Advancing Leadership in Latina/o Communities: An Analysis of Prosocial Outcomes for Latina/o College Alumni

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 41
  In Roundtable Session: Latin@ Forms of Social and Cultural Capital Toward Higher Educational Attainment

Abstract

Many of the constructs that are used to determine outcomes for college graduates tend to focus on individual, materialistic markers of success such as wealth, rather than pro-social behaviors and transformational values developed and fostered through family, community, and culture. Using interview data collected through 3 focus groups with Latina/o college alumni (n=25) who participated in a national public policy programmatic intervention, this empirical study focuses on how Latina/o college alumni currently apply their knowledge and skills to their families, communities, and workplaces. The findings from this study have the potential to uncover culturally-relevant indicators of success such as civic engagement, social responsibility, and leadership that can cultivate the next generation of Latina/o thought leaders and transformational change agents.

Authors

• Michelle M. Espino Lira, University of Maryland - College Park

• Amilcar Guzman, Universtiy of Maryland, College Park