The mission of the NASPA Community Colleges Division Latinx/a/o Task Force (CCD/LTF) is to execute its plan, with an association-wide impact, to advance the Latinx community in the profession of student affairs who aspire to or currently work in community colleges. Therefore, as student affairs professionals involved nationally, we know declaring a commitment to supporting Latinx/a/o student access and success is of the utmost importance. As a result, the CCD/LTF has partnered with community college senior student affairs officers (SSAO) who have decided to take action on their campuses to support Latinx/a/o student access and success. Our hope is to engage, connect, and encourage other community college SSAO’s to consider joining the movement. - Edward Martinez, Ed.D., CCD Director
My pledge is to work on this initiative by partnering with SSAOs to support Latinx/a/o students as this fully aligns with the NASPA CCD/LTF mission. As a culturally responsive leader, it is my pleasure to work toward the CCD/LTF goal to expand this initiative to other community colleges whose SSAOs commit to working toward Latinx/a/o student success. This intentionality of action is what is needed to increase the success and graduation rates of Latinx/a/o students at our community colleges. Join our Call to Action! - Magdalena de la Teja, Ph.D. & J.D., CCD/LTF member and founding chair
Community college leaders and senior student affairs officers (SSAO), know the jobs of the future will require some type of post-secondary degree or credential. Therefore, my belief is that our work on the NASPA CCD/LTF initiative to collaborate with SSAO’s to commit to promote Latinx/a/o higher education access and success is a social justice and inclusion issue. Proactively promoting and enhancing Latinx student success will ensure that the Latinx/a/o community has access to life transforming educational and professional opportunities. This thoughtful and intentional plan is an important step in increasing the success and graduation rates of Latinx/a/o students at our community colleges. Join us in this important and impactful work! - Elena Sandoval-Lucero, Ph.D., CCD LTF Chair, former SSAO, and campus vice president