Latinos Unidos is an inclusive organization focused on increasing the visibility of Latinx students at Southern Arkansas University by sharing their culture through outreach and education.
One of the most successful events hosted by Latinos Unidos was Taco Night, held on March 5 in Reynolds Plaza. The fundraiser was made possible by Dr. Amber Overholser, associate professor and MPA program director, who brought together Latinos Unidos and the MPA program.
Latinos Unidos collaborated with master’s student Kiarra Evans to secure a grant to fund the event.
Taco Night drew over 250 students, faculty, staff and community members, far exceeding expectations. Within 30 minutes, Latinos Unidos ran out of tres leches cake and tortillas. The event raised over $900, which the group plans to allocate for future events, community support efforts, and a scholarship fund.
Latinos Unidos is committed to making a positive impact both on and off-campus. During the 2022-2023 academic year, they tutored English Language Learner (ELL) students in the Magnolia Public School system and recently collaborated with Farmers Bank and Trust to engage with the Hispanic community.
The group’s work has been noticed by the university.
Latinos Unidos was awarded the Student Organization of the Year in 2022-2023 and received the Mulerider Spirit Award two years in a row. They also had the honor of lighting the tree for the Celebration of Lights in 2022, further cementing their role as a vital part of the campus community.
As Latinos Unidos continues to bring people together across campus and beyond, the group also creates a home away from home for Hispanic Muleriders at SAU.
“Coming to school with more Hispanic students made SAU a safe space for me and others,” said Elizabeth Rodriguez, senior engineering major from Smackover, and president of Latinos Unidos.
As the only Hispanic student in her high school’s graduating class, Rodriguez was pleasantly surprised to find a way to reconnect with her roots, learn more about her heritage, and feel supported within Latinos Unidos.
Vilma Espinoza, assistant director of recruitment in admissions and SAU alum, became the advisor for Latinos Unidos in fall 2021. She noted the significant role the organization plays in the lives of Latinx students, whose members are predominantly first-generation college students, many of whom share similar goals and face similar challenges.
“At the end of the day, what got us here to SAU is the same,” Espinoza said. “Maybe we have different majors or grew up in different towns, but we’re all just trying to make our parents proud and to do better.”
Rodriguez and Espinoza encourage anyone who is interested in Latinos Unidos to get involved with activities on campus this coming fall.
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