From Heritage to Hope: RIC’s 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
When Theresa Vasco first entered Rhode Island College, she didn’t realize how challenging it could be for a first-generation Colombian American student to succeed in higher education. During her first year at RIC, she faced difficulties, her grades fell below the institution’s minimum requirements and she was placed on academic probation. Two years later, she serves as a role model for others, is actively involved in college organizations and helps run events that preceded her arrival.
Her story mirrors the spirit of the 2025 RIC Hispanic and Latiné Heritage Month Celebration – Always Forward / Siempre Para Adelante – which highlights Rhode Island College’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution/Minority-Serving Institution (HSI/MSI).
“RIC became an HSI in 2022, and it has opened up many resources,” says Lehidy Frias, director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the lead organizer of this year’s events.
“I reached out to find those resources and connected with my academic advisor, Sarah Riley, as well as with Learning for Life, Student Support Services, the Tutoring Center, the Disability Center, Counseling Services and recently, the Unity Center,” says Vasco, who is majoring in youth development, with a minor in psychology.
Vasco’s involvement with all these organizations provided the opportunity to be invited as a panelist for Rhode Island College’s Presidential Hispanic Heritage Month Welcome Panel. Along with Associate Professor David Ramirez, chair of Spanish and Latin American Studies in the Department of Modern Languages; Elisa Castillo, assistant vice president for HSI/MSI initiatives at Salem State University; graduate student Amanda Solano, as well as alumnae Jennifer Gonzalez ’25 and Kathy Fernandez ’17.
Other guests include RIC leaders and state and community officials, such as Oscar Mejias, CEO of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan ’08, C.A.G.S. ’11, RIC alumna and TV/radio host.
Panelists will discuss the history, present and future of student success, highlighting the progress made so far, the ongoing efforts and the upcoming opportunities as RIC continues being fully student-centered.
“Dr. Castillo will discuss how her institution has leveraged state funds to support its Latino students through multilingual programs and hiring specialists who assist with writing and STEM,” says Frias. “David and Elisa will speak about what RIC could do, and Theresa will share how she’s being supported.”
Frias says that involving these leaders in these events will help RIC think intentionally about how to support their HSI status and students.
“Together, we will highlight the educational, economic and civic benefits of our initiatives,” she says. “Efforts that strengthen equity, promote student success and deepen community partnerships across Rhode Island.”
Vasco feels excited, happy and honored to be part of such an important discussion and meaningful event. “I truly believe that student voices have the power to create change in our society. I love seeing the community come together.”
“The idea of creating a sense of belonging not just for myself but for others is what inspires me. Knowing that I can help someone feel included or seen encourages me to participate in these events and get involved in ways that unite people,” she says. “I know that many Latino students may struggle in school, whether because of the language barrier or coming from different backgrounds. I just hope they can see themselves in me and feel represented.”
“Being part of an HSI institution means representation and a true sense of belonging,” Vasco continues. “It also means empowerment, especially as a first-generation college student. I feel empowered, I feel determined and I feel proud to be part of RIC, a community that recognizes and supports students like me.”
Hispanic and Latiné Heritage Month events will continue until Wednesday, Oct. 15, including the 2025 Latiné Summit, Always Forward / Siempre Para Adelante, a call to action and affirmation, on Friday, Sept. 26; and a discussion moderated by alumna Lt. Governor Sabina Matos ’01, featuring Luis A. Miranda Jr., author of “Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That is Transforming America,” on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
“The summit will bring together college students, faculty, staff and community members across Rhode Island in celebration,” says Frias. “Together, summit participants will explore this year’s theme through conversations about career success, personal empowerment and Latiné issues and activism.”
Hosted by Rhode Island College and co-sponsored by the Unity Center, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives, the Office of Alumni Affairs, the Rhode Island College Foundation and the Atrévete Center of Excellence for Latinx/Hispanic Social Work Practice, this year’s events offer not just tools, but hope and an opportunity for students, faculty and community members to gather, reflect and move forward together.