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Maria A. Velasquez, LALSA Co-President
As we embark on the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded of its profound significance. This month provides a powerful platform that amplifies the voices of Latinos—voices that are often underrepresented in many spheres of life. It is a time when we proudly share our rich heritage, our vibrant culture, and the customs and traditions that define us. By doing so, we not only honor our roots but also foster understanding and unity during a time when our country faces deep division.
For me, being Latina means embodying a multitude of diverse cultures. I live at the intersection of Indigenous, African, and European traditions, all of which contribute to the unique essence of Latin culture. It is this blending of worlds that allows us to celebrate the beauty of our diversity, from the music that moves us to the art that expresses our deepest emotions. Our culture is something so deeply interwoven and complex, yet it creates a universal rhythm that binds us together.
As Latinos, we carry within us the resilience of our ancestors. We come from countries and regions that face significant sociopolitical challenges, yet we turn our pain into joy, using art, music, shared history, and community as tools for healing. For me, this point hits close to home as a Colombian. My homeland is often seen through the lens of guerrilla warfare, corruption, and narcotrafficking. But that is not how I define myself. Being Colombian, and being Latin American, is about resilience. It is about transforming adversity into strength and finding light through our creative spirits.
Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a time for celebration but an opportunity for all of us to come together and foster a deeper understanding of who we are. Let us use this month to amplify our voices, honor our history, and celebrate the beauty of who we are.
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Kaylee Reyes, LALSA Co-President
As a first-generation law student, being a leader and member of LALSA is incredibly important to me, as I know I am in a position to help students to feel a sense of belonging at GW Law and in the legal field. LALSA is a special organization in the way we can honor those who came before us, while looking forward to being the driving force behind change in the legal profession. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, I celebrate my Salvadoran culture, my Ecuadorian culture, and the beautiful determination and culture of LALSA that continues to drive us to break barriers and continue forward in our dreams.
As a 1L Representative for Marshall Inn, I saw a unique desire among my peers to cultivate a strong community of motivated and proud Latinx students, which I am determined to work towards in my time as Co-President. While serving LALSA and attending GW Law, I know I carry the legacies of my hard-working parents, and the inspiring examples of my grandparents and great-grandparents who sacrificed and continually gave that I might be where I am. Though I am the first in my family to be in this position, I hope to not be the last, and I look forward to a future treasuring my culture while working in Privacy Law.