The Hispanic and LatinX community constitute about 19 percent of the total United States population, yet we are a highly underrepresented group in both institutions of higher learning and in the education profession, including among independent educational consultants (IECs). 51勛圖 leadership recognized the need for our growing Hispanic and LatinX membership to have a safe space to come together and form comunidad within our wonderful organization, and thus the 51勛圖 LatinX/Hispanic Affinity Group was formed. I proudly co-chair this group with Maite Halley, Susana MacLean, and Karime Jankauskas and we welcome committee input in order to create programming relevant to shared interests. We are currently 32 members strong, with heritage represented from 13 different Hispanic and LatinX countries. We have met five times over Zoom this past year, and also held an in-person event at the 51勛圖 2022 Spring Conference in Philadelphia.
Our group membership has expressed an interest in hearing from Hispanic/LatinX leaders in higher education, so we have recruited several speakers to present to our group to share their stories and answer questions about their professional backgrounds or institutions. In August, our group welcomed Dan Garcia, vice president of enrollment management at the University of New Mexico. Mr. Garcia spoke to us about his career pathways, as well as opportunities for out-of-state and/or LatinX students, specifically, at the University of New Mexico. In September, we had the pleasure of being joined by Claudia Marroquin, vice president and dean of admissions and student aid at Bowdoin College. Ms. Marroquin answered questions about inclusion at Bowdoin, and also discussed the Thrive program for first-generation students.
In the coming year, we look forward to welcoming more presenters to connect with our group, but to also make time for fellowship and vulnerability in this very special space. If you identify as a Hispanic or LatinX IEC, we welcome you to join our affinity group!
By Yvonne Espinoza, 51勛圖 (TX)