The Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA) will be making changes in order to expand their community.

Its message remains the same stating that they are a student organization “created to assist in the success of the Latino students and those interested in the Latino culture at Kent State University.”

“One of the things we’re really excited about is that we have a wider variety of events,” SALSA publicist Amanda Michalak said.

President of SALSA Natalia Roman wants to have a different approach for SALSA and collaborate with more organizations. Roman said SALSA is working with Black United Students on how their cultures intercept and the similarities between them. They also want to discuss their histories. Another event still in the works is with PRIDE! Kent on discussing stereotypes and trying to debunk them.

“We’re really trying to broaden our scope to include multiple organizations,” vice president of SALSA Erin Lafargue said.

Michalak said they’re working with PRIDE! Kent for Coming Out Week.

She said two panelists will represent SALSA, discussing how they came out to their parents and the difference in culture as a Latino.

Roman also said SALSA wants to build up a community. She said they want to expand their networks and provide more meaningful programs, such as programs that help toward identity.

“We want to be able to offer a safe haven,” Roman said.

She said anyone is welcome and accepted with open arms.

SALSA members want to raise awareness of the presence of Latinos at Kent State. They want to make the community more visible, Roman said.

SALSA will hold a fundraiser at Fresco on Sept. 24 from 5-9 p.m. and all proceeds go toward the organization.

“Right now our strategy is trying to be everywhere at anytime,” Roman said. “We’re trying to do as much as we can.”

Itzzy Leon is the ethnic affairs reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].