National Latina Day is officially observed Aug. 20, yet a group of five students from Newman University embraced the spirit of the occasion with a celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on March 6.
Serving Hispanic students
Of Newman’s entire student body, 26% are Hispanic/Latino. In February 2023, Newman University achieved a milestone when it was recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. For Sonja Bontrager, assistant professor of Spanish and co-director of Hispanic initiatives, this step was “a question of justice and inclusion, and flows through the heart of Newman University.
“As we strive to empower students to transform society, we commit to work at our own institutional transformation in order to be more understanding, representative and inclusive,” Bontrager said.
Connecting current students with Latina leaders
A recent opportunity for student empowerment began when Bontrager invited five Latina students from across campus to embark on an experience beyond textbook learning.
Students Angelica Rodriguez, Valeria Rodriguez, Andrea Fuentes, Isabella Torres and Nayelly Rosales traveled aboard a Newman van to Topeka, Kansas, to attend Latina Day and visit with state representatives including Gov. Laura Kelly.
Latina Day included a demonstration in support of Medicare expansion and an opportunity to meet Latina leaders in various careers, including faculty and physicians from the University of Kansas Medical Center and an advocate from Kansas City Public Schools.
Rosales is a sophomore biology pre-medicine major and Spanish minor at Newman University. She has always felt welcome at Newman and loves that “building meaningful, professional relationships with professors and students has never been challenging.”
Rosales’ favorite aspect of Latina Day was meeting Gov. Kelly, observing the Medicare expansion rally and witnessing firsthand the importance of getting involved in politics.
“Voicing your opinion goes a long way and it is important to speak up if you want to see change in your community,” Rosales said. “I spoke with a doctor and he stated, ‘Expanding Medicare is a no-brainer.’ I will always carry the experiences at the capitol with me.”
Rosales was reminded to use her voice and advocate for Latinos and “any underserved group who cannot advocate for themselves.”
In her future career as a doctor, Rosales vows to encourage others to speak up and come together to support causes that benefit all people. She will always look up to the physicians at Latina Day for advocating for countless patients.
“Like the physician at the rally said, why wouldn’t you do something to help the underserved? It is a no-brainer to help those in need,” Rosales added.
Voicing your opinion goes a long way and it is important to speak up if you want to see change in your community.
Nayelly Rosales
Torres, a sophomore and classmate of Rosales, said it meant “so much to go with such lovely people to such an important event.”
Torres said she felt empowered hearing from several Latina Leaders about their careers, exchanging goals with fellow attendees and meeting representatives from across the state. She is earning her biology degree at Newman University and plans to make a difference in her future career as an optometrist.
“Networking is so important,” Torres said. “It is always good to know people and communicate efficiently. This event definitely empowered me and made me feel more confident in myself and my own personal goals.”
Expanding worldviews, opportunities and positive change
Just as Newman’s founders, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ sisters, collaborate around the world to further St. Maria De Mattias’ mission, Bontrager said it is crucial all Newman students, staff, faculty, administrators and trustees contribute to the rich educational setting. Doing so will give students an environment where they can flourish — where justice and liberation empower them to make a positive difference in their prospective careers.
“Our HSI efforts will also shape our curriculum, policies, opportunities, awareness and deepen our understanding of our world and mission,” Bontrager concluded.
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