As co-presidents of the Latino Student Organization (LASO), we’re honored to lead a community that celebrates Latino identity, cultivates a sense of belonging, and builds pathways for impact across professional industries.
We decided to lead LASO because it played such a formative role in our first year, and it supported us long before we ever stepped on campus. From learning about the school as prospective students to RC (first) year, and now as we prepare to become alumni, LASO has been a constant source of encouragement and pride. This year, we’re investing in our alumni network, expanding collaboration with other organizations, and creating more opportunities for cultural connection and professional growth.
Many of our members share similar stories. We may be the first in our families to earn a master’s degree, may have grown up translating for our parents, or may come from multicultural communities. LASO is a place where those shared experiences are understood and valued. It’s a space that reflects both where we come from and where we’re going.
Meet the Co-Presidents
Valeria (Vale) Alexandra Vinas (MBA 2026)
I was born in Miami, Florida, and my entire family is from Peru. Growing up in a city rich in Latin culture and in a family that kept me close to my roots shaped how I see the world. I’m the first in my family born in the US, but I’ve always felt deeply connected to my Peruvian identity.
I came to HBS because I wanted the space to explore different career paths and learn from classmates and professors from around the world. I’m interested in education, the startup ecosystem, and hospitality, and I knew HBS would be the right place to test, learn, and grow. From the beginning, LASO has been my grounding force. It’s where I find comfort and joy especially when the pace of business school feels overwhelming. Every time I see someone from LASO, it brings a sense of familiarity and ease.
What makes LASO even more meaningful is knowing that it continues beyond graduation. I’ve been reaching out to alumni through the HBS Latino Alumni Association to help shape my post-HBS plans, and I’m excited to contribute to that network moving forward.
Stepping into the co-president role felt like a full-circle moment. I felt ready and energized to lead the organization that had already given me so much. This year has been full of momentum. We had a strong fall semester and are already looking ahead to the spring, which includes a joint event with Latino graduate students across Boston and a student-alumni event.
One of my favorite memories so far was during our fall retreat. We were sitting around a bonfire, sharing what LASO means to each of us. Listening to second-years reflect and hearing first-years speak about their early experiences reminded me just how much this community matters.
Jonathan Medina (MBA 2026)
While my entire family was born in Medellín, Colombia, I was born and raised in Weston, Florida, a predominantly Hispanic town outside of Fort Lauderdale. When my family moved to Florida, my mom’s side of the family stayed in Colombia, so we made it a point to travel back frequently to visit them and help me stay more in touch with my Colombian roots.
After spending years in engineering and manufacturing, I chose to come to HBS to pivot to entrepreneurship and make a more meaningful impact through my career. HBS was a massive shift from my engineering education and my day-to-day work in a chemical plant, so the learning curve was steep. LASO became the community that eased me into this new ecosystem and gave me the support and confidence to thrive here.
There’s something about LASO that’s always been quite special to me. Perhaps it’s our shared experience living in dual cultures. Perhaps it’s the group’s openness and accessibility. Perhaps it’s the personalities of the people that our group has and attracts. Whichever the case, LASO has been my home as I traverse the journeys and challenges of each semester.
Now in the co-president role, it’s an honor to be maintaining that same magic and sharing that same experience with others. Whether it’s my second-year peers, first-year students just getting settled, or prospective students wanting to experience LASO for themselves, the platform to contribute to this environment for our Latino community is an incredible opportunity that I want to make the most of.
Vale and I are thrilled about our last semester here with many plans for our members, which span academic, professional, and social opportunities. We’re excited to keep the LASO door open behind us for everyone who wants to come through and support the next generations of leaders.
What We’re Building This Year
This year, our leadership is focused on three pillars: community, connections, and codification.
Community is the heart of LASO. Through our Hispanic Heritage programming, our fall retreat, and annual Friendsgiving, we create space for our members to connect across sections and years. They help first- and second-year students build lasting relationships and create a sense of belonging that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
Connections extend beyond the HBS classroom. Our LASO buddy program supports prospective students as they apply to business school. This year, we launched our first alumni database so current students can reach out for advice on career paths, city moves, or personal decisions. For our spring retreat, we’re hosting an alumni-student meetup in Miami. It will be a relaxed way to deepen the network and bring the community even closer together.
Codification might not sound exciting, but it’s foundational if we want LASO to run smoothly for future leadership teams. We’re documenting every event, every lesson, and every process so future leaders can build on what we’ve started. We’re also working to create a stronger resource center for our members. We launched a course database where second-year students share reviews of their classes, providing first-year students with a helpful reference as they plan for next fall. By writing things down and making information accessible, we hope to make LASO an even more valuable resource for years to come.
More Than a Club
HBS is a transformative place, shaped by case discussions, reflection, and moments that push us to grow. LASO plays a powerful role in this journey. It is a community that supports us, grounds us, and reminds us who we are as we grow into the leaders we hope to become.
Whether you identify as Latino or are excited to support the community, LASO welcomes you. We hope to see you at our next event, or you can follow us on Instagram at @lasohbs.
