Q&A with Latine Student Retention Specialist Rodrigo Gonzalez-Juarez: Empowering Latine students and celebrating Latine Heritage Month

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Q&A with Latine Student Retention Specialist Rodrigo Gonzalez-Juarez: Empowering Latine students and celebrating Latine Heritage Month

October 1, 2024

As we celebrate Latine Heritage Month through the month of October, we had the opportunity to speak with Rodrigo Gonzalez-Juarez, Western's inaugural Latine Student Retention Specialist. Located in the Office of Multicultural Student Services, Gonzalez-Juarez is currently working on securing space for WWU's new Latine Student Center - La Plaza.

This year's Latine Heritage Month theme, Raíces Latinas: Honoring Our Roots, pays tribute to the deep cultural, historical, and personal legacies that have shaped our community at Western. As we honor those who have come before us, we celebrate their contributions to creating a legacy that prioritizes community, connection, and care.

Join us this Latine Heritage Month for several events including Pan y Comunidad: Baking Bread at the Outback Farm, WWU Athletics - Latine Heritage Night, and a Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Whatcom Community College.

How can the WWU community help celebrate Latine Heritage Month?

The WWU community can celebrate Latine Heritage Month by attending and engaging with La Plaza's events, which showcase the diversity within the Latine community. It's important to recognize that the Latine community is not a monolith, and celebrating our cultural richness means embracing the varied experiences, traditions, and contributions of Latine students, staff, and alumni. Everyone is welcome to join and learn, creating a more inclusive campus environment.

Zooming out, what inspired you to pursue a career in supporting students in higher education, and how have your experiences shaped your approach?

My passion for supporting students in higher education is deeply rooted in my own experience as a first-generation Latino college student. With a Master's degree in Social Work and a background in academic counseling, I am driven to help underrepresented populations navigate the complex university system and achieve their educational goals. My goal is to create welcoming environments and impactful programming that empower Latine students to thrive and succeed.

As the inaugural Latine Student Retention Specialist, what are your main goals for the first year in this role, and how do you envision making a lasting impact?

My primary goal for the first year is to create a solid foundation of support for incoming Latine students. Initiatives like La Bienvenida, a welcome dinner held in Spanish aimed at centering Latine students and their families, and ongoing outreach will help foster a welcoming community and make important resources more visible and accessible. Additionally, I aim to reduce the burdens placed on Latine student organizations by providing spaces for wellness and organizing meaningful events throughout the year, ensuring that our students feel empowered and connected throughout their academic journey.

What resources do you believe are most crucial for Latine students at WWU both in and outside of the Latine Center?

One of the most important resources for Latine students is support in transitioning into the university environment, which includes engaging families in the process. Community-building opportunities are essential, as many students find comfort in spaces where they can connect with peers who share similar backgrounds. Beyond the Multicultural Center space, bridging the gap with campus-wide resources like mental health services and academic advising to feel more accessible for Latine students is key.

Looking ahead, what changes or improvements do you hope to see in the support systems for Latine students at WWU over the next few years?

This year marked the first time WWU hosted La Bienvenida, an event designed to welcome, support, and center incoming Latine students and their families. My goal is to build on initiatives like this to cultivate a stronger sense of community and connection for our students. Over the next few years, I want to see retention rates increase by ensuring Latine students feel fully supported both inside and outside the classroom. A major priority is securing a physical space for La Plaza, which will serve as an important space where Latine students can find community, resources, and a sense of belonging throughout their academic journey.

What advice would you give to incoming Latine students at WWU to help them navigate their college experience successfully?

My advice is to advocate for yourself and never hesitate to ask for help - whether from peers, professors, or campus resources. Get involved in student organizations and make an effort to build relationships with your professors, as these connections will provide valuable academic and personal support. By creating a strong support network, you'll have the resources to succeed academically and socially.