The Hispanic Latino Student Society (HLSS) is one of the many places students find belonging on campus. As one of SALT’s student belonging organizations, HLSS works to create a space on campus to celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture. The group hosts biweekly meetings focused on fellowship as well as Fiesta, a large campus gathering that celebrates the beauty of Hispanic and Latino heritage. While the society primarily serve’s SNU Hispanic and Latino heritage, all students are welcome.
According to their mission, “HLSS exists to create a welcoming and united community, where students can celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture, faith, heritage, and identity through fellowship, meaningful experiences, service, and opportunities to connect.”
They are led by co-presidents, senior business administration and social behavioral science major Diana “DP” Perez-Lopez, and sophomore elementary education major Carolina Orantes-Elizondo. Rosario Garcia from SNU Student Support Services serves as the staff sponsor. The co-presidents share leadership responsibilities equally, with Perez-Lopez focusing on the big picture and Orantes-Elizondo on day-to-day details.
“We want to make a community where people feel welcome and included within their culture and for who they are,” Perez-Lopez claimed.
Like other student organizations at SNU, HLSS has experienced strong growth this semester. Orantes-Elizondo credits this to improved promotion during New Student Institiute (NSI) and a renewed focus on the group’s core mission.
Valeria Rivera, a freshman psychology major and new HLSS member, agreed. “It’s my first year in this society, and ever since I stepped foot into the society, I never felt like I didn’t belong. We all feel like a family!” She mentioned that her favorite part of joining has been having a dedicated space to discuss current events while being able to find communal support during meetings.
This year, HLSS has increased both its membership and its community outreach. Members participated in Fiestas de las Americas, the largest festival in Oklahoma City celebrating Latino culture. HLSS entered the Parade of the Americas with a float designed and decorated by SNU students, showcasing color with each handmade decoration by students.
“Our culture is a very colorful culture,” Perez-Lopez exclaimed.
This marked the first time SNU undergraduate students have participated in Fiesta de las Americas. It was also the first time an SNU student society had official custom apparel, sponsored by SNU Professional and Graduate Studies.
On campus, their main event is the annual Fiesta held during Hispanic Heritage Month. Fiesta gives HLSS a platform to gather with the broader campus community while sharing their culture. At this year’s event, they served carne asada, quesadillas, Jarritos, and churros at the Crimson Corner grill. Everything about the gathering was expanded this year, featuring more activities and increased promotion, including a spotlight on SNEWS. The event also featured a merengue dancing lesson taught by SNU campus police officer Raymond Ryan and live music from Mariachi Lopez.
Orantes-Elizondo shared she loved getting to see HLSS members serve food and make the event their own.
“My favorite part is seeing a society unfold of students that want more and are here to do more,” Perez-Lopez stressed.
Throughout the year, HLSS will continue hosting biweekly affinity meetings on Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the library as they look for new ways to serve the community both on and off campus.
Photos provided by: Carolina Orantes-Elizondo & Rosie Mazariegos