Student-Formed Association of Latino Professionals Marks First Year Providing Networking, Employment Opportunities
Even before starting a career, 91鶹ӳý students are accessing the additional connections and support they’ll need for future success—thanks to membership in a new organization.
Students Mariana Cornejo and Mario Manra formed the DU chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America, which marked its first anniversary in February. Known as ALPFA, the chapter is open to all majors and students, and is part of a national association that provides professional development, mentorship and community to more than 100,000 people.
At 91鶹ӳý, there were approximately 40 student members this spring and a leadership team of over a dozen.
“ALPFA connects Latino leaders for impact,” explained Mauricio Gonzalez-Sfeir, an executive in residence at 91鶹ӳý and faculty sponsor of its ALPFA chapter. “It tries to identify and push forward Latino leaders, but it is also inclusive—anyone can join.”
DU’s chapter has partnered with ALPFA Chicago, which provides networking opportunities for local student chapters and interactions with young professionals who can turn into mentors, Gonzalez-Sfeir said.
Through ALPFA Chicago’s partnerships with large companies, students can access workshops and special events to gain skills like interview preparation, resume writing, establishing a brand and more, he added.
Gonzalez-Sfeir also noted that an active ALPFA student chapter will perhaps lead to more employer participation in DU career fairs and recruitment as well.
For Cornejo and Manra, learning about ALPFA and attending an ALPFA Chicago symposium where attendees were able to interview with employers influenced their decision to create the student chapter, they noted.
“We realized we needed something like this on campus,” Cornejo, a junior, said. “We need these connections. We need people our students can look up to and not be afraid to ask for help.”
“ALPFA brings a lot of network opportunities, which I think are very important in the business world,” Manra, a senior, said. “We’re really hoping this ALPFA chapter continues to grow bigger and bigger,” he added.