As we start off our celebration of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional development would like to highlight campus leaders who have been extremely influential in creating a welcoming environment for latinx/hispanic students as well as contributed to their success. The leaders interviewed are executive board members of various latinx/hispanic organizations on campus and provide insight into their own passions, their organizations as well as guidance for students interested in being involved on campus.
Feeling included, accepted, and encouraged is a big factor in one’s academic and professional life. When one feels like they belong to a group they are able to relate to and grow with, they often succeed and help others do the same. For many Binghamton students, this comfort and sense of community was found within their respective organizations which include Corazoncitos, the Ruthless Rho Chapter of Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., the Eminent Saqqara Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc., and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Read below to learn more about their journeys through interview questions!
1. As a student leader, how important is it for students to be involved on campus?
“I think it’s crucial for students to be involved on campus in terms of making connections with one another, not only as friends but as individuals who have their own values. Which may vary from yours but even so, can open your eyes to something new and important.”
-Skyla Rivera (Corazoncitos Secretary ‘23-’24)
“To me, it is very important for students to be involved on campus. With all the resources and extracurricular activities that the university has to offer, there is something that fits most people’s interests. Whether it is politics like me, or sports or art, there are many spaces to express your creativity and passions, while also creating long-lasting bonds with people who share those interests in common.”
-Adam Garcia (Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Vice President ‘23-’24)
“It is extremely important to be involved on campus. Not only are you building up your resume, but you are essentially networking and making connections that can benefit you in the future, outside the academic environment. Being involved on campus has also allowed me to meet the most amazing people, many of whom I have been able to learn from and those who have also assisted me in learning more about myself.”
-Shirley Ventura (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. President ‘23-’24)
“It is easy to get overwhelmed in a big place such as Binghamton, with many people from different backgrounds. However, finding a niche group that not only supports you as an individual but allows you to be wholeheartedly yourself is an opportunity everyone deserves. Getting involved in these groups, clubs, and/or organizations bridges you to other groups that share values and interests with you, expanding your community with other leaders like you.”
-Nicholas Bustamante (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers President ‘23-’24)
2. What skills have you gained by being a member of this Executive Board?
“Thanks to being a member of Corazoncitos’ sweet and dedicated Executive Board, I’ve bee able to experience new environments that have taught me to think more about the major issues at hand in the world and overall, to be more selfless as a person. With this in mind, I’ve learned the importance of collaboration, compassion, and problem-solving, as well as the corresponding skills necessary for such values. Such as confidence, teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills.”
-Skyla Rivera (Corazoncitos Secretary ‘23-’24)
“Being Vice President of Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. has vastly improved my professional and personal skills. My work habits had been pretty poor prior to joining. However, after being voted into a large role, it required action and planning to ensure the success of the organization. This has made me a much better organizer and communicator in the professional world. As for personal, it allows me to create more bonds with different organizations, whether it is a collaboration or showing up to events to support.”
-Adam Garcia (Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Vice President ‘23-’24)
“Joining MSU has taught me a variety of skills that I know I will carry with me beyond undergrad. As president of my organization, a quality I have been able to learn is how to effectively manage my schedule when it comes to dedicating time to both chapter and academics. Easier said than done, the art of balancing my time has also helped in minimizing procrastination, sharpening my ability to organize and prioritize while simultaneously pushing me to use my time more effectively.”
-Shirley Ventura (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. President ‘23-’24)
“After joining my executive board, it began to develop a sense of pride for both me and for my team. After every successful event, connection, and meeting it is difficult not to feel so proud of your team. Seeing everyone develop leadership skills, enhance their public speaking, and even land jobs and internships has been my greatest pleasure working with SHPE.”
-Nicholas Bustamante (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers President ‘23-’24)
3. Why did you first join this organization?
“I initially joined this organization to make new and better connections with the members at the time, especially since my first interaction with them was such a fun and positive encounter! And by doing so, I learned the important of philanthropy and stayed to help this organization’s cause, which is to help and bring awareness of important issues that concern the well-being of the Latin community, not only in the U.S but in Latin America as well.”
-Skyla Rivera (Corazoncitos Secretary ‘23-’24)
“I first joined Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. because I felt like I had lost touch with my culture at Binghamton. Being at a PWI, it can be hard for many to relate to your customs and traditions and after being introduced to members of the organization, I felt that this was a place that I could see myself being a part of and contributing to. It felt like a genuine brotherhood of Latino men who wanted to see other like-minded individuals prosper and I carry that passion on for the next group of people who eventually join.”
-Adam Garcia (Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Vice President ‘23-’24)
“I joined MSU because my beliefs aligned with those of the organization and being around sisters who were already a part of the organization made it feel like home. Being that the chapter was established last semester, there were no sisters on campus prior. Regardless, the sisters embodied a consistent sense of love and support from miles away. I also appreciated how they are welcoming and accepting of everyone because it gave me that sense of comfort and encouragement to be myself.”
-Shirley Ventura (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. President ‘23-’24)
“3 years ago, I attended a virtual UFest and found myself in an information session with SHPE. After meeting with some of the members, I found it hard to return to the online only events, however some of the members made sure to reach out back to me and personally invite me. After a semester I joined their intern SHPE program where I shadowed their Executive Board and landed a position on the board for the following year!”
-Nicholas Bustamante (Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers President ‘23-’24)
