Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration : Student ORG Spotlight

The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development is proud to commemorate and celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month.In this blog, we highlight four recently established Hispanic/Latinx student organizations at Binghamton University. We invited each organization to share their perspectives on what it means to be part of the Hispanic/Latinx community and to reflect on the meaningful impact their organizations have on campus life. Their responses were recorded below

1) What does Hispanic heritage month mean to you? Why is it important to you?

–To LA CASA, Hispanic heritage month means celebrating what makes us who we are, and coming together as a community to celebrate all those who came before us. It’s a way of being true to ourselves and gaining a sense of belonging. It’s so important for us as it sheds light upon Central American countries that typically don’t get the recognition that we deserve. Overall, it’s a special time to come together as a family and celebrate with us.

LA CASA (The Central American Student Association) est.2024

–To ALPFA, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate our similar, yet different, cultures. It is also an opportunity to recognize the history of the countries that we originate from and appreciate the efforts of our ancestors.

ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) est.2024

–To the Dominican Student Association, Hispanic Heritage Month is about expression, the freedom to showcase our culture through language, food, clothing, music, and religion. It is a time to proudly represent the traditions and values that make our countries meaningful to us. This celebration matters deeply because it acknowledges the richness and diversity within the Hispanic community. A common misconception is that all Hispanics are the same. While many of us share the Spanish language, the way we speak it varies, just as our foods, music, and traditions do. These differences are what make Hispanic Heritage Month so significant: it provides a space where our unique identities can be celebrated, shared, and appreciated.

DSA (Dominican Student Association) est.2022

–What it means to us is being able to honour and reflect one’s history, culture and traditions of Hispanic countries. Many of us did not grow up in or are far away from our home land however, that doesn’t mean that we are not equally as prideful of our culture. It is a time to be able to celebrate the impacts that we have made on this country.

MASA (Mexican American Student Association) est.2025

2) In what ways does your organization help foster a sense of belonging for students on campus?

– LACASA strives on being advocates for all Central American countries and we look to bring in people and make them feel like they belong somewhere. Oftentimes, we see many organizations on campus celebrating our Latinos and Latinas, but we really work towards honoring our Central American people and bringing unity. We do meetings based on our country and our history, as well as involving favorite dishes from our countries and sharing our culture with one another.

LA CASA (The Central American Student Association)

–ALPFA fosters a sense of belonging for Latine students on campus by providing them with advice and opportunities for professional development in an encouraging space surrounded by students with similar backgrounds and goals.

ALPFA (ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America)

–The Dominican Student Association helps students feel a real sense of belonging on campus by celebrating and sharing Dominican culture. We host cultural events, social gatherings, and educational programs that give Dominican students a chance to connect with each other and feel represented at Binghamton. At the same time, we welcome the wider student body to join us, which helps build connections, raise awareness, and share our history and traditions with the community. At its core, our organization is about culture, pride, and community, and we want every student who engages with us to feel recognized, empowered, and at home.

DSA (Dominican Student Association)

–MASA welcomes everyone from different cultures and backgrounds. By being on this campus we aim to share and inform the students about Mexican culture and heritage. Additionally, we hope to educate and bring awareness to current issues the hispanic community is facing. By doing so we create a safe space for everyone to speak freely and embrace Mexican culture.

MASA (Mexican American Student Association)

3) What is an event on campus that your organization hosts and why do you believe the event is important to host? How is it impactful?

–A great thing that we have done is dedicate a general meeting to each Central American country each week of Hispanic Heritage month and share bits and pieces of said country to further educate students on campus and make them want to be a part of the LACASA family! It is so important to do these meetings as it’s a way of extending our knowledge to the students and spreading the importance of our Hispanics in the United States. It truly shows students how much value and change our people have done for our communities.

LA CASA (The Central American Student Association)

–One of the biggest events our organization hosts is our annual banquet, Teteo in Paradise. This event is important because it creates a space where Dominican culture can be fully celebrated and shared with the entire Binghamton community. From the music and dancing to the food and decorations, everything is designed to highlight the vibrancy and richness of Dominican traditions. The impact goes beyond just a night of fun. For Dominican students, the event feels like home, a reminder that their culture is valued and visible on campus. At the same time, it invites students from all backgrounds to come together, experience our traditions, and build connections through music, food, and community. By bringing people together in this way, Teteo in Paradise not only strengthens our own community but also helps create a more inclusive and culturally aware campus environment.

DSA (Dominican Student Association)

–Even though MASA is new to campus we believe incorporating educational general body meetings is equally as important as the fun ones. This is because it’s important to spread information on events that are currently affecting the Hispanic community. Thus far, we held a meeting alongside LASU fostering conversation and bringing awareness of the ongoing ICE raids that are impacting many across the country. Being able to talk about these harder issues does make a difference making sure our community does not feel alone during these difficult times.

MASA (Mexican American Student Association)

4) Is there a quote, saying or proverb from your own culture that you love or inspires you?

–“Haz el bien, sin mirar a quien” – (“Do good, without looking at whom”. The proverb emphasizes acting with kindness and generosity toward all people, regardless of their background, status, or any past deeds )

LA CASA (The Central American Student Association)

–Our mission which is “Bringing a taste of the Dominican culture to the ground of Binghamton University through empowerment, resilience and teamwork”

DSA (Dominican Student Association)

-“Ponte las pilas” is a saying that everyone has heard from their family. Encouraging you to give it your all or get it together. Whether that be when you’re studying all night for an exam or heading to school for the day. It’s a daily reminder to put all your effort in to reach your goals at the end of the day.

MASA (Mexican American Student Association)

5) What is a Tradition in your Culture that you enjoy participating in?

–We enjoy eating 12 grapes under the table to welcome in the New Year!

LA CASA (The Central American Student Association)

–A tradition in Dominican culture that I really enjoy is our Christmas Eve dinner, known as “La Nochebuena.” It’s one of the most important celebrations for Dominican families. Everyone comes together to share a big meal with dishes like roasted pork, pasteles en hoja, moro, and sweet treats. For me, it’s not just about the food, but about the feeling of togetherness, The laughter, music, and storytelling that make the night so special. It’s a time when family bonds are strengthened and culture is passed down through recipes, traditions, and memories. This tradition reminds me of the importance of community, gratitude, and celebrating our heritage which is what our organization aims to foster on campus.

DSA (Dominican Student Association)

–Dia de Los Muertos is very significant in Mexican culture as a way to honour the memory of past loved ones. During this time we cherish those that have passed by making them an altar, also known as an ofrenda. We fill it with pictures of the past loved one, their favorite foods, marigold flowers and candles. It is filled with many beautiful traditions such as making a path leading to one’s house of marigold petals, so the spirit of the past loved one is able to find its way home. Most importantly it’s the time to spend with your family remembering the past loved ones and making new memories with the ones that are still here.

MASA (Mexican American Student Association)

PHOTOS of Organizations and their events below

LA CASA (The Central American Student Association)

Photo of LA CASA event Fall 2024 in Collaboration with LASU (Latin American Student Union) and LAU (Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc.) where they made mask based on colors of their culture for Latino Awareness Week

ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America)