Latinx  Organizations

The mission of the Batten Latinx Network (BLN) is to form a community of Latinx students at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Through this organization, we hope to welcome/recruit prospective undergraduate and graduate Latinx students, to host professional development events for prospective and current students, and to maintain relationships with our Latinx alumni. This network will also function to share resources to current and prospective Latinx students, such as internship information and potential job opportunities. We hope to create a community-based space of Latinx students that will support one another in their academic, social, and professional pursuits. Furthermore, we aim to facilitate the discussion of policy issues relating to the Latinx community both in America and abroad. 

Events: Conference Sponsorship for Students,  Hispanic Heritage Month Batten Hour, Batten Builds

Central Americans for Empowerment at UVA aims to serve as the primary organization on Grounds focusing on anything and everything related to Central America. Our mission is to create an inclusive space for Central American folx in an effort to increase visibility and representation of the diversity within the Latinx community at the University of Virginia. We aim to gain a collective voice and foster empowerment through civic engagement and political, social and cultural education and advocacy while simultaneously building solidarity with other marginalized communities.  

Events: Cine Caféina, Voluntourism: Help or Hindrance? 

CLARO  aims to promote an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment for all Latin American students at UVA by organizing initiatives that promote community building, intersectional cultural awareness, and academic success. Our organization focuses its efforts on celebrating the diversity of cultures and identities that exist in Latin America rather than promoting the idea of a monolithic, Spanish-speaking "Latinx" community. For example, this year, we will be organizing language workshops in which volunteers will teach  CLARO  members languages such as Quechua and Haitian Creole to demystify the idea that everyone in Latin America speaks Spanish. Other events our organization will plan include ¡Saca tu Bandera! (a flag party), Cultura Fest, Primavera (a semi-formal), as well as game nights, cooking classes, and casual hangouts. 

The mission of the Latino Student Network at McIntire (LSN) is to form a network of Latino students, in which we can represent the voice of the Latino community at the Commerce School. Through this organization, we hope to provide our members with opportunities and solutions to different issues. We hope to strengthen and empower the Latino community at the Commerce School so that they can be a support system to each other and help each other reach their maximum potential. We will serve as a guide to those who are interested in business but are not yet in McIntire, as well as those who are. With the growing importance of Latin America, our club serves as a gateway for students to learn more about the region. We also aim to provide our members with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their future. We want to provide information about important events or professional opportunities related to Latin America. Furthermore, we want to help them develop their connections for the future, since we know how important networking is.

Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society (PLUMAS) is a social justice/activist group whose mission is to engage the Latinx community by providing proactive space for students to vocalize, discuss, and act on substantive social justice issues affecting the Latinx community on Grounds and in the Greater Charlottesville Community. 

PLUMAS seeks to create civic engagement and awareness on political issues through education, advocacy and direct action.

Towards a Better Latin America (TBLA) is an organization open to individuals who have any type of connection with Latin America ranging from heritage to curiosity. For this reason, TBLA focuses its events around grounds on providing greater insight to students, faculty and community members about the various situations Latin American countries are experiencing: culturally, socially, economically and politically.  The goal of the organization is not only creating awareness about issues and successes in Latin America, but also sparking critical action and motivational leadership within the community. 

Most memorable events include: Evaluating Latin America (ELA) Conference, Hoos For Ecuador, Hoos for Mexico and Un Techo Para Mi País. 

SHPE UVA is a community of students & faculty committed to realizing the Hispanic community’s fullest potential in STEM fields. Our chapter is part of SHPE’s vast national network of over 10,000 students and professionals. Events focus on professional development, outreach, leadership, academics, and social get-togethers. Every year, our members attend professional conferences across the country and take advantage of opportunities that just can’t be found on grounds. At UVA, we host events with local students and give back to the community. At SHPE, you will build strong, long-lasting “friendSHPE’s”. Defined by our close-knit community, our chapter is best summarized with one word: familia.

We are an all-inclusive organization: our membership consists of a diverse mix of engineers and non-engineers, Hispanic members and non-Hispanic members. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of the familia!

Events: National Conference in Cleveland, high school outreach programs, RLDC in Washington D.C., networking events, hiking trips, SHPE soccer, and more!