The Latino Student Organization (LASO) proudly promotes and supports Harvard Business School’s Latino students and works alongside the Latino Alumni Association (HBSLAA). Representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and Latino heritage, LASO members spearhead initiatives related to MBA Admissions, alumni engagement, career development, and more to advocate for and empower the Latino community on campus and beyond.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked LASO members to share what being Latino at HBS means to them.
Being Latino means building and nurturing a community that feels like home, no matter where we are.
Growing up Latino in the US often involves adapting to a new way of life, one that demands resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of others who have walked a similar path before us. This support comes from many places—neighbors, church, school—but it is ultimately rooted in the profound love our community holds for each of its members.
In Latino communities, family is everything. But family isn’t just defined by blood; it’s shaped by the bonds we form with those around us. For many of us who are thousands of miles away from our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and mentors become our chosen family. As this family grows, the challenges we face begin to feel smaller and more manageable.
Being Latino is about cultivating this sense of togetherness. It’s about coming together to celebrate our shared culture, our joys, and even our struggles. It’s how we remind each other that we are loved, that our voices matter, and that there is always someone ready to offer guidance and support.
Ultimately for me, being Latino means recognizing that we are part of something bigger —a vibrant, resilient, and deeply connected community that transcends borders and unites us in our shared heritage.