Find your path in Latina/Latino Studies
Community Resources
- 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
- Saraí Blanco Martinez and Angie C. Bonilla joined the Department of Latina/Latino Studies this fall as the 2025-2026 Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Associates. Read full story New Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Associates join the Department of Latina/Latino Studies
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Why Study Latina/Latino Studies?
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.
Upcoming events
Alumni spotlight: Nancy Cambron Perez, '12, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, Teladoc Health
Nancy Cambron Perez earned her BA in Latina/Latino Studies and Sociology from UIUC in 2012. Reflecting on her decision to major in Latina/Latino Studies, she explained, “I was passionate about understanding the diverse history, culture, and experiences of the Latinx community.” She also credits her interaction with LLS faculty in shaping her decision to major in Latina/Latino Studies, noting, “Meeting and connecting with faculty members Isabel Molina-Guzmán, Julie A. Dowling, Jonathan Xavier Inda, and Mirelsie Velázquez shaped my decision to major in LLS. They made me feel like I could make...
Faculty spotlight: Gabriela G. Corona Valencia
Gabriela G. Corona Valencia explores the bridge between 20th-century eugenic policy in the American Southwest and the contemporary sex education discourse disseminated to Chicana/Latina girls in K-12 public schools in East Los Angeles.