By Aurora Hermosillo
Alma Latina has been approved as an official IVCC student organization and has elected its first slate of officers.
The group was organized in the fall semester to promote the Hispanic Culture at the college and in the surrounding communities.
Advisor Pat Cole said the club's mission statement includes providing a support system for students with educational and discrimination problems, motivating and promoting volunteer work, tutoring non-English speaking families and non-Spanish elementary teachers, and developing self-esteem of the group members.
Newly elected officers include president Marcelino Avalos, vice president Cecilia Barios, secretary Vanessa Marquez, treasurer Liliana Hernandez, and social chair Lori Arteaga.
Members are currently working on a Global Store project to raise funds to rebuild a library in Guatemala.
Recently, members of the organization worked as translators for Cookie Kingdom, translating a 10-page factory manual into Spanish.
The group has also been giving cultural presentations at area high schools and sponsoring taco sales in the cafeteria.