Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

Ballet Folkloric dancers on the Boulevard

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

Hispanic Heritage Month, occurring annually from September 15 through October 15, celebrates the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Students and organizations across campus are celebrating the importance of this holiday. Read inspiring stories, learn more about upcoming events, and hear first-hand from students, staff, and supporters about what their Hispanic heritage means to them.

October 4, 2022 Share

Ana Rodriguez ’03

As of 2020, Latinos make up over 18% of the population, yet they represent less than 3% of executive-level positions in the United States. Ana Rodriguez ’03 knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle to gain a foothold in the U.S.

As the head of the SMU Cox School of Business’s Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) – the nation’s only executive education program dedicated to the professional advancement of Latinos – Rodriguez helps students and executive-level employees from minority backgrounds transform their lives and careers.

Anita N. Martinez

In May 2022, SMU presented the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to longtime Dallas leader Anita N. Martinez at SMU’s May 14 commencement ceremonies, honoring her dedication to enriching the civic and cultural life of the city.

In 1969, Martinez became the first Mexican-American woman elected to the Dallas City Council, as well as the first elected to any major city council. After two terms on the Dallas City Council, Martinez chose to improve her community through the performing arts, establishing the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico: an organization created to educate Hispanic youth on the significance of their culture through traditional cultural dances from regions in Mexico, Central America and the American Southwest.

Upcoming events

October 5

Hosted by Social Change and Intercultural Engagement, location: Oren Auditorium in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
October 6

Hosted by College of Hispanic American Students, the Human Rights Council, and the Association of Black Students, location: Late Fountain, next to the Airline Parking Garage.
October 12

Hosted by Social Change and Intercultural Engagement, location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber

Connect with

The – housed within SCIE

Since 1972 College Hispanic American Students has been dedicated to serving those at SMU who are passionate about establishing equal opportunity for all. With a focus on the Latino culture and community, CHAS serves as the voice of the SMU Latino Community by being the Latino umbrella organization.

The Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE)

The Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) connects students with opportunities to engage with and learn from the SMU campus, Dallas community, and beyond. The office prioritizes advocacy and awareness through immersive community engagement experiences and social justice education.

The Latino Alumni Affinity Group

The SMU Affinity Group for Latino Alumni work to create networking, cultural, and social opportunities for alumni old and new, and play an active role in cultivating the next generation of Mustangs.

SMU and Dallas

A was recently placed at the Main Street Garden Park in downtown Dallas. In 1961, she became the first Latina to graduate from the SMU Dedman School of Law.

A statue of Adelfa Callejo ’61 located at the Main Street Garden Park in downtown Dallas

I’m proud to be Latina because I deeply admire how much our community supports one another. We celebrate each other’s accomplishments without hesitation and are always encouraging each other to grow. Our unity, love, and passion inspires me daily.

— Arianna Gonzalez ’24

Latin America is so rich with culture and filled with diversity. No country is the same, and there is so much beauty in that. Every country has their own distinct accents, dialects, cuisine, and, even, music. Latinos and Hispanics, we come in all shades.

— Sofia Murillo Sanchez ’24

I love how proud Hispanics/Latinos are of their culture and how we build each other up. I love to see how my Hispanic/Latino and American culture have intertwined into what it is today, and to have a community who can also relate to my experiences as a Mexican American.

— Brenda Baez ’23

Being Latino means owning my heritage and background! My family’s traditions. Our language. Our food! But most importantly, the sacrifices my parents made to get me to where I am today.

— Antonio Segura ’25

I love being Latino because my culture is proof of a historical blend of so many cultures and peoples with almost nothing in common forming a rich and diverse way of life. My culture means home to me, and I love to share it with those unfamiliar, but I can always find home in other Latinos.

— Jessiah Josue Ruiz ’25

I love my Hispanic/Latino heritage because of the culture that unites us all. I love being able to meet someone and say they’re Hispanic/Latino and instantly bond and have many things in common. I also love the Hispanic/Latino community here at SMU and how we help each other be the best we can be.

— Arath Dominguez ’25

“As a Latina woman who grew up in Dallas, Texas, I wanted to be very intentional with the events SCIE hosted this year in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Often times it is assumed that Mexico or other Central American countries are the go-to cultures to represent Hispanic Heritage Month. However, there are 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world, each with a unique and rich culture. It’s important to recognize the individuality of each culture as opposed to grouping them all together.”

— Laura Searle, Intercultural Engagement Coordinator for SMU Social Change and Intercultural Engagement

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