The Latine Cultural Center supports Latine-identifying students through a variety of programs. It was established in a start-up space as the result of student activism in 2018 and is one of four centers within the Multicultural Student Center. See our History below for more details about our founding.
The LCC’s guiding principles are connect, empower, and excel. As part of the MSC, the Latine Cultural Center embodies the guiding principles of connect, empower, and excel. We aim to connect students to the community at UW-Madison and beyond. We strive to empower Latine students through culturally relevant programming that supports their intersectional identities and sense of belonging. We help students excel academically, personally and professionally through programming, resources, space, and mentorship.
Location
The Latine Cultural Center is a physical space to study, meet, and work. It is located within the Multicultural Student Center (Red Gym), in the North Mezzanine. You can access the space via the stairs, or through the north elevator from the first floor.
Special Features of the Latine Cultural Center:
- The Latine Cultural Center has amenities students can use, such as a library and school supplies.
- The Latine Cultural Center has a vibrant mural created by local Mexican artist Rodrigo Carapia entitled La Cosecha.
History of the Latine Cultural Center
In February of 2018, undergraduate students Josue Velazquez, Jonathan Godinez, Michelle Navarro and Alondra Avitia, now alumni, connected at a social justice leadership retreat and began discussing Latinx issues on campus. The idea for a Latinx Cultural Center was inspired by the recent student activism happening on campus, which resulted in the establishment of the Black Cultural Center and the developing work for the APIDA Student Center. Students advocating for APIDA and Latinx spaces formed a temporary cross-cultural coalition to advocate for spaces while attending the Campus Climate Student Forum. The founders of the LCC met with university administration, after which the university agreed to establish Latinx Cultural Center and APIDA Student Center in the North Mezzanine of the Red Gym. With an end goal of securing permanent homes for the cultural centers, both groups of students decided to label the locations as startup centers. The APIDASC & LCC were opened in the fall of 2018, with the student activists who helped establish the LCC serving as the first interns of the center. A year later, the first professional staff member was hired and started in the fall of 2019. In fall 2024, the LCC changed its name to Latinx to Latine after a 6-month period in which staff collected student feedback and researched campus and collegiate trends. Currently, the LCC operates with one professional staff member, and two interns, the Programming Intern, and the Latine Heritage Month Intern.
Programming
The LCC honors the intersectional and dynamic identities of students by offering a wide variety of programs and events for students. The LCC uses the following theme areas: Centering Cultura, Alegria: Joy Through Art, and Leading Latine to guide its programming. Centering Cultura encompasses culturally relevant, and/or social events, such as our Dance and De-Stress field trip. Alegria: Joy Through Art allows students to connect to their creativity through art making and creative practices. These events have offered opportunities for students to engage in painting, embroidery, and other artistic practices. Leading Latine provides events based upon academic and professional needs. The LCC also partners with other campus entities to host additional events.
Upcoming Events
No events returned.
Latine Heritage Month
Latine Heritage Month happens yearly on campus from September 15- October 15. The month, which has a yearly theme, is celebrated campus wide and is an opportunity for Latine students to uplift and celebrate their identities.
Large scale programming and many events are put on throughout the month, many of which are developed and facilitated by the student-led Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee, which is advised by the LCC Program Coordinator. LHM begins with March Up Bascom, includes a keynote event, and ends with the Latine Ball.
The Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee recruits interested students in the Spring semester of each year, and plans throughout the spring and summer semester, with the help of the professional staff advisor. The committee meets weekly during Spring, and bi-weekly during the summer virtually.
Student Resources
Chican@ & Latin@ Studies
Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies (LACIS) Program
Scholarships
- Avanzando Through College $500
- Regent Jesus Salas Academic Activist Scholarship (ChicLa Students only)
- UW Summer Term Scholarships
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Fearless Dreamer Scholarship by American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers Milwaukee residents STEM majors only
Community Resources and Volunteer Opportunities
Partnering with the LCC
The LCC partners with student organizations, campus offices, academic departments, and community entities mostly through events. You can see the ways we partner with these different groups below.
- Student Organizations Affiliated with the MSC
- History/Heritage Month involvement
- Event collaborations
- Mentorship & advocacy
- Campus Offices & Academic Departments
- History/Heritage Month collaborations and financial co-sponsorships
- Event collaborations
- MSC tours should be scheduled by emailing the msc@studentaffair@wisc.edu
- Community Entities
- Partnerships with community entities to support our students are assessed on an individual basis.
- Tours should be arranged through Campus and Visitor Relations. Please know that our ability to provide programming for K-12 students is very limited.
- Financial donations (link to your WFAA account)
Who to Contact at the LCC about Partnering
- Please email LCC Program Coordinator Natalie Ergas at nergas@wisc.edu
If you are interested in partnering with multiple or all four Identity Centers (BCC, APIDASC, LCC, and ISC), please contact MSC Assistant Director Noreen Siddiqui at noreen.siddiqui@wisc.edu.
LCC Staff
The LCC has one full time professional staff, the Program Coordinator, who oversees the scope of programming for the LCC, the Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee, and the needs of the center and the students it serves. The LCC also employs two student interns: the Latine Heritage Month Intern, and the LCC Programming Intern.
Connect with the Latine Cultural Center
Visit Us
North Mezzanine, Red Gym
lcc@studentaffairs.wisc.edu