Mayor bestows 2023 Hispanic Heritage Award on Alejandra Balc谩zar

TU鈥檚 Latine/x coordinator is one of five 麻豆传媒 recognized for community contributions

By Pamela Gorsuch on October 5, 2023

Alejandra with Mayor Brandon Scott
Alejandra Balc谩zar receiving a 2023 Hispanic Heritage Award from Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott and Councilmember Odette Ramos. (Photo courtesy of J.J. McQueen)

This week, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott presented Alejandra Balc谩zar with a 2023 Hispanic Heritage Award. The award recognizes Balc谩zar鈥檚 contributions toward advancing education in the Latine/x community.

Balc谩zar leads TU鈥檚 Latine/x Student Development Program within the Center for Student Diversity. The program offers resources and events to support students from Latine/x backgrounds in pursuing academic and professional success. Since assuming her role last year, Balc谩zar has launched monthly programming to strengthen community engagement, increase educational opportunities and foster a sense of belonging. One such program, a Cafecito & Chat speaker series, brings in Latine/x professionals to help students develop networking skills and cultivate internship and job opportunities.

鈥淎lejandra demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting and advocating for the needs of Latine/x and undocumented students,鈥� says Rhea Roper Nedd, Ph.D., director of the Center for Student Diversity. 鈥淪he has been instrumental in creating a safe, inclusive and empowering environment to ensure students have access to resources and opportunities necessary to succeed in their education and in life.鈥�

Balc谩zar is one of five individuals honored with the 2023 award, which is hosted by the Baltimore City Mayor鈥檚 Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA). The awards recognize members of Baltimore鈥檚 Hispanic and Latino community who have made outstanding contributions toward improving the community鈥檚 quality of life. Balc谩zar is the only 2023 honoree recognized in the award鈥檚 educator category.

Balc谩zar says TU鈥檚 students are the inspiration behind her work.

"I am deeply thankful for this recognition and for my partnerships with our exceptional Latine/x students and organizations,鈥� Balc谩zar says. 鈥淭hrough initiatives like Comunidad and the Latine Leaders Workshop, I remain committed to nurturing our students' talents, supporting their future successes and helping them achieve their aspirations."

CELEBRATING TU'S LATINE/X COMMUNITY

Connect with Latine/x changemakers, events and resources throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.