Latinx Success Center: Continuing to Bridge the Gap Between Rhetoric and Action

On March 31, 2025, a celebration took place to unveil the inauguration of UCLA’s Latinx Success Center. Thanks to the tireless efforts of students, alumni, staff, and supporters advocating for a dedicated space that fosters community and provides resources for Latine students, UCLA will officially open the new center next to De Neve Dining Hall, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The inauguration took place in the Palisades Ballroom in Carnesale Commons and was composed of a series of speeches by notable figures such as Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez, Inaugural Director of the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Initiative at UCLA; Claudia Salcedo, Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Partnerships; Adriana Galván, Dean and Vice Provost of the Division of Undergraduate Education; Julio Frenk, UCLA’s 7th and first Latine Chancellor. Additionally, the event invited performances from groups like Las Cafeteras, Danza Azteca Tonatiuh, and UCLA’s very own Mariachi de Uclatlán. Students, alumni, and community members alike were able to join this celebration to build community, network, and support local artists. 

 

To better understand the significance and future hopes tied to the Latinx Success Center, I interviewed several attendees, framing our conversation around one central theme: “What does this space mean to you and what do you hope it becomes?” The following perspectives illuminate the community’s enthusiasm and vision for the Center’s future.

 

One such perspective came from Director Elizabeth Gonzalez, who reflected on the emotional impact of the gathering. “Coming together [here today] to listen to our students and say, ‘I see you and we’re here to serve you,’ that’s what it means to me,” said Director Elizabeth Gonzalez. “It’s beautiful … [seeing] the community coming together and making this event happen.” She also hopes “that when [students are] here and when they leave, they go and pursue their dreams and wherever they are in the world they can say they are UCLA alumni and they were served … that they will feel like this was home to them and will be so happy to have been there when it happened.” 

 

“What are your hopes or expectations for the Center moving forward?”

Claudia Salcedo, Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Partnerships, remarked, “Students will visit us and speak up and let us know the things they want to see coming forward … and the kind of connections they want to make. [We] want them to feel like they are [at] home and that they can connect to the larger UCLA community.”

“How do you see yourself using or benefiting from the Latinx Success Center?”

“I believe it will be a good space to find community and support, especially as a first-gen, low-income student,” said Mireya Guiterrez Vasquez, a third-year Sociology and Chicano/a Studies double major. 

“What resources or support do you think should be prioritized at the Center?”

Jonathan Raya, a second-year Public Health major shared that he would like to see career development being prioritized at the newly unveiled center. Access to internships is often limited and seeing students like himself represented in the workforce would be incredibly beneficial, for both him and others. Students are often told that ‘‘there are people out there,’’’ yet many don’t know where to find the right resources.

Moreover, Elizabeth Petrick Robles, a third year Anthropology & Chicano/a Studies double major, said, “I think mental health resources and support would be best, like de-stressor events … Promoting different mental health resources [is important because] mental health is often disregarded [within] the Latine community and sources like that could help destigmatize it.”

“How does it feel to see this resource become available now?”

Jonathan Valenzuela Mejia, UCLA alumnus and Former General Representative 3, said he was overjoyed with being invited to the inauguration of the UCLA Latinx Success Center. As former General Representative 3, he took part in the initiative that pushed for the opening of this Center, and although he is no longer a student, he is happy to see that the work he did as an undergraduate student has amounted to the opening of this Center. Jonathan added, “We didn’t have this when I was in undergrad, but having it forward for the next generation … will be beautiful.”

His advice for current and future Bruins is to “take advantage of it [the Center] and be grateful, but keep fighting … especially during a time where Latine communities are very vulnerable to government entities … be firm, make connections, celebrate your culture, bring all aspects of your Latinidad here.”

“What are your hopes for what the Latinx Resource Center will be? And what are your critiques?”

Lizbeth Gomez, a third-year Education and Social Transformation major with a minor in Disability Studies said, “I hope the Latinx [Success] Center becomes a space where Latinx students feel genuinely seen, supported, and empowered. I’d love to see the Center offer  workshops focused on navigating college as a First-gen student, professional development, and mental health. One critique I have is the location of the Center. Since it’s up on the Hill, it can be a long walk, especially for students who commute or live in apartments. It feels tucked away in the back, which makes it less visible and accessible. I think it would be more helpful if it were located somewhere on the main campus, where students could easily stop by in between classes.”

After the inauguration of the Center, Latine organizations have been able to host their events at the Latinx Success Center, such as ¡Lotería! by Grupo Estudiantil Oaxaqueño (GEO) and UNICA this past April 16. The Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) initiative has also opened the doors of the Center to host a “Cafecito y Comunidad” community event this April 16, May 6, and May 29, 2025. These events show the HSI initiative’s efforts to serve its students and make the space accessible to them.

 

While the community should be proud of the space’s recent inauguration, it is also necessary to recognize the ongoing fight to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action when ensuring that Latine students have access to the necessary spaces and resources—such as immigration support, financial aid guidance, academic services, and mental health resources—to succeed at UCLA. Only then will the Latinx Success Center truly achieve its mission.