La Conexion: Mentorship for Latino and Hispanic Students Seeking Law School
by Briana Palmer | April 10, 2023
Toledo Law’s Latino Law Student Association (LLSA) has partnered with the undergraduate Latino organization Global Latinx Student Union (GLSU) to establish La Conexion, a mentorship program for Latinos and Hispanics considering law school. The program began in October 2022 and has already gained nine undergraduate students as mentees.
La Conexion’s former President and Co-Founder, Patrick Naranjo, shared the program's objectives: "Our short-term goal is to assist and guide students who aspire to attend law school. Our long-term goal is to increase the number of Latino and Hispanic students at the University of Toledo College of Law."
If a student chooses to attend Toledo Law, they will become an LLSA member and have access to assistance with externships, internships, and job connections throughout their time in law school. The program is an outstanding opportunity for networking, mentoring, and engagement with undergraduate students. Patrick believes that "This program may help connect and bridge the undergraduate programs and the law school."
If a La Conexion mentee decides to attend a different law school, LLSA will connect them with their corresponding LLSA chapter, the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), and the National Latino/a Law Student Association (NLLSA). These organizations provide a diverse range of resources and guidance for Latino and Hispanic law students. The program's ultimate objective is to promote resources and support for underserved populations, regardless of whether they attend Toledo Law or another institution.
Valentina Campos Yanez, President of GLSU, is one of Patrick's mentees. La Conexion helped her navigate the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the law school application process. Yanez appreciates the program, stating, "La Conexion has been an invaluable resource in assisting me with developing a plan to achieve my goals and has provided me with a more profound understanding of what it takes to achieve them. The support and encouragement I have received from the community of Latinos/Hispanics involved in LLSA have been genuinely inspiring." She continued to say that seeing other Latinos and Hispanics support and uplift each other in the program motivated her to work harder towards her goals, with the hope of giving back and assisting others in achieving their dreams. She highly recommends the program to anyone considering law school.
La Conexion highlights the importance of community support and mentorship for underrepresented groups in pursuing their academic and career goals. The LLSA and GLSU partnership provides an excellent opportunity for Latino and Hispanic students to connect and learn from each other. Latinos and Hispanics, along with other underrepresented groups, face unique challenges and barriers in pursuing higher education, particularly in fields like law. Programs like this provide invaluable insight into the process and promote increased diversity and inclusion, making it all the more possible for students to achieve their dreams.
Connect with the Global Latinx Student Union
Connect with the Latino Law Student Association