On May 14, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), PODER Latine (Política Organizada por Diversidad, Equidad y Representación), Latino Student Alliance (LSA), Latin American Indigenous Student Association (LAISA) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) hosted a carne asada in the community commons. Tacos, pupusas and paletas (popsicles) were provided.
The purpose of the carne asada was to strengthen the community’s bond and provide a welcoming space for students, especially after the stress of midterms and preparing for the final stretch of the quarter. Students came in, picked their choice of beef or pork tacos or meatless pupusas and socialized with friends at tables from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Photo credit: Theodora Boateng
Alexa Marquez, a third-year business information analytics major and ALPFA treasurer, appreciated the effort of five groups getting together to create this event, even after a location change because of the weather.
“I think everyone did well in cooperating today, making sure that every org was putting in their part. It was just nice working as a team together,” Marquez said.
All groups involved are Latine-based but not Latine-exclusive. ALPFA aims to prepare and introduce Latine students to the workforce by promoting professional development. PODER, a newer club on campus, strives to educate and engageDU’s Latine community in politics. This event marks their first full year as an affinity group. LAISA is dedicated to creating a space for unity and empowerment amongst indigenous students from Latin America. The Latine Student Alliance also echoes the sentiment of providing and building community and giving Latine students a space to be culturally comfortable.
DU Lucha Fest, May 22nd 4-6 p.m. Photo credit: Theodora Boateng
A general goal for these groups is to create spaces where individuals can feel comfortable expressing their identities.
“There’s not a lot of space built out for us, so we have to build a space for ourselves. And, while each of our groups has their own respective focus, the ultimate goal is to make that space,” expressed Amy Cerna Sanchez, the vice president for PODER and ALPFA and a third-year studying psychology and business information analytics.
On the 29th of May, LSA will be hosting an end-of-year gala in collaboration with the organizations at the Knoebel School of Hospitality, where they are expected to serve catering and have a DJ. This event is meant to celebrate the graduating seniors and where they will receive their stoles.
To find more information on all groups, please visit the Crimson Connect pages of ALPFA, PODER, LSA, LAISA and SHPE.
