September 16, 2022 at 5:49 p.m.

In Honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month

Dear CSSW Community,

Every year on September 15th, we begin our celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. Through October 15th, we take a step back to reflect, honor, and celebrate the many contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities to our country. This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation, a message that resonates strongly with social work professionals.

The importance of inclusivity cannot be overstated. As you are well aware, it is critical to the work of social workers each and every day. In order for all communities to thrive, it is imperative that voices that have systematically been forced to the margins are heard.

We are inspired by the life and legacy of CSSW alumna Dr. Antonia Pantoja, who earned her masters from Columbia in 1954. Her portrait is displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. This seems like a perfect moment to lift up her work and its impact on education and youth. You can read more about Dr. Pantoja here.

Over the next four weeks, let us join together to celebrate the Hispanic and Latinx communities and their many accomplishments. Let’s also remember that there is much more work to do to achieve equity and inclusivity so that all can reach their full potential.

In community,

Melissa Begg
Dean & Professor

Karma Lowe
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Community Engagement