Find your path in Latina/Latino Studies
Community Resources
We've put together a list of campus, local, and national resources on harassment and discrimination, immigration, and wellness to support our community.
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- Professor R. Elizabeth Velásquez Estrada co-edited the forthcoming edited collection "Fugitive Anthropology: Embodying Activist Research," has a new article out in Critical Criminology, and has had several translations of her work published in Spanish. Read full story Professor Elizabeth Velásquez Estrada publishes new edited collection and five other publications
- This fall, the Department of Latina/Latino Studies welcomes assistant professor Gabriela G. Corona Valencia. Professor Corona Valencia was previously a Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Associate from 2023-2025. Her research interests include histories of eugenics, public health, medicine, reproductive justice politics, and education. Read a Q&A with her to learn more about her work. Read full story Professor Gabriela G. Corona Valencia joins the Department of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois
- Professor Natalie Lira was recently elected to leadership positions within two professional associations, joining other Department of Latina/Latino Studies faculty who serve on professional associations in their fields. Read full story Latina/Latino studies professor elected to leadership positions with Latina/x/o Studies Association and Berkshire Conference of Women Historians
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Why Study Latina/Latino Studies?
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Why Study Latina/Latino Studies?
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Professor Mirelsie Velázquez shares the value of the major, favorite spots in Champaign-Urbana, and why the Latina/Latino studies department is the best kept secret on campus in an interview with the College of LAS.
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Upcoming events
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Alumni spotlight: Yesenia Olvera, '14, Director of Postsecondary Success at Benito Juarez Community Academy
Meet Yesenia Olvera (BA, '14, Latina/Latino studies and history) the director of postsecondary success at Benito Juarez Community Academy. She was a first generation graduate who has dedicated her career to helping students and their families navigate their career paths after high school.
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Faculty spotlight: Mirelsie Velázquez
Mirelsie Velázquez is an interdisciplinary scholar whose work centers history of education, women's history, Puerto Rican studies, gender and sexuality, and teacher education.