Two Spanish words — “mate,” meaning math, and “charlas,” meaning conversation or discussion — perfectly encapsulate an opportunity called Matecharlas for students in El Centro, the Community and Cultural Center for Latinx students, to practice math skills and Spanish, to talk through research and data collection, or even to get career advice.

Through Matecharlas, E. Fanny Jasso, advanced instructor in the College of Science's Department of Mathematics, partners with El Centro to offer weekly meetings to allow Latinx students to sharpen necessary skills for learning and deepen their connection to culture and community as part of their Virginia Tech experience.

Latina faculty members drive student success forward

Jasso received the College of Science Diversity Award for her work with Matecharlas in 2022. She said this program offers students so much more than help with their math homework.

“By combining math and Spanish, Matecharlas intends to reinforce the idea that each individual's identity and culture is an enhancement to the student's set of skills. Having access to informal chats with a Latina faculty member who is there to help the students contributes to the mission of representation of the Latinx community in STEM. Particularly, I want the students to feel supported by someone who understands their   background and can empathize with their experiences,” said Jasso.

Veronica Montes, director of El Centro, is also quite proud of the work Matecharlas is doing. 

“This program gives our students an opportunity to discuss problems, to learn about resources, and get help in a familiar space where students feel like they can really bring their whole authentic selves. It is a way for El Centro to say ‘I see you. I believe in you. You got this.’ Since Matecharlas started, it has grown considerably to include talking about career options, course advising, choosing graduate schools, or any combination that includes math, data, and research methods. I can see that the program is helping our students, and they feel comfortable getting help from a familiar face,” said Montes.

Better outcomes for students

El Centro, one of five Cultural and Community Centers that strengthen bonds and builds community among Virginia Tech students, reflects the university’s responsibility as a land-grant institution to offer a high-quality educational experience to Virginians, said Ellington Graves, interim senior associate vice provost for the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. “El Centro embodies the vision for all of our student programs — supporting students in the development of supportive communities and strong identities through which they can thrive at Virginia Tech and beyond,” Graves said.

Additional opportunities can be found through the Intercultural Engagement Center, Cultural and Community Centers, ExperienceVT, and more. Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month celebrations continue through Oct. 15. For more information, please visit: ccc.vt.edu/calendar/Hispanic-Latino_Heritage_Month.html

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