Identity Formation and Leadership Experiences among Student Officers of Latina/o Based Organizations and Sororities

• In Event: 2323 - Student Forum Refereed Roundtable
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 6. Marginalization Within the Academy

Abstract

Given that the presence of Latinas in higher education has increased since the 1990s (Gonzalez et al. 2004), it is important to address how women from traditionally underrepresented groups navigate higher education academically and socially. Previous research considers the reasons students join organizations and sororities for minority students but ignores the role of these organizations in ethnic identity formation or in providing leadership experiences and benefits for student officers. Using preliminary data from eight semi-structured interviews of student officers in Latina/o based organizations and sororities, I examine what motivates Latina women to join Latina/o based organizations and sororities and how participation influences racial and ethnic identity, leadership identity and the benefits of leadership. This study finds women join these organizations for their family-like relationships and social support. Moreover, women report feeling a greater sense of pride about their ethnicity, and as leaders, experience personal growth and increased confidence. Student officers in organizations and sororities for minority students appear to gain positive effects such as social support and opportunities for leadership experience.

Author

• Melissa Garcia, Indiana University, Bloomington