Hola todos,
My name is Orlando Pimentel and it is an honor to step into the role of President of the Latino Alumni Council.
I’m a first-generation Latino, college graduate, and professional.
I share all those “firsts” because oftentimes in our Latino community, we’re the first to step into paths that no one in our family has walked before. And while it feels inspirational to know we are reaching new heights, learning how to exist and navigate these new spaces is a lot to take on.
And the constant lesson that has helped me find my way is realizing that I’m not alone in this journey. By connecting with other Latinos who have walked in our shoes, we can support and enrich each other each step of the way, personally, academically, and professionally.
That’s the mission the Latino Alumni Council has always strived for.
As a new council, we want to continue living out that mission in ways that serve the current needs of our Latino alumni and students at UGA through the following:
Growing – Supporting the pathway for Latino students considering or attending UGA.
Giving – Providing opportunities for alumni to give back to Latino students at UGA and the Latino community. One staple event that supports this space is our annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Toy Drive, which happens in December. Attendees donate toys to La Amistad, an Atlanta non-profit that provides educational and social services for Latino students and their families.
Guiding – Creating and supporting mentoring efforts to guide the next generation. This past year we held our first ever Chisme y Consejos, where UGA alumni and the UGA Mentor program connected with Latino and diverse students to share experiences (chisme) and advice (consejos) to help navigate their academic and professional journey.
We strive for these pillars because as our leadership throughout the years has often said, “Somos tu familia.”
Y como familia, siempre vamos a estar aqui para ti.
If you’d like to be involved in these efforts, follow us on social media to stay up to date on the latest opportunities and events.
Instagram: @UGALatinoAlumniCouncil
Facebook: UGA Latino Alumni Council
LinkedIn: UGA Latino Alumni Council Group
And if you have any ideas or opportunities that support our pillars, please feel free to reach out to me at o.pimentel@outlook.com
Sinceramente,
Orlando Burgos Pimentel (ABJ ’17)
President, Latino Alumni Council
