Fall 2010 Week 15

Week 15--by C. Sopa

Hi Readers,

            Hope the end of the semester is treating everyone well. Doesn’t vacation feel so close yet so far at the same time? Frustrating isn’t it? Just take it one day at a time and before you know it you’ll be back home and hopefully relaxing, or working to get ready for next semester if you’re like me. Trust me folks, the last thing you want to do is try and start vacation early and slack off before finals, that could definitely prove to be disastrous. If we just stay focused on finishing the semester strong then winter break will be here before we know it.

             This week started really well with an amazing cultural dinner held by the T.I.A.R.A.S of the iCONNic Concordia Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. on Monday. It was a potluck affair so members of their organization made a dish to share. The variety of food was great. There was curry chicken, corn bread, empanadas, macaroni and cheese, rice pudding (which I never had before but was amazing!) and a whole lot more food. The dinner acted as a fundraiser for their organization, and I think it ended up being a huge success. After dinner was over they turned the radio up and opened the floor up for some dancing to help burn off all that food we just had. Overall it turned out to be a great break from studying.

            On Tuesday, the opened my EDCI 3000 class up to the public for The Young Poets performance. The Young Poets is a group of high school students led by their teacher and mentor Mrs. Lynn Frazier. Everyone needs an outlet, for some it’s singing, for me it’s dancing and for these students its poetry, and let me tell you they are good at what they do. The emotion and feeling that they bring to the stage is like nothing I ever experienced. These students have been through a lot in life and the fact that they can release their frustration, sadness, and anxieties is truly commendable. They hit a wide range of topics from drugs, to broken homes; even AIDS and they showed all of us just how strong today’s students are. We as future teachers really learned not only how to appreciate life but how to not judge our students based on the image they portray but the person they truly are.

            Now as some of you may know, the search for the new director of the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center has been narrowed down to two finalists, however the final decision is yet to be made. Now even though a program director is something that is essential to the center we as students also recognize that we play a huge role in the dynamics of the center, which is why some of us have chosen to revive the Latino Organization Council. A few times a semester the leaders of all the Latino organizations here on campus such as the Latino Student Association, The Spanish Club, and various Greek organizations, just to name a few, gather together and discuss issues concerning PRLACC that we think need to be addressed. This Wednesday was the first meeting in almost two years and I think it proved to be a rather productive meeting. I’m sure that in the future we’ll be able to address some more serious issues concerning not only PRLACC, but the Latino student population as a whole and really make some great changes here on campus.

               On Thursday, we finished the week off the same way we began it with the METAS Holiday dinner. Even though it was predominantly a mentor and mentee affair we did have a few close METAS family friends attend help us celebrate the end of the semester and the upcoming holidays. The food once again was great! We had pernil (roast pork), pollo guisado (stewed chicken), arroz con habichuela (rice and beans), arroz blanco (white rice), maduros (sweet fried plantains), and flan (custard) for dessert. Even though the food was a tease for us because most of us won’t have food like this again until winter break begins it did give us mentors and mentees one last way to bond and remember the semester together.

            Well folks like I said earlier we’re almost at the end of the road. Next week is finals so in parting I want to wish you all, all the best on your exams and a happy holiday break.

           Next week’s post may be a bit unorthodox but it should prove to be entertaining nonetheless, so look out for that.

Be safe and good luck to you all!  

Fall 2010 Week 14

Week 14-by C. Sopa

Welcome back readers!

            Hopefully you all had a relaxing and well-deserved break from the academic grind for a few days. If your vacation was anything like mine, you did a lot of sleeping, eating, and spending time with family, so it was probably pretty enjoyable. It's always good to step away from papers and exams every once in a while and just spend time catering to yourself. It keeps us from getting burnt out, especially those of us with heavier workloads. Even though, we all put that vacation to good use we really to get back in study mode and spend those endless hours in Homer Babbidge, fine tuning final projects or papers, and preparing for finals week. Trust me, if you start preparing now, it will pay off ten-fold at the end of the semester.

            This week back was a bit quiet with everyone getting back into the swing of things however that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty to do. This week was AIDS week here at UCONN and as usual the campus was alive with events planned all week. Tuesday was UConn’s Wear Red Day in order to not only raise awareness but show support for those who are battling the disease today. I chose to don a red tie, with a white button down, blue jeans and some red sneakers. If you’re going to represent may as well go all out I always say.

             The 5^th Annual Opening of the Art4AIDS exhibit was on Wednesday in the Student Union Art Gallery and as always it was very entertaining and enlightening. During the opening of the exhibit there were performances by various a capella groups who sang songs of encouragement, while art lovers and activists enjoyed light refreshments. The exhibit is a compilation of paintings, sculptures, photographs and any other mediums that people have used to express their feelings about the AIDS epidemic. Some pieces were focused on more personal experiences while others were more informational displays of how to prevent the spread of the disease but the overall theme of the exhibit was to raise awareness, and bring an issue, which people often shy away from, to the forefront. I encourage anyone who hasn't done so already to go check it out.

            Also on Wednesday, the sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. held a talent show in the North Lobby/Lounge the Student Union. The show acted as a fund-raiser for Journey House, Natchaug Hospital’s residential treatment program for girls, here in Mansfield, CT. The acts ranged from piano and vocal performances, to Greek salutes and strolling displays. It was a great time, and I personally can’t wait till next year.

            As for next week’s festivities I encourage you all to attend the Cultural Dinner held by the TIARAS of the iCONNic Concordia Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. on Monday Decmeber 6^th from 6:30-8:30pm in the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center. I’ve been to about 4 or 5 dinners already and the food is always top notch and reminds me of back home. It’s $7 a plate and $1 for seconds, trust me it is well worth it!

            Also on Tuesday, December 7^th at 6:30pm in ITE C80 (the huge lecture hall in the basement) as part of the EDCI 3000 class there will be a performance by The Young Poet’s, a group of teenage poets who use both written and spoken word to express themselves. I’ve seen them perform multiple times and I can honestly say every performance is always great. The performance is open to the public, so if you enjoy poetry, or if you enjoy discussing educational issues I encourage you to join us. 


Well readers, I wish you all well as we enter the homestretch of the semester. One week of classes then  one week of finals...
Take care!

The DREAM Act

The following is an email that was forwarded to me. I've taken the names and any identifying personal information out of the email in order to protect the privacy of the sender and primary recipient. 

"Dear (blank),

Over this past weekend I got to spend Thanksgiving with my family and friends, all thanks to you. Because of your advocacy, I was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being incarcerated for almost two months. In a flash, I went from hanging out with my friends and going to school to being thrown in a detention center in Arizona.  None of this made sense to me. I was only allowed outside for one hour a day.  For 64 people, there were just three toilets and four showers.  There had to be a guard with us everywhere we went. There was no freedom or privacy.  I was treated like a criminal and I felt helpless.

Even though I’m back home now, I’m still at risk of being deported and there are many people who are in the same situation as I am.  Over 65,000 undocumented students graduate from a U.S. high school each year and are at the same risk of deportation that I faced.  We have to do something to stop this from happening to another innocent student.  These are our future teachers, nurses, doctors, and lawyers that are just as American as their peers, but, like me, don’t have legal status.

This week Congress will be debating an important piece of legislation called the DREAM Act, a bipartisan bill that could provide a pathway to legalization for undocumented students just like me if they attend two years of college or serve two years in the military.  I am home today because of you. You made a difference in my life and together we can make a difference in the life of many others by helping to pass the DREAM Act.  Please take action today.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

(blank)"

TAKE ACTION NOW

1. To call your own Senator, please dial 866-996-5161. Ask them to vote YES on the DREAM Act this week.  Do they already support it?  Great, urge them to advocate against any bad amendments that will come up during the voting process.
2. To call your House of Representative, please dial 866-967-6018.
3. Join a phone bank in San Francisco tomorrow, November 30th, on the National Day of Action for DREAM Act. Find out more at www.bringstevehome.com.

For information on what exactly the DREAM Act is and how to take action against it, visit: http://dreamact.info/

Fall 2010 Week 12

Week 12

How goes it Readers?

            Hopefully you’re not like me and still on campus but are home safe and sound. Whether your preparing your stomachs for Thanksgiving or your wallets for Black Friday, I hope you all enjoy your break and take advantage of some well-deserved down time.

             This past Tuesday was I-Nite at the Rome Ballroom above South Dining Hall and much like Cultural Explosion it was a night to showcase our cultural pride here at UConn. I performed with BAILE (Bringing Awareness Into Latino Ethnicities) but there were plenty of other performances such as UConn Taiko and The Steel Pan Drum Club. The event always proves to be a great time and I recommend that if you haven’t attended in the past that you attend I-Nite next year. I guarantee a good time, plenty of good music, lots of great people to meet.  

            This week at UConn was definitely a cold one, and I must say I was rather sad to have to break out my winter coat. However an event here on campus raised awareness for those who may not have a winter coat to speak of. The Homelessness Sleep Out took place on Wednesday behind the Student Union and let me tell you it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The purpose of the sleep out was to raise awareness of the homelessness epidemic that is sweeping not only our state but our country, and with that in mind, students were challenged to build a shelter out of cardboard boxes and compete against one another to see who could create the warmest and most creative homes. While the shelter construction took place, there were testimonials from people who’ve had experiences with being homeless, hot chocolate and chili were handed out, and there were various performances to help keep our morale up. The only way to truly sympathize with those less fortunate is to be placed in that situation, so students were encouraged to stay in their cardboard abodes for the night. I was unable to stay the entire night but let me tell you I have a new found respect for those less fortunate, and I encourage you all to sympathize with them next time you meet someone who may not be as well off as you are.

        Also on Wednesday was the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) event in the Student Union Theatre. This event brought together speakers from all realms of education as well as representation from the various cultural organizations and groups here on campus. Not only did BAILE perform there as well but there were also sinlge acts by students here and the step/dance groups UConn All Stars took the stage for a hip-hop performance.

For information about UNESCO or to learn how to get involved visit: www.unesco.org

            One last thing that has actually been ongoing for the past few weeks that is especially important to us at PRLACC and PRLSI is the search for the next PRLACC director. Over the past few weeks we’ve been interviewing potential candidates and attending presentations they’ve been giving in the PRLACC program to help us get a better understanding of their cultural views and understanding of how the center should and could be run. The candidates we’ve met so far have all shown that they would be excellent additions to the faculty here at UConn, each with their own strengths and weaknesses and while this has been a thoughtful and interesting process I’m sure we’ll be able identify our next director soon enough. Be on the lookout for any updates or further information. 

           

            As I said earlier Readers, I wish everyone a safe and restful break and I look forward to our UConn family regrouping after a long well-deserved break. Take care!

              

Fall 2010 Week 11

Week 11

            Hope the semester’s treating you well readers. Thanks again for tuning into the latest posting of Student Lens: A student perspective on the latest news, events and current events from the University of Connecticut's Institute of Puerto Rican & Latino Studies.

            By now your midterms should be done and over with, your classes: picked, and you should be involving the “calm before the storm” so to speak. Not to frighten anyone but if your like me this is the part of the semester where we relax, catch our breath, and then get back in good ol’ Homer Babbidge Library to start preparing for finals. A word for the wise: don’t wait until finals week to start studying for finals. The library is open 24 hours a day but please believe that it will be packed 24 hours a day. If you can, start studying for you finals or working on your final projects now. That way when the time comes all you have to do is review your notes or outline, putting the finishing touches on your term papers, and focus on getting a good night’s sleep. Also even though Thanksgiving break is a time for relaxing don’t be afraid to crack open a book or two during that week off either. Who knows? That extra hour of studying can equate to an extra 20 points on an exam. That’s my college career tip of the so moving on to this week at UConn.

            To all my poets, spoken word artists, story tellers or those who just enjoy all of the above I encourage you to attend a Long River Live, a bi-monthly art series, usually on Mondays, where writers can go to share their works with other writers. I’ve been to many of their meetings especially during my freshman year when I was more in touch with my poetic side and I can say it’s really refreshing. No two meetings are ever the same and most meetings there are featured writers who perform a few of their pieces, and very often give the story behind their works. Not too long ago there was a puppet show performance that proved to be very entertaining so as you can see almost any genre is welcome. For more information you can visit the CLAS website or look for the emails sent out through the UConn Student listserv.

            Following on with the poetic theme for this week, Kelly Tsai, Asian American spoken word artist, performed at the Student Union Theatre, this past Wednesday. She’s performed all over the country in over 450 different venues and she’s even been featured on Def Poetry Jam multiple times. I had seen her performances on YouTube, and had heard great things about her live performances so needless to say I was excited to catch her at the theatre. She hit on just about anything you could think of, love, hate, politics, remembering lost loved ones, music and even a few subjects us college students could relate to such as nagging parents. The energy she brought to her performance was simply amazing and I recommend her to anyone who has a love for spoken word.

            If you want to learn more about her go to website: http://www.yellowgurl.com/

           

            In addition to the poetic flow that surrounded campus, the Amnesty International Club met this week as well. As stated on a handout I received at their meeting this past Tuesday; “Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights to be respected and protected for everyone.” This week’s focus for the meeting was the evictions of thousands of families in Nigeria and Roma, and how it’s led to a homelessness epidemic oversees. They also addressed the Homelessness Sleep Out next week, look out for coverage of that next week. Overall I think this could be one of the up and coming student groups here on campus and I look forward to seeing what they have planned in the future. Their next meeting is November 30^th 2010 at 9pm in Student Union Room 221. If making a difference is your thing, stop by and check it out, I know I’ll be there.

           

            Well readers be on the look out next week for coverage of next week’s Homelessness Sleep Out in addition to more of the latest and greatest before we all leave for our Thanksgiving break.     

Fall 2010 Week 10

Week 10

            Thanks again readers for tuning in to the latest post of Student Lens: A student’s perspective on the latest and greatest here at the University of Connecticut.

            Hopefully everyone’s Halloween week went well and with a little over a month left in the semester I’m happy to say we’re coming into the home stretch. This week at UConn was a week full of thinking, pondering, contemplation and any other synonyms you can possibly think of for thinking.

            With the class picking process in full swing it’s almost like going into yet another set of exams. You have to check to see when your pick date is, research classes, consult with other students, consult with you advisor, and then last but not least when it finally time for you to hit that “enroll” button you hope you planned it all out correctly so that it all works out in your favor. Picking classes can almost be as stressful as the work we receive in the classes themselves.

            Not that you’ve moved past picking classes though try thinking about something a little less stressful. The hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. held an event in the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center entitled “Capture Your Thought” this past Monday, and it definitely made you think more than anything else. The goal of this event was to raise awareness of the more overlooked issues here at UConn, not necessarily budget cuts and issues with the university itself but the issues that occur on a more personal level, such as hate crimes, ignorance and discrimination. The university community was challenged to take pictures of things that we saw as injustice, whether it was Facebook/Twitter posts, bathroom wall writings, graffiti, or even just things written on desks. The way that people express themselves directly reflects the deeper issues that may go under the radar and this event brought these issues to light. This event truly made you rethink every bit of ink that we see on mediums other than paper here on campus. We discussed possible causes of the feelings behind the content of these photos, who was being victimized in each instance and picked out constant thread between the various photos. This was definitely one of the more entertaining, interesting and innovative events I’ve attended this semester. A gallery of the photos taken will be on display in the library outside of Bookworms for a majority of the month of November and new photos and findings are being rotated through the gallery all the time. I definitely urge you to take a look.

            If discussing social injustice isn’t your cup of tea, how about pondering the greater debates of the universe. The brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. presented a new lecture series they have started here on campus call iThink geared towards just that, thinking. This week’s lecture took place in the African American Cultural Center and pondered the great debate over the Mind v Brain and whether or not they are one in the same, separate entities, or something else. It began with a presentation on the subject by Dr. Crawford L. Elder, then a discussion on the different opinions on the subject between all who were in attendance. Even if you didn’t contribute to the conversation just listening to the various view on the topic was enough to get your mind moving.

            This week was definitely a good jolt to get out minds moving again and have us all thinking out of the box, have to stay sharp for finals, they’ll be here sooner than you think.

           

            Well readers be on the look out for next few weeks here on Student Lens. With Thanksgiving break, finals, and plenty of other events approaching quickly I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! 

Week 9 Halloween has arrived!

Week 9

            Hola Readers,

            Week 9 is upon us, the final week in October as a matter of fact, and wouldn’t you know it, Halloween has taken the campus by storm. The dorms are decorated, the smell of pumpkin coffee and muffins fills the Student Union, and the debate over who will have the best costume for this weekend is in full stride. While the temptation to go out and party the weekend away may be strong, we need to remember that we are college students, and can’t forget our studies. There are plenty of fun things to take part in here at UConn that won’t conflict with our studies but can still give us students a chance to release some stress.

            When in doubt, look to your local campus organizations to throw Halloween parties. I’ll be the first to admit that the idea of going to a Halloween party in the Student Union may seem a little lame, but trust me when I say, they can turn out to be a lot of fun. This Tuesday LSA (Latino Student Association) held their annual Halloween party in the PRLACC (Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center) program room and it was a great time. Students came in costume, played games, enjoyed some free food and candy, and were even able to throw on their dance shoes for a little dance contest, where the winning couple received gift cards to the Co-op. The festivities began at about 7pm and were done by 9pm. Let’s be honest people, Homer Babbidge Library doesn’t close till 2am that still leaves with you about 5 hours of study time.

            If all else fails Late Night is always a great alternative to staying out partying away your valuable study time. The theme this week was “Ghouls, Ghosts and Goblins at Late Night” and this like every other Late Night I’ve attended proved to be a lot of fun as well. If you were   looking for a souvenir to remember the night by take a ghostly photo or decorate a Halloween cookie to eat later on, or maybe you were feeling a bit curious and adventurous last Friday night, you could’ve asked one of the psychics or tarot cards readers that were there to predict your future. Maybe you'll end up having the best Halloween costume after all?

            Also the residence halls held plenty of events as well, for example in Charter Oaks not only were their various programs held by our resident assistants but on Saturday if you were around during the early afternoon you could hand out candy to kids from the local community at no cost to yourself. All you had to do was hand out candy and get in the Halloween spirit.

              In my 3 years of being here, I’ve seen that Halloween and Spring Weekend are two of the most socially active weekends for students here at UConn but they’re also the times when students begin to lose track of academics, and while there’s no reason for this to be the case, I know it will still happen to a few students here. Even though some of you may still go out and party all weekend I encourage you to at least be safe in the process. If you do go out please remember, to:

1. Always travel with a group of friends that you know and trust. Use the buddy system there’s strength in numbers.

2. If you’re going to a party, plan ahead, make sure you know where it is and how your getting back, the last thing you want to happen is to be stranded somewhere with no way of making it back to your room.

3. If you choose to have a refreshment make sure you know what you’re consuming and don’t put your cup down for any reason. It’s better to be safe then sorry.

 I want to wish you all a happy Halloween week, and I encourage you to be on the look out for the next posting of Student Lens.

Have fun and be safe Readers!  

Fall 2010 Week 8

Week 8

            Hey Readers!

             With Week 8 upon us this is where the Fall semester truly tests us, we’ve made it through midterms and projects and are beginning the second half of the semester, and while it is relieving it can also be overwhelming at the same time. It can almost feel like we’re beginning a whole new semester now. At times like this it’s essential that we just stay motivated and aren’t afraid of looking to others for help. This theme of collaboration has been more evident this week than any other here on campus and as a result I was able to attend two great collaborative events.

            Greeks (fraternity and sorority members) form a great population here at UConn and two of our Latino organizations here were able to put on some very enlightening and helpful events. . The hermanos (brothers) of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Fraternity Inc, held an event in the Rainbow Center entitled “Masoquista: I am a Gay latino.” To begin with the event discussed some of the stereotypes surrounding the GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community, the minority community, and the stigmas that unfortunately have come to be associated with being a member of both communities. Through a discussion facilitated by Kenneth Dortche, students were able to discuss any misconceptions they had while at the same time raising awareness of the issues that these various communities. Moving from there, students discussed issues that can arise as a result of the pressures placed on members of the GLBTQ community and ethnic minorities. What was found was that many of issues faced by one group is often faced by another, and as a result this event better opened eyes to the overlapping concerns and issues faced by everyone regardless of who they are or what they identify themselves as. This culminated in a presentation by Fleurette King, director of the Rainbow Center, during which she further clarified any misconceptions we may have still had and at the same time further reinforced the concept of allies. We as minority communities do share most of the same issues whether we’re Black, Latino, Asian, Women, LGBTQ, etc, and this event helped us realize that an the importance of banding together and tackling these issues as one greater force.

            Afterwards the ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. along with members of UConn Tae Kwon Do gave us some instruction on how to physically defend ourselves here on campus. UConn Tae Kwon Do demonstrated how to actually perform the moves then gave us some time to perfect them with our partners. Despite the instructors expertise on the subject they were sure to emphasize the fact that the techniques they taught us should not be used in place of safer alternatives, such as traveling in groups, using the Husky Watch and Blue light services here on campus, and calling the proper authorities.

            Both of these events took place in the Rainbow Center, and were attended by members of not only all the organizations involved but by various communities on campus as well. Through collaboration these events were made possible and that just goes to show you the power in numbers. So as this semester continues don’t be afraid to work with others towards a common goal. Whether its finishing a class project, studying for an exam, or asking for advice about something your not familiar with, it always pays to ask those around you for a helping hand, I’ve always done so and it has continued to help me be successful in every aspect of my life.

Take care Readers!                    

Fall 2010 Week 7

Week 7

It’s the halfway point readers!

            Just think seven weeks ago we were all just arriving on campus and now we’re already half way done. I don’t know about you, but this semester is flying by if you ask me. With midterms finally finished (for the most part) and the mass confusion from LipSync over and done with we come to Family Weekend. Every freshman here on campus gets homesick at one point or another but they’re not always able to get home on the weekends like some people are, and this is why we have Family Weekend. This past weekend families came to visit campus and get a glance into life here at UConn. When I was a freshman my family had never really been to the campus other than to drop off my belongings and I to campus. They had never spent more than an hour or two on campus and it was usually spent cramped in my dorm room preaching to me about “being careful who I went out with” simply put my mother had a really warped perception of what exactly college life was. Family weekend is the perfect way for parents and other family members to see that their hard earned money isn’t being wasted.

            Family Weekend could really be called Family Week, because all week the UConn gives campus tours to families and shows them what the campus is like while classes are in session. My family had never seen the campus “alive” before, they had only visited during move-in days but never during class sessions. When my parents saw that students go to class and we don’t party 7 days a week she felt much better.

            Once the weekend begins though is when Family Weekend hits full stride. On Saturday the day begins with an event called Cultural Explosion, where all the different cultural groups on campus like Steel Pan Drum Club, The Irish American Cultural Society, B.A.I.L.E, UConn Taiko, Husky Bhangra and various others give a demonstration of their respective talents. Also there is an annual comedy show that provides some comic relief for the day and gives parents a look at one of the way that we relax and let loose here on campus. UConn is not just Spring Weekend and what you may see on the news, it is so much more than that, and Family Weekend gives our families a look into that.           

            Don’t think that this weekend is all games though; there are plenty of resources that you can and should take advantage of here during the weekend as well. After the more recreational events there is a huge family BBQ and get together where families can meet one another to give and receive advice, and upperclassmen are around to give families some insight as to how they deal with all the issues that come with being a college student. From there, the offices within the Wilbur Cross building all present workshops to help UConn families better familiarize themselves with the different aspects of what I like to call “UConn: Behind the Scenes.” All the offices that families need to be familiar with in order for their students to be successful give presentations and hold Q&A sessions. For example, the Bursar’s offices will show you how to go online to pay or check your fee bill and the Office of Financial Aid can show you how to fill out a FAFSA form and accept or deny your rewards. These workshops are key and I suggest that if you know any incoming freshman or anyone who may not be familiar with how these systems work that you direct them to these workshops.

            The point of this blog is to address the problems that we have here on campus from a student’s perspective and give you a possible solution to them, as a junior I’ve been here for a while so believe me when I say that attending these workshops and taking advantage of what Family Weekend has to offer is something we all need to do. As minority students here at UConn we need to take advantage of the resources provided to us and Family Weekend can prove to be an invaluable one. The Cultural Explosion event is one that helps us keep in touch with our culture from back home, through dance and music and it also gives us a better sense of belonging here on campus. Say as a freshman, salsa dancing has always been big in your family and is more like a part of you than a hobby. Cultural Explosion not only exposes you to B.A.I.L.E where we salsa dance very week but it can give a way to stay connected to your home and family life. Also it shows your family, who may be a little skeptical of you attending such a huge university, that even though you may be a part of the minority here that you do have other people here to connect with. My family personally loves the fact that I dance here on campus and been able to form such close bonds with people here on campus and the first time they saw me with my UConn family was at Family Weekend.

            Also given our lacking numbers here on campus I know that we may not know who to ask or feel comfortable asking someone for assistance. With the workshops they offer here on campus you can come get better acquainted with the services and offices here on campus. My freshman year, Family Weekend, helped not only me but my family adjust to my newfound college experience.    

Fall 2010 Week 6

Week 6

How’s it going readers?

            Are your midterms finally wrapping up or is the second round of them just beginning? Thankfully with my schedule my midterm workload hasn’t been too heavy but I will admit midterms still takes a toll on me just like everyone else. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re hit with between 4 and 6 exams (7 if you’re a glutton for punishment) all in a matter of two weeks. Or maybe it’s the fact that we have almost no transition time between general class time and exam time. Some universities have “reading days” where they have 2 and 7 days where they don’t have to attend class all they have to do is study for exams then the next week their exams begin. What do you think? Personally I welcome the idea of having a week or so to prepare for exams, and transition for “lecture mode” to “study mode,” but some people may not feel the same. For some people not having class means not having to do work and the temptation of partying during the week instead of studying may be too much for someone who doesn’t have the motivation of a class in the morning. Whatever your opinion may be I think it’s easy to see that midterms take quite the toll on all of us.

            Now that I’ve gotten my weekly rant out of the way let me fill you in on a recent dinner I attended.

            Now we as Latinos cross all majors and professions, it’s just that our presence isn’t always as easily noticed within our respective fields. Within education especially we have difference in the number of minority students attending our schools and the number of minority faculty members teaching in our schools. As a minority student pursuing a career in education this hits especially close to home, and the function I recently attended entitled “Diversity in Education” addressed this issue directly.

            As I arrived at the event I met various minority students pursuing the Neag School of Education, other students that are currently in the School of Education, faculty members here at UConn and even professionals currently in the field. However there was one person here who seemed to be a bit out of place, a man named Miguel, dressed in a “Puerto Rico” sweatshirt, baggy jeans and basketball sneakers who, when asked about his professional background, simply said he worked in a school in Meriden and just came for the food. As the night went on and we took our seats, I tried to figure out why this gentleman was here. He didn’t look like a professional and from what he told us (the people sitting at my table) he didn’t have that much background in education.

            The program began with the presentation of the Hearst Scholarship, an award directed towards students pursuing teaching as a profession with the support of diversity initiatives in mind. From there, Noemi Maldonado took the podium and introduced our keynote speaker, the gentleman in the Puerto Rico sweatshirt, who rose from his seat and took the podium, taking the room by surprise in the process. The gentleman who we thought didn’t belong there had more reason to be there than any of us. His name was Miguel Cardona, currently the principal of Hanover Elementary School in South Meriden, CT, and a member of the board of directors dedicated to closing the achievement gap in Connecticut.

            Mr. Cardona came to the dinner that night with one objective in mind, to challenge us to face our stereotypes. He showed us that we would be helpless in breaking the stereotypes against ourselves until we look and see what stereotypes we have ourselves. Everyone stereotyping him as not being a principal and well-respected member within the education community simply based on the way he was dressed was the first one we had to face. In order to help minority students succeed we needed to recognize that we all held predispositions and that we needed to be able to look past them in order to be effective teachers.  In addition to looking past our differences as future and current educators, he encouraged us to embrace them as well. Our differences are what make us unique and add a dimension to our teaching and image as a teacher that can help us further connect with our students. Not only did the night help me realize what I needed to do to be successful in my profession but it helped me feel more confident about succeeding as a minority in my profession.

            Every minority student goes through a period of doubt at one time or another where they question whether or not they’ll be able to be successful as a minority in a world dominated by the majority. Let me tell you this, any feelings I may have had like this have completely dissipated from my mind and I have this night to thank for it. 

¡Por fin! (Finally!) LipSync 2010 Results

As promised folks here's the results for LipSync 2010 competition:

In the Fee-Funded/ Cultural Center Category

1st place: Rainbow Center
2nd place: African American Cultural Center
3rd place: Asian American Cultural Center

In the Non-Fee Funded Category:

1st place: Celtic American Cultural Society
2nd place: Alpha Beta Epsilon & Phi Sigma Pi
3rd place: Global House

And last but certainly not least...

In the Greek Category

1st place: Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Epsilon Phi & Phi Sigma Rho 

2nd place: Kappa Alpha Theta & Alpha Epsilon Pi 

3rd place: Kappa Kappa Gamma & Kappa Sigma

Once again let me just say that every performance was great! I think I speak for the entire university when I say that I was impressed with every organization. The costumes, story lines, lip-syncing, and props, were all on point and I cannot wait till next year! 

Fall 2010 Week 5

Week 5

            It’s a windy Thursday afternoon. As students file into Gampel Pavilion, the chants from various cultural centers echo out over the massive crowds. The SUBOG officials announce homecoming court and congratulatory yells spill from the crowd in the forms of “I voted for him!” or “She deserved to win!” Everyone waits in anticipation as the MC takes center stage. After a few brief announcements and the customary “UCONN – HUSKIES” chant, the crowd goes silent and the tension builds as the MC asks, “Are you ready for the first performance?” The crowd goes wild knowing that one of the biggest events of the year is about to begin.

            This was the scene Thursday as LipSync began. After weeks of practicing, planning, the culmination of all the hard work the university has put into this event comes to fruition. The various cultural centers, Greek organizations and other student run organizations have put in hundreds of hours and it all culminates in a series of 8-minute mini-musicals, which behind the Homecoming parade, is probably the most anticipated Homecoming event in all of the Storrs community.

            Now Lipsync isn’t just a simple dance competition there’s actually a lot more that goes into it. The judging criteria for Lipsync is based on multiple categories, including the dancing, the lip-syncing, how well the story line was carried out and how easy it was to follow, the creativity of the performance and the use of props. With this in mind the various organizations around campus look to exemplify these attributes through their performance and make it the most memorable of the night. Between my experiences and speaking with alumni and faculty members who have attended both current and past LipSync events I can say that this year’s line up proved not only to be the longest topping off at about 17 performances but also the most suspenseful. With the high quality of performances this year there was no clear-cut winner in any category, and that added to the adrenaline rush.

            Now onto the actual performances, this was by far the most entertaining LipSync that I have attended in my 3 years here at UConn. There were 18 performances and I can honestly say every organization brought something new to the stage. Whether it was acrobatics, props, or simply the intensity of the performers every show had the crowd out of their seats. As a performer with the Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center I’ve always tended to pay the most attention to the cultural center performances however, this year, every organization commanded attention. No matter what organization you represented that night you couldn’t help but be impressed with everyone.                

               As I said earlier, all the performances were amped up 150% from past years, but even beyond the dancing new thrills were brought to the stage. For example the Asian American Cultural Center shed new light on their performance of Finding Nemo by actually using handheld lights during their dance. Also the Rainbow Center’s costumes were great. You really got a sense that you were in the actual film Snow White. Also one thing I found particularly entertaining about the Greek organizations performances was the props and way they chose to incorporate their respective films along with the Homecoming game. My personal favorite out of all the performances however would have to be the rendition of Aladdin, It’s always been my favorite Disney movie.

            Overall, I think LipSync 2010 was the best one so far. The music selections not only got the crowd excited, but took us back to our childhood in some cases with the great Disney soundtracks. The organizations brought a level of intensity that rivaled professional performances, and you could tell that everyone was passionate about bringing who they are to the stage. I think this Lipsync more than anything else got people excited for LipSync 2011, and now none of us can wait to see what next year holds in-store. 

           

            Be on the look out for a follow-up post where I’ll give a category by-category breakdown of the winners of the night.         

Fall 2010 Week 4

Week 4

            Hello again Readers, and welcome to another edition of Student Lens, a student’s perspective on the latest happenings within the Latino student community here at the University of Connecticut.

            With week 4 coming to a close midterm fever is just starting up so it’s no surprise that everyone is a little short on time with long To-Do lists, especially with Lipsync just around the corner.

            For those who may not know what LipSync is, let me give you a brief overview. LipSync is one of the largest annual events here at UConn. Every year a theme is designated for homecoming and within that theme the various student groups, cultural centers and Greek organizations pick smaller themes within it to portray. For example, last years over arching homecoming theme was a Spoonful of Fun so every group chose a different cereal to portray. From there, each organization comes up with an 8-minute mini-musical to perform in front of the entire university in a contest we like to call LipSync. During each musical number students dance and then have lip-syncing performers who play to the crowd. This event takes weeks of planning and practice and in the end the payoff is great but this brings me to an issue a lot of students have on campus. LipSync this year will be on Sept. 30^th, the year before that it was during the first week in October, and the years prior to that it was during the second or third week of October. Most of us are still getting into the swing of thing and then to have to plan LipSync and homecoming events on top of that isn’t exactly conducive to our educational careers. Perhaps we as a university should really consider the older LipSync dates as an option for next year. With studying, Homecoming, and the hundreds of other responsibilities here on campus I think I speak for everyone when I say, “Having LipSync pushed up 3 weeks is a lot more stress than any of us need right now.”

           

I suggest everyone attend at least one LipSync during his or her college careers but in case you miss this year’s festivities I’ll post a full synopsis of the event on next week's post so be on the lookout.

            Another responsibility that some of us within the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center along with the Asian American Cutural Center have is KUBE (Kids and UConn Bridging Education). KUBE is a program where students here on campus connect with students between 4^th and 8^th grade from Killingly and Windham public schools. One Saturday a month our “Bigs” (mentors) meet with their pre-assigned Littles (mentees) and participate in a day of fun-filled activities here at the University. Originally this program was strictly a partnership between the Asian American Cultural Center and Killingly Public Schools, but for the past two years we at the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center, and the students from Windham Public Schools have been invited to join the program and it has been a huge success. Each KUBE day we have a theme and we schedule activities to go along with that theme. For example, this past KUBE day we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the day we showed the students different aspects of the Hispanic and Latino Culture, activities included piñata hitting, salsa lessons (provided by yours truly), maraca making, and culminating with some tres leches (three milks) cake a delicious Latin-American treat. KUBE has been going strong for 15 years now and I know that with such strong community collaboration behind it, it'll keep going for at least 15 more.

For more information about KUBE feel free to visit: http://asacc.uconn.edu/programs/kube.php   

Or simply stop by the Asian American or Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Centers located on the fourth floor of the Student Union.

            As I said earlier, be on the look for a full rundown of the upcoming LipSync celebration and I wish all of you good luck on midterms, I know I’ll be paying frequent visit to good ‘ol Homer Babbidge for the next few days as well. 

Fall 2010 Week 2 (Slight mix-up)

Week 2

How’s it going readers?

           My apologies, it's not a typo I accidentally forgot to post the latest and greatest from Week 2 here at UConn. Don't think that nothing eventful happened during our second week of classes, just know that I had a bit of a memory lapse and forgot to check my "Drafts" folder.

           If your anything like me then a new school year is a time to meet new people, along with figuring out a new schedule. (Personally I still find myself taking quick glances at my class schedule every now and then) But if you're looking to fill up an empty schedule, you can get involved and meet people here on campus and the Involvement Fair is a great way to do so. The fair went all out this year spanning over four different locations in the Student Union and as usual it was a fun and eye-opening experience. I had no idea that there were so many student groups and clubs on campus. Anything you could possibly be interested in, they have here at UCONN and I think this year they added even a few more. Everything from sky-diving to horseback riding was well represented, so there’s really no excuse to not be involved in at least one, two, or maybe ten things on campus. Two things I’m involved in here on campus are BAILE (Bringing Awareness Into Latino Ethnicities) and LSA (Latino Student Association).

            BAILE is exactly what it says it is dancing, and that’s what I love most about it. All skill levels are welcome and you will never have to worry about being judged, we all were beginners at one point. We teach predominantly three styles of Latin dance: salsa, merengue, and my personal favorite, bachata, however every once in a while we try to throw in a different style such as tango, or cha-cha. My freshman year I couldn’t tell bachata from salsa, and now I find myself dancing 24/7, 365 days a year. I’ve met plenty of great people through dance, and I have BAILE to thank for that. So if you’d like to meet new people, listen to great music, and maybe even be able to perform at various events on campus, I suggest you come check BAILE out. BAILE meets every Thursday from 6:30pm-8:30pm, in the Student Union Rm 304B.

For more information about BAILE visit: uconnbaile.org

            If dancing may not be your thing, another great way to be involved here on campus is the Latino Student Association. LSA is, more than anything else, just a great time. Every other Tuesday, LSA meets in the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center and discusses different issues concerning the interests of not only the Latino population, but also the student population here on campus. Whether it’s issues of Latino enrollment in college, immigration laws, or anything in between, you can expect to have a great conversation and learn something new in the process. But please don’t think that LSA is all work and no play, there are events planned all throughout the year ranging from ice cream socials and dinners, to our annual Gala Night, and even if there is nothing planned specifically, there’s plenty of guest speakers, board games, (Taboo has always been a favorite of mine), and arts and crafts to entertain you as well.

For more information about LSA or upcoming events, you can visit the Facebook page at: 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2215643049&ref=ts

            Even if these two things may not be for you, remember, there’s always something to do here on campus, I’ve done capoeira, looked into various community service groups on campus and have even attended a few meetings of the Japanese Anime club here on campus. Anything you even think you may be interested in is worth checking out. Who knows, you may find a passion for chess, mixed martial arts, or maybe even skydiving. Whatever the case may be I suggest everyone go out and get involved, it helps make your college experience all the more memorable. 

Fall 2010 Week 3

Week 3

Welcome Back Readers,

           

            With the first two weeks of school coming to a close and as students begin to put away their campus maps, classes begin to pick up pace. Along with classes, the amount of events on campus is increasing as well.

            One thing I found particularly interesting was the Hispanic Heritage Exhibit currently on display in the Student Union from Sept. 13 to Oct. 1 in room 310. Now I know what some of our student readers may be thinking, “Great, another boring art exhibit.” Let me tell you from the perspective of a 3^rd year student here at the university, this was probably one of the most entertaining and interesting things, let alone art exhibits, I’ve ever been to. The exhibit is entitled Latino Complexity: Past & Present, and it showcases multiple works by Valentin Tirado, as well as a photography exhibit and memorial to Fernando Olmo, a UCONN alum.

            A few of the works which I found to be personal favorites were, “The Puerto Rican Struggle” and “The Invasion of Grenada” both of which are acrylic on canvas works by Tirado and I felt they truly captured the mentality of Latino Complexity. “The Puerto Rican Struggle” is a piece that my friends and myself found to be a bit controversial as to what exactly it depicts. Personally I see a man reaching for the star within Puerto Rican flag, giving the viewer a “reach for the stars” message. However, one of my friends says he sees a man shooting a bow towards the star, representing a struggle against something, possibly the United States or maybe just a governing body in general.

            “The Invasion of Grenada” seems to be a much more weighted political piece. It depicts the island of Grenada and is residents in the bottom corner with multiple skull faced soldiers, and former president Ronald Reagan with vampire teeth, all bearing down on the island, clearly referencing US invasion of Grenada during Reagan’s term in office. The way Tirado uses color and detail in his pieces truly gives gallery goers a clear understanding into his feeling on the various subjects this exhibit touches on and overall I must say I truly enjoyed the exhibit as a whole.

            Another great event coming to the University that should be a great opportunity for minority students is the SACNAS conference coming September 23, 2010 in the Student Union Room 331 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science) works towards increasing opportunities for minority scientists and students in the field of science. Dr. David Burgess, will be the speaker for the event, and as a Professor of Biology at Boston College I’m sure he has a lot of great insight and advice for science and minority students alike. I recommend everyone go and benefit from what will be an entertaining experience.

For more information about SACNAS visit:  http://www.sacnas.org/index.cfm

Well readers, be on the look out for more upcoming events and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest and greatest here at the University of Connecticut.  

Event Information: PRSA Conference

As an intern of the Puerto Rican and Latino Studies Institute here at UConn one of my duties is to help spread awareness of events that can further unify and strengthen the Latino community. From October 21-23 the Puerto Rican Studies Association will be holding its biennial conference geared towards the advancement of Puerto Rican studies. 

I'd like to thank Charles R. Venator-Santiago, Assistant Professor within the Department of Political Science for providing the following information regarding the conference.

Cuerpos vigilados y castigados:

Resistance and Empowerment in the Body Rican

Hartford, CT

October 21-23, 2010

      Since our formation the topics discussed at our biennial meetings have always been related to scholarly trends (empirical and conceptual) in the inter-disciplinary field of Puerto Rican Studies, primarily across the social sciences and the humanities, although we also have had participation from the professional schools and the human services. For example and looking at our most recent conferences, the 2010 theme of Cuerpos vigilados y castigados: Resistance and Empowerment in the Body Rican, to be celebrated at Hartford, Connecticut on October 21-23, is going to center on sites of social control, both related to governmental practices and to everyday life within civil society. It will also explore the ways in which Puerto Ricans have pursued and continue to create critical, social, cultural, political and economic opportunities for civic action. In 2008 the main conference topic was “Cartographies of Identities: Puerto Ricans in the XXIst Century,” San Juan, Puerto Rico, October 1-4. This theme used the metaphor of mapping to reflect on the social and physical spaces that produce and frame social behavior, as well as identity categories, lived labels, and cultural performances. In 2006 the Conference focused on “Speaking the Unspoken: Race and Its Intersections in Puerto Rican Experience,” Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, October 5-8. This conference positioned “race” at the center of our collective discussions, including how “race” among--and in relation to--Puerto Ricans has emerged interdependently with gendered and class subordinations and their corollary identities. In 2004 the conference celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, its formation, impact, and legacies. It was held at the Graduate Center, CUNY, NYC, on October 21-24.

     Each conference since the Founding Conference in White Plains, New York (September 18-20, 1992) has had themes that brought together academic faculty, teachers, students, artists, and activists from diverse fields and professions.  For example, at the 1994 conference "Beyond Survival: New Directions in Puerto Rican Studies” held in the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts, September 29-October 2, the title was an homage to Frank Bonilla, who was honored at this conference for his lifetime achievements. However, we have also considered additional linkages and issues. In 1996 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, September 26-29, the theme “Transcending Boundaries: Fostering Dialogues Between the Island and Its Diaspora,” examined the connections between research done on and from the Island as compared to research done on and from the Puerto Rican diaspora. The 1998 conference “Affirming Identity, Citizenship and Nationhood: Los Ultimos Cien Años” at Brooklyn College, CUNY, New York City, October 15-18, addressed issues of citizenship, nationhood and identity for Puerto Ricans after a century of being socio-politically tied to the United States. In 2000 the conference at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, October 26-28, brought together multiple conceptual frameworks and perspectives to Puerto Rican studies, comparing social science approaches to those originating in the humanities. The 2002 conference “En La Brega” at the Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago, Ill., October 3-5, considered issues ranging from feminist theories and activism, labor and working-class history, and Puerto Rican community formations in and outside the U.S., to analyses of political parties and social movements in the Island during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, together with questions of science, health, activism, education, popular culture, and literary expression.

For more information please visit: http://www.puertorican-studies.org/

Fall 2010 Week 1

Welcome readers!

            It’s August 30, 2010 and as the buses crowd with students on the way to their first classes this can only mean one thing: a new school year is upon us. The campus brims with a feeling of excitement and eager anticipation. With a new school year, comes new opportunities, not only to create new memories, but also to begin anew and learn from those we already have.

            As a new field intern for the Institute of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, I hope to give our readers a look at life here on campus from a new perspective and hopefully provide insight to the concerns that students here face on a day to day basis. This perspective however, will not be from that of a traditional Latino student. While I do have ancestral roots in Puerto Rico, Panama and Spain, they do not make up the majority of my ethnic heritage. Being predominantly Jamaican and Trinidadian, I am what you could call a “Latino by association.” All throughout my upbringing I have identified with and have been welcomed by the Latino culture. Since my arrival on campus as a 17 year old freshman back in the Fall of 2008, I have been heavily involved in the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC), and now as a 19 year old junior, pursuing a double degree in Special Education and English with a minor in Puerto Rican Latino Studies, I have become even more immersed and concerned with the issues affecting not only the Latino student population here on campus but affecting minority students as a whole. Even beyond my role here on campus, I represent the aspirations of a family who like many families has plenty of concerns beyond the education of their oldest son.

            Coming from a non-traditional household, dealing with financial issues at home, along with a plethora of other concerns may sometimes deter students from pursuing higher education and this is a problem that minority students particularly struggle with. However, this is where the Latino community here on campus comes together to make sure we take care of our incoming freshman and transfer students through the METAS program. METAS (Mentoring, Educating and Training for Academic Success) is a year-long program designed to help students with the transition into campus life. Each incoming student mentee is paired with an upper classmen mentor who acts as not only a resource, but also a friend here on campus, a campus that can seem rather intimidating to those who may not be familiar with it. While I was never a mentee within the program I jumped at the chance to be a mentor this year, and I must say that even within this first week of class so far it has already been a rewarding experience. METAS provides more than just a resource for incoming students it provides them with a gateway into the different aspects of campus life as well as a family away from home. METAS also consists of two course components, a mentor class (PRLS 3295, Latinos Leadership and Mentoring) where we develop their awareness of issues affecting Latinos in higher education, and a mentee course (INTD 1820 Conectate with METAS) where mentees gain a better understanding of campus and Latino issues in education as well. While I never attended the class as a mentee, I must say that even in this first week of class as a mentor it has been quite enlightening.

            With the arrival of new students, we say farewell to the University of Connecticut’s Class of 2010. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, knowing that as they step into this thing known to us undergraduates as, “the real world,” they will face challenges with the same determination and motivation that has granted them success thus far.  They have provided a model for all of us who come after them and for this we thank them. As they depart we form questions concerning this coming school year, ranging from: “Who will win Lipsync?” to concerns about possible tuition increases, and even hopes of another successful year for our sports programs. Now while these questions may go unanswered for now, I am certain of one thing: it will be another great year at the University of Connecticut.

 

           

Latinos in Information Science and Technology Association (LISTA) and Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) Announce Partnership to Further Digital Empowerment

LISTA and ADE. the partners will work to facilitate digital advocacy, digital literacy, job creation and economic development in regards to digital empowerment initiatives.

New York, Aug 26, 2010 -- Today, Latinos in Information Science and Technology Association (LISTA), the nation's leading organization of Latino technology professionals and the Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), a nonprofit organization that provides broadband solutions and broadband related services to underserved and un-served communities, are excited to announce a partnership to facilitate digital empowerment initiatives.

The strategic alliance of ADE and LISTA combines the collective skills, knowledge and experience of two diverse technology-based organizations, enabling them to work together to facilitate digital advocacy, digital literacy, job creation and economic development in regards to digital empowerment initiatives. In particular, the MSI Wireless Technology Act, the Workforce Investment Act, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), among others.

"We are forming this partnership right now because this is a pivotal time in the race to close the digital divide. Access to affordable high-speed Internet and broadband technology is a stepping stone to the opportunities of economic prosperity," said Julius H. Hollis, Chairman of ADE. "As we focus on turning our economy around, we must make sure that those Americans currently in un-served and underserved communities are not left behind and further marginalized in this economy."

"Both  LISTA and ADE have worked hard individually to provide and enhance digital empowerment opportunities for communities of color, now as LISTA joins ADE's Board of Directors we will combine our unique strengths and expand our reach," said Jose Marquez, President and CEO of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association. "This will strengthen our ability to make a difference. I am very excited to work with the ADE leadership team to further these important goals."

Together, ADE and LISTA will pursue initiatives in order to increase Latino and African American employment opportunities within American based information sciences, telecommunication, and technology industries. The partners will target project opportunities that make technology applications available to communities of color for educational purposes, for job training and development, and to enable fuller participation in the learning, civic engagement and cultural opportunities afforded jointly or separately by ADE-LISTA utilizing online technologies.

"As part of the LISTA/ADE Partnership, we will conduct a series of surveys of African Americans and Latinos in the tech sector to measure which tech companies are leading the way in corporate responsibility relative to their Latino and African American inclusion in higher management within their company. While Latinos have made strides there are areas in the tech industry we still have little to no representation, boards, upper management and key decision making positions are still scarce at some of the most successful tech companies, we can't ignore Latinos in high tech anymore, it is just bad business," said Marquez.

For more information, please visit www.a-lista.org or www.alliancefordigitalequality.org