20
January
2023
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12:59 PM
America/Chicago

UHD Latinas Achieve Mentorship Program Relaunches This Spring!

Summary

By Sheryl E. Taylor

UHD’s Center for Latino Studies is excited to announce the return of its signature mentorship program, Latinas Achieve.

The program is designed to empower Latina/e students in the areas of academic and professional development through a social and mentorship experience in partnership with UHD alumni and local professionals.  

“Positive mentorship experiences and interactions with social and cultural role models are essential components for one’s confidence, sense of belonging, and personal development and growth,” said Dr. Felicia Harris, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Interim Director of the Center for Latino Studies at UHD.

After taking a brief hiatus during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the revamped program received interest from more than 200 students this Spring. Additionally, the interest in Latinas Achieve has culminated in the creation of an official student leadership team composed of 12 graduate and undergraduate women who will spearhead events and social opportunities for the student organization.

latinasachievelogoIn celebration of National Mentoring Month and the relaunch of Latinas Achieve, students and UHD alumni are invited to the “Latinas Achieve National Mentoring Month Panel and Mixer” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Welcome Center’s TDECU Tour Room. The event will include a panel discussion featuring UHD alumni professionals from organizations such as the City of Houston, the Harris County Clerk’s Office, WeWork, and more. The panel discussion will be followed by a networking mixer with refreshments. Please note there is no commitment to serve as a mentor or mentee by attending this informal event. Register here today!

“The power of relationships and positive mentorship experiences for students cannot be overstated,” said Harris. “We look forward to hosting our Latina/e alums back on campus for this important discussion and exciting networking opportunity.”

For students who are wondering if participating in Latinas Achieve is a good fit, here’s a bit of insight about current members:

  • Members’ ages range from 17 to 57 years old, with a median age of 25.
  • Students can seek mentorship for a variety of skills, including the art of networking, communication skills, leadership, confidence building, social skills, and time management.
  • More than 50 majors are represented. Top majors include accounting, biology, business, criminal justice, and psychology.

Students who are unable to attend this event but are interested in participating with Latinas Achieve can connect with other professionals and students in Latinas Achieve by joining the Latinas Achieve LinkedIn Group.

To learn more about Latinas Achieve and/or the Center for Latino Studies, contact Dr. Felicia Harris at harrisf@uhd.edu.

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.