entire GovState community by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we look to the future, the efforts of ALAS and the Latinx ERG will continue to be instrumental in shaping the next generation of Latinx leaders. Through mentorship, cultural celebration, and professional development, GovState is preparing its Latinx students and employees to become influential voices in their fields and communities. GovState will also be hosting the Illinois Latino Council on High Education (ILACHE) 32nd annual conference next year on April 11th which brings together Latinx leaders from across the state. The future of Latinx leadership at GovState is bright, and with the support of these dedicated organizations, it will continue to thrive for generations to come.