Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-18-2025
Abstract
This qualitative case study examines how Latina undergraduate students at an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) view culturally based sororities as tools for addressing exclusion and fostering belonging. Guided by Latinx Critical Race Theory and Strayhorn’s (2018) sense of belonging framework, the study centers eight first-generation Latinas seeking to establish a Latina-oriented sorority. Findings show students positioned the sorority as a means to challenge exclusionary norms, create inclusive spaces reflecting Latinx diversity, and cultivate leadership, mentorship, and cultural affirmation. This research highlights student agency and the transformative potential of culturally grounded organizations amid political threats to DEI and the rollback of HSI funding.
Recommended Citation
Cuevas, S. (2025). “We Needed Something of Our Own:” Latina Students, Belonging, and the Creation of Cultural Space at an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. Journal of Latinos and Education, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2025.2588270
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Taylor & Francis
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Higher Education Commons, Latina/o Studies Commons, Other Education Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript version of an article accepted for publication in
Cuevas, S. (2025). “We Needed Something of Our Own:” Latina Students, Belonging, and the Creation of Cultural Space at an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. Journal of Latinos and Education, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2025.2588270
It is deposited under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.