The Association of Latino Professionals for America is a national organization at Kennesaw State University that provides professional development workshops, career advice, scholarships and networking events to students.
Although ALPFA is a Latino-focused organization, students from any background and major are welcome to join.
ALPFA hosts monthly general body meetings throughout the school year, ranging from collaborative events with companies such as Deloitte and Sherwin Williams, to social events such as making vision boards and volleyball tournaments. During these meetings, members can learn useful career skills while simultaneously being able to socialize and network.
KSU reinstated ALPFA in the spring of 2023 after suffering from low attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My motivation to revive KSU ALPFA was driven by wanting to create a community where we advocate for one another and support each other’s successes and future endeavors,” current President Vidal Mendez said. “Additionally, my goal is to help inspire their stories and like our motto, ‘to help people stand a bit taller, speak more clearly and to help you to be the best you,’ in all academic, professional, and social aspects.”
One of the events for every ALPFA member is the annual ALPFA convention. Every year, ALPFA members from all over the country unite to attend workshops and network with some of the biggest companies in the nation.
ALPFA Vice President Nathaly Guevara describes her admiration for the organization and the opportunities it has provided her by attending the ALPFA convention.
“What I love most about ALPFA is its mission of developing Latinos by teaching very valuable skills that will help them make connections and break into the business world,” Guevara said. “The ALPFA convention was an amazing experience for me and has benefited me a lot. I went by myself to the 2022 convention in Orlando, Florida with a sponsorship that paid for my ticket and hotel. This was a huge leap of faith for me but I’m glad I did it. I’ve made so many connections and learned how to network.”
One of the highlights of Nathaly’s experience was obtaining a summer internship with Bank of America.
“I can proudly say that I was not the same person walking out of the convention in comparison to when I first got there,” she said. “Going with a group last year in San Antonio, Texas was heartwarming as I got to see others with me experiencing that too.”
Students who are interested in learning more about ALPFA KSU can visit their OwlLife page, or their Instagram where they post upcoming updates and activities.
