Latinx Alumni Association Advisory Board

Mission

The Latinx Alumni Association exists to further the connection of Latinx alumni with the university, faculty, student body and each other, while building power in our larger community to co-create a more equitable college environment. We work to acknowledge and build on the history and contributions of the Latinx community at William & Mary, thereby fostering a future where diversity and unity are our strengths.

Vision

We envision a vibrant and multicultural environment that celebrates our unique experiences as a Latinx community and fosters a future where diversity and unity are our strengths.

Goals

Communication

1. Increase visibility and promotion of the W&M Latinx alumni community
   1. Submit quarterly articles to the W&M Alumni Magazine, drafted by Latinx alumni
      • Choose topics and select volunteer writers in board meetings (i.e. alumnus writes about Latinx alumni in nonprofit fields, music, etc.)
      • Be intentional about articles from Latinx alumni outside of undergraduate degrees
   2. Create e-newsletters where all alumni contribute (not one specific newsletter writer), sent to full Latinx alumni base at least twice per year but no more than quarterly

2. Increase transparency by providing updates to the Latinx alumni community about fundraising and usage of Latinx Alumni Operating Fund and Jorge Alberto Urcuyo Scholarship. Updates to include:
   • Size of each fund
   • Impact of each fund
   • If agreed upon by student, annual report out on the recipient of the scholarship 

Alumni Engagement

1. Strive for three events per year: student-focused, alumni-focused and intersectionality-focused
   • Annual event during Homecoming where Latinx leaders can have an informal meet-and-greet with current students
   • Think about timing during Family Weekend (usually September each year)
   • Collaborate with other alumni Advisory Boards and regional leaders where appropriate (especially for intersectionality events)

Fundraising

1. Hold biannual fundraising events for Latinx-serving funds (Latinx Alumni Operating Fund and Jorge Alberto Urcuyo Scholarship)
   • One Tribe One Day in April
   • Homecoming & Reunion Weekend in October

2. Track numbers related to Latinx-serving funds
   • Measure how many people are giving to the Latinx Alumni Operating Fund annually
   • Internally, the Alumni Advisory Board will track total giving and average gift size to the Latinx Alumni Operating Fund

Student Engagement

1. Be responsive to on-campus Latinx student and faculty needs through regular communication with designated groups
   • If a student organization wants to have an event, plan together intentionally
   • If a professor wants a Latinx alumni speaker, ensure they are aware that the Latinx Alumni Advisory Board exists
   • Recruit students through the creation of QR codes with Latinx Alumni Advisory Board details and Graduway mentorship details
   • Student organizations will be given an updated list of the alumni on the advisory board; update this list annually
2. Invest in mentorship opportunitieswith each board member committing to identifying and referring a mentor or serving as a mentor. The goal is to provide a mentor for every student who wants one and to expand the program as student needs grow.

Board Applications

Applications to join the Latinx Alumni Advisory Board will open in early 2023. If you would like to get involved with the work of the board in the interim, please contact Ivana Marshall at immarshall@wm.edu or 757-221-7514.

Members

Congratulations to the inaugural Latinx Alumni Advisory Board members! Thanks to the foundational work led by the Latinx Leadership Circle from 2019-2022, the eight-person board will uphold and accomplish the mission, vision and goals of the Latinx Alumni Association.