OUR HISTORY

In 2009, the Latino Student Alliance branched off as its own CIO from La Alianza, a program under the Office of the Dean of Students. La Alianza was geared toward student discussion of issues pertinent to the Latino Community at UVa. In order to have a more autonomous voice regarding how to respond to issues faced by Latino students, and to escape from the limitations brought forth by having a faculty-led program, participants in La Alianza decided to form their own, student-led organization to serve as the representative body for Latinos in the University. Much has changed since then. As our community has grown, LSA no longer functions as an umbrella organization, but as a group dedicated to improving the UVA experience for Hispanic/Latinx students. In 2016, the organization also changed its name to the "Latinx Student Alliance" to reflect our solidarity and dedication to creating an inclusive and tolerant environment for all students at the university. Since its inception, LSA continues to make strides for the empowerment of the Hispanic/Latinx community in Charlottesville, VA. 

FEATURED EVENTS

Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year, LSA organizes events for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) at the University of Virginia. Events include an annual Cultura Fest, Buen Provecho Cena partnered with UVA Dining, and other events centered on cultural awareness. Our goal is to educate, celebrate, and share our beautiful and diverse culture with the university community. 

LSA Ball & Primavera

LSA Ball is our annual semi-formal event hosted in the Fall Semester. Hundreds of UVA students from all backgrounds join together for a night of dancing, singing, fun photo-taking, and of course, delicious food  from local Hispanic/Latinx businesses. Also featured is Primavera, LSA's annual spring semi-formal. 

Harvest of Empire Film Screening with Democracy Now's Juan Gonzalez

In the Fall of 2017, LSA in collaboration with Sin Barreras, the UVA Spanish Department, and the Latino Health Initiative arranged the film screening of Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America featuring Democracy Now!'s Host, Juan Gonzalez.  

BAILETÓN ZUMBATHON

Bailetón is a community zumbathon at UVA's amphitheater sponsored by LSA, the Latino Health Initiative, and the Latinx Medical Student Association (LMSA). The goals of this event is to promote healthy habits and behaviors while also having fun and to also bridge the gap between the university and local community. Local Hispanic/Latinx business offer free food to participants that attend as well.