UW-Madison students enjoy a rich organizational life, and those interested in U.S. Latinx issues are no exception. The following are some of the organizations the Chicanx/e & Latinx/e Studies Program has worked with recently. Each entry includes a link to the organization’s Wisconsin Involvement Network page and contact information. Don’t see your organization here? Is your organization’s information on this page out of date? Contact the Program and we’ll fix the listing.
In 2018 a new Latine Cultural Center opened in the Multicultural Student Center, one of four cultural centers on campus. Follow the Center on Facebook or Instagram for more information about its activities.
The Program regularly highlights the activities of student organizations on social media. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for regular updates.
ChiLaCSA (Chicanx & Latinx Certificate Students Association)
We are an academic association that is affiliated with the Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies Program. ChiLaCSA serves as the certificate student’s voice in the decision-making process in the Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies Program, and we promote academic and cultural events focused on Chicanx/e and Latinx/e heritage. ChiLaCSA is open to all students who are interested in learning more about communities of Latin American descent in the US. We have members who serve and vote on the Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies Curriculum Committee and the Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies Student-Faculty Liaison Committee and who participate in a multitude of community service events. To be a voting member you must be a student who is a declared Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies BA/BS or Certificate candidate. For additional information, check out ChiLaCSA’s bylaws or contact chiclacsa@gmail.com. Advisor Rachelle Eilers can also provide information. Instagram: @chilacsa.
Advocates for Immigrants’ Rights
The purpose of Advocates for Immigrants’ Rights (AIR) is to represent the interests of students advocating for immigrants’ rights through networking, community outreach, education, and mentorship. Contact: air.uwlaw@gmail.com. Instagram: @airwisco.
Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. (UW-Madison Affiliate Chapter)
Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. is a co-ed Latine, social Fraternity that exists to promote continued personal and collective growth of our membership through education, leadership, cultural awareness and community service. Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. believes in the concept of Familia to create a support network for our members while creating the real-world experience of working with Men, Women, and other self-identifying individuals. Contact: apsiuwmadison@gmail.com. Instagram: @apsi_uwmadison.
La Alianza (formerly the Latinx Law Students Association)
The purpose of La Alianza is to provide an atmosphere of cooperativeness, innovativeness, creativeness, and friendliness among its members; to participate in public service designed to assist other Latinos and the community at large; to increase the number of Latinos at the University of Wisconsin Law School; to encourage the participation of Latino alumni to develop and remain responsive to the social, political, and academic needs of the Latino community; to participate in the law school admissions process; to assist members in academic development to ensure successful completion of legal studies; to rebut any racial or ethnic stereotype images of the Latino culture both within and outside the organization, and to advocate for the rights of the Latino community. Furthermore, with other LEO organizations, LLSA promotes unity amongst the entire UW Law School community, regardless of cultural background. Contact: laalianzauwlaw@gmail.com. Instagram: @laalianzauwlaw.
Association of Latino Professionals for America (UW-Madison Chapter)
ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) was the first national Latino professional association in the United States, established in Los Angeles in 1972. It seeks to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy. The student organization is the UW-Madison chapter of the national group. Contact: alpfauwmadison@gmail.com. Instagram: @alpfa_uwmadison.
Ballet Folklórico de UW-Madison.
Ballet Folklórico de UW-Madison is a non-profit organization run by students, committed to fostering cultural diversity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It seeks to highlight the richness of Mexican culture on campus through traditional music, art, and dance. Members have the opportunity to learn and perform these traditional Mexican dances for the wider community. Contact: madfolklorico@gmail.com. Instagram: @grupofolkloricouw.
The Caribbean Student Association was formed to create a community for students who are interested in Caribbean culture. We aim at creating a space where students can come together to have conversations on topics of the Caribbean, enjoy and share the culture of the Caribbean, and connect with the greater Caribbean community of Madison. Additionally, we will be focused on providing volunteer opportunities to do community service and give back to the community via fundraising and other events. Contact: caribbeanstudentassociationuw@gmail.com. Instagram: @csa.uwmadison.
The purpose of Colombian Badgers is to unite, support, and promote Colombian culture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Membership is open to all students of the University of Wisconsin (undergraduate and graduate/professional). Associate members must be “members of the University community (faculty, staff, spouses)”. Contact: colombianos_en_uw@rso.wisc.edu. Connect on Facebook.
Embracing Change through Hispanic/Latine Opportunities (ECHO)
ECHO’s mission is to fuel Latino-owned startups with strategic consulting and market insights, empower our community with financial literacy programs, and pave pathways for students to excel and thrive. Join the group as it unites to break barriers, elevate aspirations, and drive impactful change in the world of finance. Contact: jlantonio@wisc.edu. Instagram: @echo_UW.
Fuego Dance Crew is a dance team that features students from all across campus passionate about Latin American dance and committed to enhancing cultural understanding within the UW community. Our performances feature a variety of Latino musical genres such as reggaeton, salsa, and bachata. We come together for the purpose of creating solidarity amongst the various cultures of Latin America. Contact: dancecrewfuego@gmail.com. Instagram:@fuegodanceuw.
Kappa Delta Chi (Alpha Kappa Chapter)
The purpose of Kappa Delta Chi (KDChi) is to promote the values of Unity, Honesty, Integrity, and Leadership among its members and UW students. Although we are Latinx founded we are not exclusive to Latinxs, we value diversity and welcome womxn from all walks of life. The purpose of our sorority is relevant to the university in that it helps to foster an encouraging environment for student leaders to take roles in making change by becoming helpers to those in need through service, to achieve academic goals, and to form a support system for multi-cultural womxn. Not only is there emphasis on personal growth, there is also a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. The chapter’s local philanthropies are the Catholic Multicultural Center and the Neighborhood House. Some of the organizational goals include increase service programming, service events open to the UW community, and opportunities for academic and professional growth. As a chapter, KDChi strives to serve the UW Madison community through regular service learning practices aimed to benefit the campus and surrounding areas. Every academic year our sisters manage to collectively complete hundreds of hours of service in the community, all while balancing their academics and other campus involvement. Contact: alphakappa.president@kappadeltachi.org. Instagram: @AK_kdchi.
Invent (UW) is dedicated to inspire and train students with the drive to become entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an inspired entrepreneur, a coding wizard, a design maven, or a marketing genius, there’s a spot for you at Invent. Contact: kfelix2@wisc.edu. Instagram: @inventuw.
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Mu Chapter)
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is the first and largest Latina-based sorority, established in 1975 at Kean University. The purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha shall be to provide a sisterhood based on unity, love and respect in an effort to foster the development of strong leaders who will then provide and practice political, social and cultural activities. It shall also be the purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha to promote unity through charitable and educational programs, maintain a higher standard of learning and serve as a voice for all students. Contact: lta.gammamu.president@gmail.com. Instagram: @lta_gammamu.
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc. (Gamma Theta Chapter)
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975 in Union , New Jersey at Kean University . We made history as the first nationally recognized Latino Fraternity. There was no other Latino Fraternity in existence at that time. In the Spring of 2006, Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. became the first Latino Fraternity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The ideals of this brotherhood are the following: Academic Excellence; Brotherhood; Leadership; Latino Unity; Service. On a daily basis, our brothers live up to these ideals, as set forth by fourteen young Latino men decades ago. The purpose of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. is to provide the Latino college student the opportunity to be part of a family with a mission. Our mission is to cultivate a spirit of brotherhood, to value an education, to promote unity among all Latinos, to be proud of and cherish our heritage, to assert roles of leadership, to develop character, to practice chivalry, and to serve mankind. Though we are historically Latino based, we are not solely a Latino Fraternity. We have Brothers of all different races, religions, and national origin. Contact: gtlambda.nl1@gmail.com. Instagram: @gtlambdas.
Latine Psychology Student Association
This club fosters an inclusive and supportive community, centered on Latine students but open to everyone. Our mission is to deepen our collective understanding of psychology, welcoming students from all majors. We prioritize mental health and advocate for the well-being of Latinos and all our members. Our values are reinforced through regular general body meetings and events organized by our executive board. These gatherings are designed to be enjoyable and welcoming, allowing members to build meaningful connections and enhance their knowledge of all aspects of psychology. Contact: lpsa.wisco@gmail.com. Instagram: @lpsauw.
Latine Pre-Law Students Association
LPSA was founded to help Latine students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison navigate through undergraduate and prepare them for law school. By creating a welcoming space for Latine students, LPSA aims to establish a community of prospective law students who will not only help each other but also the Latine community throughout Wisconsin. Contact: lpsauwmadison@gmail.com . Instagram: @lpsamadison.
The purpose of the Latinx Student Union is to bring together all UW-Madison students who want to build a strong community and presence on campus for Latine identifying students. We serve as the advocates for all Latine identified students and educate our peers, faculty and staff regarding our needs to be successful. This organization hopes to provide resources, spaces and serve as a support group to all Latine students on campus. Contact: latinestudentunion@gmail.com. Instagram: @lsu_uwmadison.
Leaders Igniting Transformation (UW-Madison Chapter)
Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) is a statewide Black and Brown-led organization. Founded in 2017, LIT organizes young people to build independent political power for social, racial, and economic justice. It engages in values-based issues and electoral organizing, direct action, public policy advocacy, and leadership development. Contact: xquinones@wisc.edu. Instagram: @lit_uwmdn.
Mecha means flame in Spanish, it represents the fight for the liberation of all oppressed peoples. We are a student organization that promotes higher education, community engagement, political participation, culture, and history. Mecha chapters are often the only groups on campus that seek to open the doors of higher education for our communities and strive for a society free of imperialism, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Our Mecha chapter is focused on self-determination and education through art and workshops. We host art-based workshops, such as screen printing, spray painting, and block printing to name a few, led by either students or experienced artists we bring out. We also focus on unlearning and reeducating ourselves and our community on issues in our community. All members have the opportunity to create their own workshops. Contact: mecha.uwmadison@gmail.com.Instagram: @mecha.teejop. All links at LinkTree.
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (UW-Madison Chapter)
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), is a student organization open to all University of Wisconsin students. Our goal is to assists members with developing the skills and tools to succeed in the professional world. Members also have opportunities to network with professionals in agriculture, natural resources and other related sciences. The national organization of MANRRS hosts an annual Career Fair and Training conference. Members may participate in workshop sessions, keynote addresses and a national career fair. Contact: uwm@manrrs.org. Instagram: @manrrs.uwmadison.
Mecha de Teejop
Mecha means flame in Spanish, it represents the fight for the liberation of all oppressed peoples. Mecha are a student organization that promotes higher education, community engagement, political participation, culture, and history. Mecha chapters are often the only groups on campus that seek to open the doors of higher education for our communities and strive for a society free of imperialism, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Our Mecha chapter is focused on self-determination and education through art and workshops. We host art-based workshops, such as screen printing, spray painting, and block printing to name a few, led by either students or experienced artists we bring out. We also focus on unlearning and reeducating ourselves and our community on issues in our community. All members have the opportunity to create their own workshops. Contact: mecha.uwmadison@gmail.com.
Pathways for Advocacy & Care
As pre-health students, we’ve often faced challenges in finding accessible opportunities to gain clinical experience, meaningful volunteer work, and mentorship. Too often, students must navigate this process alone—searching for patient care roles, figuring out certifications, and trying to balance it all with school. PAC was created to address these gaps. Our organization is designed to support pre-health students in building strong foundations for their careers while also serving the Madison community. By creating partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers, PAC provides students with streamlined access to training, service opportunities, and mentorship. At the same time, we recognize the importance of giving back. PAC members will not only gain hands-on experiences to prepare for their professional journeys but will also engage in service that uplifts the health and well-being of the broader community. Contacts: kgvazquez@wisc.edu & coidowu@wisc.edu. Instagram: @uw_pac.
Professional Association of Latin@s for Medical School Access
PALMA is a student organization at the University of Wisconsin Madison, founded in the spring of 2008 by several UW-Madison pre-med students. PALMA is meant to provide yet another resource to pre-med students at UW-Madison. The mission of PALMA is to provide resources for, but not exclusively to, Latino/a students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who are interested in medicine and/or a medical career. PALMA aims to expand the participation of groups who have traditionally been underrepresented as doctors. To best serve students, PALMA will offer a number of resources for Latino/a students to enhance their academic and civic credentials for successful entry into medical schools across the country. These resources include mentoring, MCAT information and preparation, networking, social support, shadowing, volunteer opportunities and professional development. Most importantly PALMA desires to maintain an environment where collaboration and respect among those students who aspire to be a part of the medical profession is fostered. Contact: palma.uwmadison@gmail.com. Instagram: @palma.uwmadison.
Promoting Awareness-Victim Empowerment UW (PAVE-UW)
Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE) is a student organization dedicated to preventing sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking through education and activism. It reaches out to students through our interactive peer education workshops, volunteer and all-campus events, and awareness-raising campaigns. Its vision is a campus community that practices healthy sexuality, expects and offers respect, and celebrates pleasure so enthusiastically that is incompatible with violence. Contacts: chair.pave@gmail.com. Instagram: @paveuw.
Puerto Rican Student Association.
The Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA) is committed to promote and introduce the Puerto Rican culture to the students and community of UW-Madison by way of hosting diverse events throughout the academic year that engage the community, build camaraderie among its members, and create a familial environment. Our goal is to create a community where Puerto Rican students, and those interested in learning more about our culture and heritage, have space where they feel like they belong, are represented, and can develop to become better individuals and professionals. Contact: Wiscopuertoricanstudentassociation@gmail.com. Instagram: @prsawisc.
Queer and Trans People of Color, UW-Madison
The Queer and Trans People of Color is an inclusive space built by and for queer and trans people of color at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It fosters a space for folks who identify as being at the intersection of being a racial minority as well as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Although the university has taken steps to cater to historically underrepresented students of color as well as students who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, separately, it has yet to integrate both of those identities into one intentional space. Through shedding visibility and orchestrating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment, QTPOC of UW-Madison hopes to combat this lack of representation and carry its community forward, with pride. It accepts all students from any racial, sexual or gender background in solidarity with its community but especially encourages queer, trans people of color to connect and be a part of the organization.
Because QTPOC are singled out as minorities in virtually every space, the organization is focused on establishing awareness and representation, building connections and elevating our community through continuously educating ourselves on the importance of the QTPOC community and celebrating our individual voices, creativity, struggle and shared resilience. Contact: qtpoc.uwmadison@gmail.com. Instagram: @qtpoc_uw.
SACNAS UW (Madison Student Chapter)
SACNAS was founded in 1973 by a group of minority scientists, and was incorporated in 1986 under the name of Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, Inc. SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. It achieves its mission impact through outcome-based programming and initiatives. The student org chapter is open to people from all backgrounds. Its main goals are:
To increase the number of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans with advanced degrees in science and the motivation to be leaders.
To increase the number of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in science research, leadership, and teaching careers at all levels.
To increase governmental commitment to advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in science resulting in increased resources, elimination of barriers, and greater equity. Contact: sacnaschapteruw@gmail.com. Instagram: @sacnas.uw.
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. (Delta Delta Chapter)
Sigma Lambda Beta (ΣΛΒ) is the largest Latino-based social fraternity established on cultural understanding and wisdom. Founded on April 4, 1986 at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, the organization is committed to create and expand multicultural leadership, promote academic excellence, advance cultural awareness and service while influencing its mission amongst all dedicated collegiate men worldwide. With over 144 entities consisting of colonies, chapters, and alumni associations across the country and in Puerto Rico, Sigma Lambda Beta is the largest historically Latino Fraternal Greek Lettered intercollegiate fraternity in America. Contact: slbdeltadelta75@gmail.com. Instagram: @wisconsinbetas.
Sigma Lambda Gamma Nat’l Sorority Inc. (Kappa Gamma Chapter)
Sigma Lambda Gamma (ΣΛΓ) (also known as Gammas or SLG) is a historically Latina-based national sorority with multicultural membership founded on April 9, 1990, at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa by five collegiate womyn who wanted an organization to empower all womyn. The sorority focuses on five principles – academics, community service, cultural awareness, social interaction, and morals and ethics – to unite their members as “hermanas por vida” (sisters for life). Since its beginnings, Sigma Lambda Gamma has implemented national programs to empower their members and womyn of the community, such as the Young Women’s Leadership Program and Emotional Intelligence. They have also partnered up with other organizations to improve political, educational, and social conditions in the United States. A sisterhood of over 8,000 members, the sorority believes that Culture is Pride, Pride is Success and explores the richness in the traditions of Latina culture. This encompasses the cultural heritages of Native Americans (North, Central and South), Europeans, Africans, Asians and their multiple and interesting mixtures. They celebrate the diversity of the backgrounds of all the members of the sorority, representing over 110 nationalities. Contact: slg.kgpresident@gmail.com. Instagram: @kg_gammas.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (UW-Madison)
The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation. Contact: shpemadison@gmail.com. @shpeuwmadison.
Voices of Courage for Equity and Social Justice (VOCES).
VOCES is a UW-Madison student-led organization dedicated to empowering Latino and immigrant communities, specifically focusing on issues related to DACA recipients, immigrant families, higher education accessibility, and broader social justice initiatives. The organization provides a space for students to advocate for their rights, engage in voter mobilization efforts, and foster community engagement, particularly around issues affecting Latino families, communities of color. VOCES aims to:
- Create a safe and supportive space for Latino and marginalized students.
- Increase political engagement and voter turnout among marginalized communities.
- Advocate for policy changes that ensure equitable access to higher education and protect immigrant rights.
Contact: vocesmadison@gmail.com. Instagram: @voces.madison.
Wisconsin Alumni Association: Latinx Affinity Group
This group within the Wisconsin Alumni Association seeks to build an inclusive local community of UW alumni and supporters united by Badger pride, spirit, and the desire to advance UW–Madison’s positive impact on the world. Contact: mariannarivera27@gmail.com. Instagram: @uwlatinxalumni.