Janette Lujan is a senior at UTEP studying Marketing. As the public relations and event planning intern with Latinitas this past winter, she assisted with organizing and promoting the Chica Power Fest and the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show. She also helped develop fundraising projects as well as publicize the numerous programs Latinitas offers. “I never had this when I was growing up and I know I would’ve enjoyed it a lot,” shared Janette about her motivation to join Latinitas. “I would definitely recommend it to others.” Janette also does community service and is a part of professional groups such as the American Marketing Association, and Society of Human Resources Management. Her future goal is to pursue an MBA. “Always stay active in doing the things you love to do and most importantly never give up. Follow your dream!”

It is through the thoughtful and charitable time local college students give that Latinitas is able to move forward with its mission. Everyday interns for Latinitas contribute their time and knowledge to different areas of the organization.

UTEP Multidisciplinary Studies’ junior Rosana Lopez applies her studies to her internship with Latinitas. Having so far interned for three weeks, Rosana is working on multiple projects including club activity curriculum, and hosting Saturday workshops for our Teen Latinitas Council.

“I knew this internship would help me build relationships in the community and give me the experience in working with young, receptive girls,” Rosana said.

She added wanting to be a part of the organization because of what it stands for and could not help but be “excited” to be involved in the Saturday workshops.

“I’m developing lessons that will mold the youth of our community and I think that’s important,” Rosana added. She also said that she enjoys being part of a team of other young Latinas committed to the community.

“My favorite part is that I belong to a cool team of other interns and volunteers that are passionate about helping young Latinas,” Rosana said.

Aside from being surrounded by young Latinas with similar educational, cultural and service goals as herself, Rosana admits that creating enriching educational activies is a challenge she faces in her internship.

“Finding out-of-the-box ideas that will stimulate young girls and including the media piece can be difficult, but thinking about how these will go directly to the girls in our community is what makes it an important and worthy challenge,” Rosana said.

Working towards a common goal fo empowering the Latina youth, whether it be in outreach, reporting, designing, editing, taking photographs, initiating PR tactics and strategies, marketing, fundraising, creating curricula, or planning special events, Latinitas interns are truly what make the organization what it is today.

Marcela Aguirre is a senior Communication Studies major and French minor at UTEP. She is currently working as a Public Relations Intern for Latinitas. Marcela is currently involved in various honor societies, the National Communication Student Association Student Club, the Brazilian Culture Center, and Catholic Campus Ministry at UTEP. As part of her extracurricular activities, Marcela enjoys dancing ballet, reading, tutoring young children, attending sporting events/concerts, and learning new languages. She decided to intern with Latinitas because she really likes the mission statement of Latinitas and because she wants to gain the experience of working in public relations for a non-profit organization. Marcela thinks that an organization like Latinitas is important because she thinks that “it is important for young girls to be encouraged to be creative and to be encouraged to fulfill their dreams and desires.” Marcela’s future goals are to obtain a double master’s degree in International Relations and Global Communication and eventually work in public relations for the United Nations or for a NGO.

Yuritzy Ramos is a TV/Radio Broadcasting student at El Paso Community College. She is currently working as an Event Planning & Promotions Intern for Latinitas. She is currently helping coordinate a photography exhibit featuring the creative works of Latinitas members. Yuritzy is involved with her community. She has gone to hospitals in Juarez to care of the sick and she has also helped the poor in Chihuahua. Yuritzy decided to intern for Latinitas because she wants to gain experience in the workforce while making a difference and sharing her ideas with others. She thinks that Latinitas is important because it “helps girls to succeed, to become more confident of themselves, to share ideas and to learn more about the right thing to do.” Yuritzy’s future goals are to graduate and then get her master’s degree. She eventually wants to move to Miami to work for a television station like Univision.

Alyssa Romero is a recent college graduate from UTEP with a degree in psychology. She serves as an educational outreach intern and assists Latinitas in developing girl empowerment activities for our after-school programs. Her desire to make an impact in the lives of local youth motivated her to intern with Latinitas. “It is a way for young girls to learn not only about their culture, but helps them to acquire skills that they can use later on in life.” “I think it is important to have a place that young girls feel they can turn to when they need help. I also find it important because it allows girls to express themselves in multiple ways and teaches them that it is okay to be themselves.” In her spare time, Alyssa serves as a youth leader at her church and teaches a confirmation class. Her long-term goals are to get a masters in counseling and to counsel youth.

Melissa Espejo graduated from UTEP with a double major in Marketing and International Business. She is currently working as a Marketing/Advertising Intern for Latinitas. Melissa enjoys reading, going to the movies, playing sports, and learning new languages. She is also currently working as a cheerleading coach for middle and high school girls. Melissa decided to intern for Latinitas because she wants to develop her professional skills while volunteering for a non-profit organization. She thinks that an organization like Latinitas is important because she thinks that ” youth in general need positive guidance while their personalities are being formed. They need positive role models to serve as an example to them and positive activities to get involved with.” Melissa’s future goals are to get a master’s degree in Marketing, which she plans to study overseas. Her overall goal is to make a difference in society.

Jasmin Palomo is a Media Advertising undergraduate student. She is currently working as a Club Leader with Latinitas. Through her positive leadership with Latinitas, Jasmin has become a role model for the girls. We decided to interview Jasmin to learn more about her interest for Latinitas.

How did you become interested in Latinitas? I was impressed with the kind of work the organization deals with.

What do you like most about Latinitas?
That it makes girls proud to be who they are and that it helps them to be proud to be Latina..

Why do you think an organization like Latinitas is important for young girls?
Girls need positive role models, creative outlets, and something productive to occupy their time. This is beneficial for any girl.

Giving local college students the opportunity to contribute to the organization, Latinitas internships are as diverse as the interns themselves. EPCC public relations sophomore Loida Martinez, applies her studies to her internship with Latinitas. Having interned for a month so far, Loida is working on multiple projects including outreach, spreading the word about Latinitas’ programs and making media contacts.

“I get to get more girls into the clubs and learning as I’m doing all of this,” Loida said.

Also a Latinitas club leader at Clardy Public Library, Loida made the transition from club mentor last spring to now leading this semester.

“I wanted to see how Latinitas works. As a mentor, I didn’t get to see the background of a non-profit…” Loida added.

Aside from learning the ins and outs of how non-profits function and learning how to effectively execute a PR plan, Loida has her internship and club-leading duties to thank for forcing her to be more organized.

“It’s difficult. It’s about having time for everything, knowing what you have to do, and staying motivated,” Loida admitted.

She said she enjoys working towards something positive and informing the older group of Latinitas about what the club has to offer them.

“I want [teen Latinitas] to know it’s for everyone. They can have fun and be part of a club that is exclusive for them, so they can have a positive path,” Loida said.

Whether helping with outreach, reporting, designing Latinitas graphics, editing, taking photographs, creating public relations plans, marketing, fundraising, or event planning, our resident interns give their time and in return build their portfolios while receiving vital career experience.