Hispanic Heritage Month Conversation Series
In our newest Conversation Series, we highlight and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Between September 15 and October 15, we will share five conversations with a selection of Region IV members who identify as Hispanic.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month began in the late 1960s as a celebration of American citizens whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean (What is Hispanic Heritage Month, Time Magazine, 2017). Initially only a week long, it expanded to a full month in the late 1980s.
Instead of starting at the beginning of a month, the start date has significance. September 15th marks the independence day for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatamala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The independence day for Mexico (16th), Honduras (18th) and Belize (21st) are close the 15th as well.
According to the official website for National Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month “pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.”
Episode 1 – The Graduate Assistant Edition
Region IV wanted to celebrate and honor our members of Hispanic heritage, so we introduce the Hispanic Heritage Month Conversation Series. In our first conversation, the Graduate Assistant Edition, we speak with Serena Rodriguez and Chris Porras.
Serena is a first year Sport Clubs Graduate Assistant at Texas A&M University-College Station and identifies as Latina. Chris, a second year Operations Graduate Assistant at the University of Houston and identifies as Chicano. In our conversation with them, Chris and Serena talk about their early campus recreation careers, how they celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, the importance of representation in campus recreation and identify a mentor that has been influential in their individual careers.
Feel free to e-mail Serena and/or Chris if you would like to connect.
Join the Conversation at the Latinx Caucus
On Wednesday, September 23, join your Region IV colleagues at the Latinx Caucus, as a part of NIRSA’s Ideas in Motion. This caucus is a part of NIRSA’s commitment to engaging in conversation and organizing action. Conversation will embrace vulnerability and authenticity. It is intended as a space for the Latinx community to come together. The conversation will begin at 1:00P Central.
