For more than 25 years, the Latino Resource Center at NIU has worked to build community, promote belonging, and support the academic success of Latinx and Hispanic students. With our campus now recognized as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, our mission continues to grow in scope and urgency. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to empowering all students, including Latina women, who bring strength, resilience and leadership to our campus and communities.
In 2024, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our current building, which opened in 1999. For many of us, this milestone was not only about a physical space but about the thousands of students whose lives have been shaped by the center. Over the years, the Latino Resource Center, housed alongside the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies, has become a place where students find guidance, opportunity and, most importantly, a sense of home.
When students arrive on campus, many are navigating transitions that can feel overwhelming. Some are the first in their families to attend college. Others are transferring from community colleges or coming from communities where they did not see themselves reflected in higher education. We believe that every student deserves a place where they feel welcome and understood. That is why we often describe the Latino Resource Center as a “home away from home.”
This philosophy shapes everything we do. Open to all students, our center offers a smart classroom, computer lab, wellness lounge, study spaces and a library. But beyond these resources, we focus on creating a welcoming environment. Students can gather to study, host meetings, rest between classes or simply spend time with friends. The center is affiliated with 11 Latino student organizations and supports many others, including multicultural and Greek-letter organizations.
We are always offering a variety of programs, to ensure that our student have consistent support. Throughout the year, we help students obtain financial aid and internship opportunities. We host workshops, leadership programs, mentoring opportunities and cultural celebrations. Events such as Café con Leche encourage meaningful conversations, while career-focused programs help students build resumes, explore internships and develop professional networks. Cultural events highlight the diversity of Latin America and allow students to celebrate their heritage.
As our Latinx student population has grown — now representing more than 25 percent of our undergraduate enrollment — our work has become even more important. Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution is not only about numbers. It is about ‘servingness’: ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the support they need to thrive.
One of the areas where this commitment is most visible is in our work with women. We recognize that Latina and other women students often face unique challenges. Many balance academic responsibilities with family obligations, financial pressures and cultural expectations. Some struggle with imposter syndrome or a lack of representation in certain fields. Our goal is to create spaces where they feel empowered to succeed.
One of the most meaningful initiatives connected to our center is De Mujer a Mujer, founded in 2002. What began as a program through the Latino Resource Center has grown into a student-led organization that continues to support women across campus. While the organization is open to all students who feel welcome in a woman-centered space, its mission focuses on helping Latina students persist and graduate.
Over the years, De Mujer a Mujer has become a powerful leadership incubator: students take ownership of programming, mentoring and outreach. They create opportunities for networking, professional development and community service. Through this work, they gain confidence, develop leadership skills and support one another.
We have seen countless success stories. Students who once described themselves as shy have become confident leaders. Many serve as mentors, student organization presidents and advocates in their communities. Others pursue careers in healthcare, education, business and public service. Their growth reflects the power of community and culturally responsive support.
The Latino Resource Center also encourages entrepreneurship and creativity. Our Maker’s Market, for instance, allows students to showcase their businesses and talents. From handmade crafts and clothing to art and poetry, students have found ways to turn their passions into professional opportunities. For Latina students, these experiences build confidence and expand career pathways.
What makes this work possible is collaboration. We partner with academic departments, community organizations and campus offices to ensure students receive comprehensive support. These partnerships help us connect students with internships, research opportunities and service experiences. They also allow us to bring cultural programming beyond campus, strengthening ties with the broader community.
As we look to the future, our commitment remains clear. We will continue to invest in programs that support women’s leadership, mental health and career readiness. We aim to expand mentoring, increase outreach to high school students and strengthen partnerships that create pathways to higher education.
But perhaps the most important part of our mission is simple: listening to students. Their voices guide our work. Their experiences shape our programs. Their successes inspire us. For me, the Latino Resource Center is more than a job. Every day, I see students who remind me why this work matters. I see resilience, determination and hope. I see future leaders who will transform their communities.
Students’ voices
“Being a part of De Mujer A Mujer has played a significant role in my growth as a student leader, allowing me to develop and strengthen my leadership skills
through intentional programming and community engagement. Additionally, the Latino Resource Center has provided me with meaningful opportunities to become more involved on campus, including my involvement with the Adela de la Torre Latino Honor Society and participation in various events that have helped me build connections, expand my network and cultivate a strong sense of belonging at the university.”
— Jennifer Marquez, De Mujer A Mujer President
“Being involved with De Mujer A Mujer and the Latino Resource Center have helped me grow immensely as a student leader. DMM created a space where I felt seen, supported and empowered as a Latina. Through its support, I've gained confidence that has strengthened my voice and developed a stronger sense of leadership and belonging on campus. The LRC has also provided me with various opportunities to become more involved and advocate for my community. My involvement in one of their organizations, Adela de la Torre Latino Honor Society, has exposed me to a network of like-minded students who are committed to academic excellence, leadership and service. Through experiences like these, I am able to participate in community engagement activities and contribute to programs that uplift and support Latino students on campus.”
— Ashley Ocampo, De Mujer A Mujer Vice President
“I've had the privilege of serving as staff advisor for De Mujer a Mujer during its transition from a program within the Latino Resource Center to a fully recognized student government organization at NIU. Over the years, I've watched Latina student leaders build a space rooted in belonging and care — not only for Latinas but for all self-identifying women on campus. It brings me great joy to see these student leaders graduate, continue making an impact in their professions and communities, and return to NIU to give back and share their wisdom with the next generation.”
— Angelica Mendoza, staff advisor for De Mujer a Mujer
When our students walk through our doors, we want them to know they belong. We want them to feel supported, empowered and proud of their identities. And when they graduate, we want them to carry that sense of confidence into the world.
That is the legacy of the Latino Resource Center at NIU and the promise we continue to make to every student, including the women who are shaping the future.
About the author
Luis Santos-Rivas is director of the Latino Resource Center at NIU, where he leads initiatives focused on student belonging, retention and leadership development. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, he advocates for equitable access and culturally responsive support for Latinx and first-generation college students.
