UTA's ALPFA Chapter creates a community for Hispanic and Latino students
Student organizations create communities of like-minded members to broaden their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, build networks, develop leadership skills, and volunteer to help their members as well as their communities.
The Association of Latino Professionals for America, or ALPFA, provides opportunities for its members to advance their networks and knowledge in the fields of accounting, finance, or other professions. From scholarships to developmental workshops and networking opportunities, ALPFA offers a variety of benefits for its members.
“We make sure that our members are very well equipped and given the opportunities to excel in whatever field you want to be,” said Diego Martinez, ALPFA University of Texas at Arlington Chapter president. “We're trying to make sure that we expand our members’ outlook on their degrees and job opportunities and expose them to companies they might have not heard of. We are a steppingstone for our members to pursue their future career.”
Members of the UTA ALPFA Chapter pose next to a large sign representing the organization. (Courtesy Photo)
The ALPFA Chapter of UTA is a part of an international organization that seeks to create opportunities, add value, and build relationships for its members, community, and its business partners through diversity in the global workforce and academia. Being a branch of the international organization gives UTA’s ALPFA members opportunities to network and interact with business professionals from around the globe.
“ALPFA is a very large organization with chapters in the United States, Canada, and a lot of countries within Latin America. We’re one of five chapters here in North Texas that want to bridge the gap between getting a degree and getting a job,” explained Martinez. “The UTA ALPFA Chapter takes it a step further and tries to make sure we connect with our students to make sure they’re ok and navigating higher education easily.”
Along with bridging that gap, the UTA chapter of ALPFA looks to be a big part of the UTA and ALPFA communities, hosting regular events to help students engage with employers, learn from insightful speakers, develop diverse skills, and building camaraderie amongst members.
“We try to stay very active in our community. We have at least one event running every week. We make sure to bring recruiters and people in different fields that highlight what they do, their jobs, and what their day-to-day looks like,” said Martinez. “Our members have the opportunity to network with those professionals and bridge the gap between their education and their future careers.”
Although the focus is on professional development, the student organization also bands together to improve their local community within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as well.
“We collaborate in doing a lot of community service events. From filling up food carts to send to low-income areas and attending events to help educate the youth and teach financial literacy in underprivileged schools, we do a lot,” said Martinez. “We service a different aspect of the community and put on a lot of initiatives throughout the year.”
With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, UTA’s ALPFA Chapter also celebrates its member backgrounds and highlights their cultures. The organization also opens its ranks to educate other students about Hispanic culture and history through cultural events and meetings.
“Throughout the month, we’ve been highlighting the countries where our members have their roots. We’ve also been celebrating Hispanic icons like entertainer, CEO’s and people who have had a big impact on Hispanic culture here in the United States and other parts of Latin America,” said Martinez.
While the organization is open to everyone, its focus is on the shared experience of Hispanic and Latino students.
“ALPFA is open and welcoming to everyone and we don’t have due dates where if it’s past a certain date you won’t be able to join. Our application is open year-round,” said Martinez. “With our Hispanic and Latino students, many might be first generation and might share a lot of the casual struggles that we face day-to-day. So, by making sure our organization is very open, it helps in being able to lend a hand to whoever needs it.”
Members of the UTA ALPFA Chapter pose for a group photo at a national ALPFA event. (Courtesy photo)
While the UTA ALPFA Chapter improves skills and provides opportunities, it creates a close-knit community where students can rely on one another for professional and personal growth and support.
Martinez explained why ALPFA is such a beneficial organization, and how it helped him find his way through higher education.
“My parents didn’t go to college, so for me, I was pioneering almost everything. I had to figure everything out, and it felt like blindly waving a stick around while exploring options. So, joining this organization was crucial for me. I met people who were more experienced, people who had leadership, and people who impacted others by making sure they had opportunities and experiences. It’s very important to find a community that is willing to help everyone. And that’s what I base my presidency on. I want ALPFA to build people new opportunities and create new pathways.”
For more information about UTA's ALPFA Chapter and other student organizations, click here.