The Latin Hispanic Alliance (LHA) at Appalachian State University cultivates a vibrant and supportive community, aiming to serve as a “second home” for its members. Meeting weekly in the Plemmons Student Union, the organization is dedicated to celebrating and promoting Latin and Hispanic cultures while offering a welcoming space for all who appreciate and respect these heritages.
Nahomi Balcazar Velazquez, a senior studying communication sciences and disorders and the president of LHA, has been involved since her first year and on the executive board since her sophomore year. Balcazar Velazquez emphasizes that LHA operates more like a family than a traditional club, which is why members refer to themselves as "la familia."
“We are here to provide a second home to people of Latin Hispanic heritage, to be another support, a home away from home,” Balcazar Velazquez stated. Beyond weekly gatherings, LHA works to ensure its members feel a sense of belonging within the broader App State community. Club leaders acknowledge that the university environment can be challenging for students from diverse backgrounds and take seriously their role in providing a supportive community.
Lea Morales, a junior in secondary education and one of LHA’s public relations chairs, highlighted the club's commitment to cultural pride. “We strive to keep that candle of pride in who we are and where we come from, and to share that with all our members, to remind them that they belong everywhere and that they can shine too,” Morales said.
LHA organizes numerous events each semester, rooted in rich cultural traditions and offering engaging activities to celebrate heritage. From playing “Loteria” at meetings to hosting large festivals, LHA connects students across campus. One of the largest events is the Hispanic Heritage Festival, held each fall during Hispanic Heritage Month. Balcazar Velazquez described it as a grand celebration on Sanford Mall, featuring food, performances, vendors, and an art exhibit that conveys the experience of being Hispanic or Latino.
In the spring semester, LHA presents its second major event, Sabor de Latino America, where volunteers cook cultural dishes from across the Latin and Hispanic world. Another popular event, and a personal favorite of Morales, is the Latin Olympics. Participants form teams to compete in mini-games based on Latin Hispanic culture, such as the “Payaso de Rodeo” dance. Morales expressed her enjoyment in seeing members have fun and share these moments of camaraderie.
Through its mission and events, LHA has prioritized increasing its presence on the App State campus, aiming to bring a fresh sense of diversity and inclusivity. Balcazar Velazquez noted that students have approached the club to express appreciation, stating they have found their community within LHA. She added that it is gratifying to see people trust the organization and view it as a space where they can be themselves or find a sense of familiarity that might otherwise be missing on campus.
Morales affirmed that LHA’s goal is to empower all members and the wider community to be confident in their identity, their origins, and their importance. She emphasized the club’s inclusive nature, stating, “We do not aim to exclude, but to accept anyone who comes to us.” Morales concluded that LHA serves as a reminder that "si se puede," meaning "yes, it is possible" or "yes, it can be done," encouraging members to overcome any obstacles they may face.
The Latin Hispanic Alliance meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union, Room 236. The doors are open to everyone seeking a safe place to be themselves, find community support, and explore and celebrate their own culture or that of others.
