Pláticas Entre Latinos

Our purpose is to increase young Latino representation and positively shape the future vision of Wichita to reflect its Latino culture.

YLPW aims to spotlight our members working in order to raise the profile of all Latinos working hard in the city of Wichita. Here are a few members who answered these questions for us!

Julian

Gonzalez-Salamanca

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bethel College

What excites you about the Young Latino Professionals of Wichita (YLPW) mission statement?

Having a group of professionals that support each other is always important and having an organization like YLPW advocating for Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx people is even more important and powerful. Leadership is something that we learn from each other and our unique experiences as immigrants and sons and daughters from Hispanic and Latinx immigrant families and individuals is what makes us a diverse community full of dreams and goals to accomplish.

What does being a Latino look like for you?

Being Latino is being a dreamer. I think it’s even more important to define a

Latino in the United States, because we are here to create change through

leadership and passion. Having a group of professionals that support each

other is always important and having an organization like YLPW advocating

for Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx people is even more important and powerful.

Leadership is something that we learn from each other. Our unique

experiences as immigrants and sons and daughters from Hispanic and Latinx

immigrant families and individuals make us a diverse community full of

dreams and goals to accomplish common causes.

What will you tell future generations about the COVID- 19 Pandemic?

I will tell them that it was a moment in life to be united, to understand each

other, and to be compassionate. COVID-19 is teaching us how that is time to

think as a team and to eliminate individualism.

Pass the mic!

I would like to recognize the work that Newton Community for Racial Justice

has been doing during the last few years. With the leadership of Sara Dick

and Larry Lee, this organization has been a place of contact for the

community in issues related to oppression and discrimination of all kinds.

They recently became a non-profit organization, and they intend to keep

working towards finding equity in our community. It’s an organization with

goals established, and I think they will keep being successful and advocating

for racial justice.

Lisa Chavez

Lead Certified Surgical Technologist of general, trauma, and pediatric surgery at Wesley Medical Center

What excites you about the Young Latino Professionals of Wichita (YLPW) mission statement?

I am really excited about representing the growing Hispanic community in Wichita. I love our community and culture. We are at a crucial time in history where we have to stick it to the man by being successful and letting our voices be heard. We aren’t all bad hombres, after all. I had heard about YLPW from social media, but I was unsure if it was strictly for business professionals; however, once I figured out it was for ALL professions, I was very eager to join! I can’t wait to be part of it all.

What does being a Latino look like for you?

First of all, I love this question! I feel like I have struggled with my identity my whole life. I am first-generation Mexican-American; both of my parents came here from Guanajuato, Mexico, in the 80’s. I can best describe it by quoting Selena, being Mexican-American is tough. We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans. I want to be the best me I can be, to truly live out my family’s American dream.

What will you tell future generations about the COVID- 19 Pandemic?

I want to tell future generations to please learn from our mistakes. This

pandemic has brought upon us uncertain times. So many people lost their jobs and, even worse, their lives.

Pass the mic!

So an event coming up that many already know about on November 3rd is the presidential election. I just want to bring more awareness to the registration process specifically and get more young voters registered, especially Latinos. Many of our family members and community members do not have the opportunity to vote, and we need to be their voice!

Fidel Serrano,GMBA

Communication and Design Specialist at the Community Engagement Institute

What excites you about the Young Latino Professionals of Wichita (YLPW)

mission statement?

It excites me because I see it as an opportunity to get involved in our

community and network with other Latinos who share the same goal as

many of us.

What does being a Latino look like for you?

Being Latino is an opportunity to share our beautiful culture with others,

allows us to work hard, and reach dreams that our parents didn’t have when

they were our age. It’s also a responsibility to set up a good example for

younger family members and others around us. Being Latino is a blessing.

What will you tell future generations about the COVID- 19 Pandemic?

The pandemic has really changed everyone’s life. COVID-19 has taught us

not to take anything for granted and appreciate who and what we have in

our lives. This pandemic was a “Reality Check” for most of us; it can teach us

to appreciate life and opportunities.

Pass the mic

Thankful for all of those who have been part of my journey, for investing time

and knowledge with me. I want to share a quote that one of my mentors

shared with me, “Lead, Follow Or Get Out of the Way” thank you for always

being there.