Michigan Ross MBAs Share How They’re Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month takes place each year from Sept. 15 – Oct.15 and is a time to celebrate and uplift the voices of those in the Latinx and Hispanic communities. At Michigan Ross, student groups like the Latin American Business Students Association, the Brazilian Business Student Association, and several others, make an effort to celebrate the experiences of business students from Latin and Hispanic backgrounds.

To help share the perspective of our Latinx and Hispanic communities, we asked four MBA students involved in LABSA or BRASA to share how they’re celebrating this year and what others should know about their clubs and communities.

Claudia Aranda Portocarrero, MBA '24

How are you celebrating your heritage this month/what does this month mean to you?
Latin Heritage Month is a big deal for me. It's a time to embrace and celebrate the rich and diverse culture that I come from in Peru, and it's a chance to share our traditions, music, food, and stories with the wider community here at Ross and beyond. Personally, I'm planning to host a Peruvian food night with some of my friends, sharing dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. I also want to organize a salsa dancing night because who can resist some Latin rhythms?

How/why did you get involved with LABSA?
I'm a proud member of LABSA. I got involved because I wanted to stay connected to my Latin roots while pursuing my MBA at Ross and share a little bit of my culture with my classmates. It's a fantastic platform to meet diverse individuals who share a passion for Latin culture and business. Plus, LABSA organizes some awesome events and networking opportunities, so it was a no-brainer for me.

How has being a member of LABSA contributed to your Michigan Ross MBA experience?
Being part of LABSA has added a vibrant and colorful dimension to my MBA journey. It's not just about coursework or even recruiting; it's about forging friendships, learning from each other, and building a strong support network. LABSA has exposed me to different perspectives and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Plus, it's made Ann Arbor feel a bit more like home.

What club events/programming have you enjoyed the most/were most impactful to you?
Two events stand out for me. First, "Taste of Ross" was a memorable experience. We had a showcase of delicious dishes from various Latin countries, and it was like a miniature culinary world tour, right here in Ann Arbor. It's incredible how food can bring people together.

The second one is "Latin Vibes." We threw this epic party in April, and it was an absolute blast! What made it even more special is that it was open to all Ross students and even admitted students visiting for Go Blue Rendezvouz. The party was so much fun, and the best part was the dance performances showcasing many Latin dances.

What made "Latin Vibes" extra meaningful for me was that I had the opportunity to choreograph some of these dances with two of my best friends. We, along with a group of about 20 amazing friends, put together these fantastic performances. It was a true celebration of Latin culture through music and dance, and it brought the entire Ross community together. Dancing the night away and seeing everyone enjoy themselves was truly unforgettable.

What does your identity mean to you, and/or what would you like others to know about your community?
My Latin identity is a source of pride. It's a mix of resilience, warmth, and a passion for life. I want others to know that our community is incredibly diverse, with distinct traditions and histories in each country. But what unites us all is the love for family, music, and great food. We're a tight-knit bunch, and once you're in, you're family too.

How can students get involved with or support LABSA?
Joining LABSA is super easy and welcoming. We're open to anyone who's interested in Latin American culture and business. Just sign up in CampusGroup, come to one of our meetings or events, and you're in! Supporting us is as simple as attending our events, participating in our discussions, and spreading the word about the awesome things we do. And, of course, following us on social media for updates and mouth-watering food pictures.

Caio Vieira Rodrigues, MBA '24

How/why did you get involved with BRASA?
I got involved with BRASA because I believe in the power of community and the importance of preserving and promoting our Brazilian heritage while studying abroad. BRASA is not just a club; it's a family away from home. It allows us to stay connected to our roots and share our culture with our fellow students. Being a part of BRASA has given me a sense of belonging during my time at Ross.

How has being a member of BRASA contributed to your Michigan Ross MBA experience?
BRASA has significantly enhanced my Ross MBA experience. It has allowed me to forge deep connections with fellow Brazilian students and other members who share a similar passion for our culture. BRASA has provided me with a support system, and it's been a platform for personal and professional growth through networking, mentorship, and cultural exchange.

What club events/programming have you enjoyed the most/were most impactful to you?
I've enjoyed all of our events, but the BRASA Barbecue Celebration is a standout for me. This event not only showcases our tasty food, but also our music. It allows us to engage with the larger Ross community and share a slice of Brazilian life. It's a joyful and impactful experience that many students look forward to.

What does your identity mean to you, and/or what would you like others to know about your community?
I want others to know that our community is welcoming and proud of our cultural heritage. We are passionate about sharing our traditions, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the richness of Brazil.

How can students get involved with or support BRASA?
Students can get involved with BRASA by attending our events; some are open to everyone, others for members, so sign up! We welcome anyone who has an interest in Brazilian culture and wants to learn more about it. Your enthusiasm and curiosity about our culture would mean a lot to us. Additionally, you can stay updated on our events and initiatives by following our social media channels.

Isabela Okano Pinto, MBA '24

How/why did you get involved with BRASA?
I joined BRASA because it played a pivotal role in my MBA journey and was a significant factor in my decision to attend Ross in the first place. As an international student, having this tight-knit community was vital for me to acclimate and feel at home.

What club events/programming have you enjoyed the most/were most impactful to you?
The BRASA BBQ was an extraordinary experience! Months of planning and hard work as a team resulted in an amazing event. The joy of seeing friends from all over the world celebrating our culture was truly priceless.

How can students get involved with or support BRASA?
Students can engage with BRASA by participating in our fantastic events and by simply connecting with our community to learn more about what makes us unique.

Esteban Guzman Osorio, MBA '24

How are you celebrating your heritage this month/what does this month mean to you?
For a Latinx, there is no better celebration of our heritage than being with family, and in Ann Arbor, the closest thing you have to family is your friends. That’s why we have increased the number of events hosted by LABSA to share some of our traditions. For the first time, we brought dishes from all the countries represented in LABSA to be enjoyed at Ross. Furthermore, as a club, we are hosting the Mexico Trek, taking 50+ MBA students to get to know Mexican culture and its traditions. As the cherry on top, we will host a Coco movie night, celebrating Mexican culture with one of the most acclaimed Disney movies of all time.

How/why did you get involved with LABSA?
As the section chair of international students and an international student myself, I’ve experienced the challenges of adapting to a new country, environment, and type of education. One of the biggest struggles for us is the ability to speak up, and I’ve noticed that many people from LABSA have asked me to do so on several occasions. This is why I decided to propose myself as LABSA co-president. I have also partnered with one of the most organized and creative individuals in the club to co-lead LABSA. I’m confident that our combined strengths will allow us to grow LABSA.

How has being a member of LABSA contributed to your Michigan Ross MBA experience?
For me, being a leader is not about holding a position of power, but a position of service. That’s why I’ve used my position in LABSA to connect more with our members, listen to their struggles, and work toward creating a more inclusive club. A crucial aspect of this is the ability to be empathetic, encouraging, and authentic, and I believe that these qualities have helped me build lasting friendships. Additionally, people in the MBA program have come to see me as someone from whom they can learn, and I’ve had many enriching conversations with my MBA teammates that have contributed significantly to my personal growth, beyond what I could have ever imagined.

What club events/programming have you enjoyed the most/were most impactful to you?
I enjoy participating in events that allow me to experience other cultures, such as Latin Vibes, Diwali Night, and the Japan Trek. These activities have brought me closer to my MBA peers, allowing me to learn from them and gain firsthand insights into various cultures. Additionally, the events organized by MBSA, like Skeeps, Taste of Ross, and the MBA Formal, provide wonderful opportunities to take a break from the MBA rush. Each club puts a tremendous amount of effort into planning these events, and as a community, we should acknowledge and appreciate their hard work.

What does your identity mean to you, and/or what would you like others to know about your community?
I was born in Colombia during one of the most violent periods in my country’s history, witnessing increasing insecurity, bombings, kidnappings, and other atrocities. All of these experiences shaped me into a very resilient, persistent, and self-aware person. I also witnessed my parents’ journey from humble beginnings to achieving the opportunity to attend university and succeed in a challenging environment, which taught me the value and rewards of hard work.

These qualities are what I see in every Latinx individual. We stand up, no matter how hard we fall; we resist, no matter how strong the challenges; and we speak up, no matter how loud the voices against us. Overall, we are one of the most resilient cultures, and I am completely confident that this resilience is the key to our future success.

How can students get involved with or support LABSA?
One of the challenges we’re facing is getting more local individuals involved in LABSA and the activities we’ve developed. We strongly encourage everyone to join some of LABSA’s activities; this will help them learn more about the Latinx community and enrich all of our experiences.