De Mujer a Mujer: Latina Assistance Program
De Mujer a Mujer: Latina Assistance Program focuses on providing academic support to increase the retention and graduation rates of Latinas on campus by offering programs, activities and leadership opportunities that foster self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem.
Over the years, De Mujer a Mujer (a translation for “woman to woman”) has created opportunities for Latina college students to enhance their leadership skills.
For example, through the establishment of an executive board, Latinas are able to take on roles that contribute to the program and their student career success.
This year’s executive board members are Guadalupe Barragan, Priscilla A. Montes, Elisa Flores and Abigail “Abby” Vidal. All these students were interviewed for their respective roles and encompass the essence of Latina empowerment.
Recently, the Latino Resource Center also hired a new student coordinator for the program: Christine Diaz Luna, a junior majoring in psychology. Christine has experience in event planning, mentoring and assessment. As the new student coordinator for De Mujer a Mujer, Christine hopes to offer support to other Latinas and help them overcome their challenges to be able to achieve their goals.
In addition, De Mujer a Mujer has organized two of several events that have become a trademark to the program: Bringing Latinos Together (BLT) Mixer and Latina conference. Both events provide opportunities for Latinos to network with their peers, as well as faculty and staff, in an effort to create a support system across campus and the community. The BLT Mixer is hosted as part of the Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) events, whereas the Latina conference takes place in the spring.
Students are encouraged to attend the weekly meetings held Wednesdays at the Latino Center. The first meeting takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the center at 515 Garden Road.
For more information, contact Angélica Mendoza, assistant director of the Latino Resource Center, at (815) 753-8645 or amendoza7@niu.edu.
