Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies 
Congratulations to the Latin American and Latinx Studies Majors and Minors of 2026!
2026 LALS Majors
Marco Antonio Amaral
Hillary Arreaga
Yenifer Garcia
Jasmine Myshell Guaillasaca Quizhpi
Lando Leyva
Analycia Destiny Melendez
Al Laurene Meyer
Ineiry Pena
Natalia Ramos Bellido
Veronica Polanco-Moreno
2026 LALS Minors
Ashley Acosta
Marbella Aguilar
Yaxlei Alejo Ortiz
Melanie Contreras
Guillermo Del Rio
Guadalupe Espinoza-Chavez
Bryanna F. Fabris
Mahala M. Garcia-Bartch
Stefany Morales
Johana Munoz Mejia
Eric Giovany Najera
Malena Parrado
Amanda Renee Rodriguez
Emely Maria Seda
Jaden Raam Welch-Jani
As part of the graduation ceremony, students were asked to reflect on thoughts or memories of their journey as a LALS Student. Here is what some of the 2026 graduates shared:
Melanie Contreras (Major: Nursing, Minor: LALS)
"Being part of the LALS minor has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Penn and a valuable learning experience beyond my required coursework as a nursing student. Through both classes and community engagement, I learned that some of the most impactful learning happens outside of traditional lecture-based classroom settings.
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was taking a Quechua language course with Sofía, where I not only learned the language but also reconnected with my grandmother’s Indigenous culture and heritage. That experience inspired me to become involved with Quechua at Penn and transformed how I engaged with my identity and community on campus. ABCS courses further allowed me to learn directly from Latinx communities in Philadelphia, reinforcing the importance of engaging with communities beyond the "Penn bubble."
My experience in LALS has shaped how I approach healthcare and strengthened my commitment to serving diverse communities with empathy, cultural awareness, and respect. I encourage future students to embrace opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, even if they feel unfamiliar at first, because those experiences can be truly transformative."
Jaden Welch-Jani (Major: International Relations, Minor: LALS and Economic Policy)
“Being a LALS student has given me an opportunity to explore the language, history, and politics of a fascinating region. The range of courses offered by the LALS department encourages curiosity and fosters both depth and breadth of knowledge. What I learned in my LALS courses has helped me be more effective in my work and more informed about key issues facing Latin America.”
Marbella Aguilar (Major: Biology, Minors: LALS and Chemistry)
"As a Biology major, adding a Latin American and Latinx Studies minor was one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey. It gave me the opportunity to learn more deeply about the histories, cultures, and experiences of the Latinx community while also helping me connect those topics to healthcare, community engagement, and social issues.
One of the things I appreciated most was being able to interact directly with the Philadelphia Latinx community through courses and projects. As someone of Mexican heritage, being part of LALS made me feel more connected to my own community and identity in a way that I truly value and will carry with me beyond Penn."
Al Meyer (Majors: LALS, Hispanic Studies, International Studies, and Entrepreneurship – Huntsman, BA in Arts and Sciences and Wharton
"I think LALS gave me a perspective on International Relations unlike anything I could have imagined. I truly enjoyed every class I took for my LALS major!"
Bryanna Fabris (Major: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Minors: LALS, Consumer Psychology)
"One might think LALS is a very specific major, but honestly, there’s so much to learn within it: Latin American history, culture, politics, art, and more. It never felt limiting to me. Instead, it gave me a deeper understanding of our histories and the ways they continue to shape our current realities. Studying LALS helped me see connections between the past and present, while also making me feel more connected to my own community and identity."
Analycia Melendez (Majors: LALS and Political Science)
“Being an LALS student is such a special and unique experience because it brings together a close-knit community of students who are deeply passionate about Latinx Studies and the richness and diversity within it. Every person I encountered through the center brought their own perspectives, interests, and experiences. I constantly found myself learning more than I ever expected.
One of the most valuable lessons I gained as an LALS student was the importance of remaining open to learning, growth, and new experiences. My advice to future students is to take advantage of every opportunity the center offers, whether that be courses, events, conversations, or travel experiences. The center provides so many meaningful opportunities that can shape both your academic journey and personal growth in unforgettable ways.”
Ashley Acosta (Major: Political Science, Minors: Sociology, Legal Studies & History, Latin American and Latinx Studies)
“Through my LALS minor, I was able to partake in beautiful and enriching experiences that shaped my time at Penn. Whether it was through visting DC, helping aslyum seekers file their application, or working in North Philadelphia, I found a sense of purpose that effectively bridged the gap between my academic interests and the vibrant communities they represent.”
Ineiry Peña (Majors: LALS and Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
“I loved the opportunity to feel represented in a space like Penn where I thought I wouldn’t find my place.”
Stefany Morales (Major: Biology, Minors: Latin American and Latinx Studies, Chemistry)
“During my time as a LALS minor, I took a class with Dr. Irizarry that was an ABCS course, which allowed me to give back to the community. What made the experience especially meaningful to me was being able to support the Latinx community in Philadelphia.
My group and I helped organize the Harvest Fair with Congreso de Latinos Unidos. Together, we co-organized a Harvest Fair with a $10,000 budget for Philadelphia’s Latino community. We coordinated vendors, food, DJs, transportation, and volunteers, and distributed over 60 donated coats, fresh produce, and community resources to families in Philadelphia.
Beyond this experience, I truly enjoyed all of my LALS classes. As someone taking many heavy science courses, my LALS classes gave me an opportunity to step back, think differently, and connect more deeply with culture and community.
Another class that stood out to me was Introduction to Latin American and Latino Studies with Dr. Ann Farnsworth. This class not only introduced me to an interdisciplinary set of research skills, but also helped me discover resources at Penn that are not often talked about. For example, I never would have imagined that I could learn sewing skills at Penn. Through this class, I found out that the Education Commons library has a sewing machine along with many other creative resources. For my final project, I decided to make a stuffed animal that was actually a corn plush made by me. I connected the project to the historical importance of corn as one of the major staple foods across Latin America.
These experiences would not have been possible without Dr. Irizarry’s and Dr. Farnsworth’s classes and the opportunities I had through the LALS minor. It is something I will always cherish.”