LASA is a student-run organization that gathers not only Latin American Students but also those interested in Latin American culture. LASA’s mission is to promote the cultural diversity of Latin America countries as well as to offer a familiar atmosphere for foreign students.
LASA es una organizacion que reune no solo estudiantes latinoamericanos sino tambian a aquellos interesados en nuestra cultura. La misin de LASA es promover la diversidad cultural de los paises de America Latina as como ofrecer una atmosfera familiar para estudiantes extranjeros.
LASA uma organiza estudantil que rene no solo estudantes latino-americanos, mas tambam aqueles interessados na nossa cultura. A misso da LASA promover a diversidade cultural dos pases da America Latina, bem como oferecer um ambiente familiar para estudantes estrangeiros.
Miguel Angel Alvarez Salazar, From Southern Colombia, land of Volcanoes and Carnivals. Master’s student in TESOL at SIU. Social activist. Firmly believes that Feminist Social Justice is the way to change societies, and men must be a committed part of that transformation.
PhD student Leidy believes that plants are fundamental in ecosystems, and are an important group to understand ecosystem dynamics, restoration processes, conservation, and the necessary actions against climate change. She loves: life, plant genetics, plant phenotyping, plant molecular biology, and plant taxonomy. Leidy also enjoys: dinosaurs, working out, astrophysics, and more! She received her BS in biology and her MS from the Universidad del Valle Colombia.
Maria del Mar Añasco Mina comes from the land of birds and the best coffee. She is doing her MA in Music and plays the viola. She loves dancing salsa, loves animals and painting. Although she is from Colombia, she drinks more cocoa than coffee.
Gisell is from the Southwestern region of Colombia. She’s pursuing a master’s in Linguistics and TESOL at SIU. She’s an environmental advocate with a deep love for nature and animals and combines that feeling with a love for hiking in the woods and admiring the wonders of the natural world. As a teacher of languages, Gisell is deeply committed to positively impacting the academic community in Colombia, with a special focus on her students’ growth and development. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education.
Luis Arturo Solórzano Sosa is currently working toward a Master of Arts in TESOL at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, with expected graduation in 2025. He holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s in English from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. Luis brings a wealth of experience from his roles as a Teaching Assistant at Southern Illinois University, a Spanish Aid at Carbondale Middle School, and various educational positions in Honduras, including Vice Principal and homeroom teacher. His professional background is complemented by his passion for education, demonstrated through his involvement in professional development and volunteer work. Outside of his academic and professional life, Luis enjoys singing, hiking, and exploring different cultures.
Activities
LASA frequently hosts meetings and parties, where we can all talk, dance, share your favorite cuisine, meet new people and just have fun!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/lasasiuc/