As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, the Center for Community Engagement is excited to spotlight Adelante Juntos, an organization making an impact on the frontlines.
Founded in Spring 2023 by Dariel Guerra (’25) and Alondra Mendez (’23), Adelante Juntos is an affiliate of the Spanish and Latino Students’ Association. Their mission is to “foster meaningful relationships between students and the local Latine community through public service initiatives.” Since its inception, they’ve consistently lived up to this mission!
Meet the Adelante Juntos 2024–2025 Executive Board:
(Left to right) Jonathan Bermudez ’27, Drea Restitullo ’27, Jazmine Cabriales ’27, Jaydee Ortez ’25
Jonathan Bermudez (’27), the Communication Chair, emphasizes that the organization provides a “unique opportunity for change and a way to uplift the local Rochester community with our students here at the University of Rochester.” He adds, “the sense of purpose that comes from building relationships between students and the local Latine community has been at the core of my commitment to this organization!”
Event Spotlight: Tienditas de Mi País:
Every spring, Adelante Juntos hosts Tienditas de Mi País, an annual event where they gather local and student-owned Latine businesses, services, and spaces in a flea market-style setup at Hirst Lounge. The event encourages students, faculty, and community members to network and foster connections.
Jaydee Ortez (’25), the Programming Chair, says Tienditas de Mi País is her favorite event. It reminds her of “la pulga” (flea market) from her childhood, and she especially enjoys connecting with the local artists and photographers.
Recent Initiatives:
Adelante Juntos regularly partners with community organizations such as the Father Tracy Advocacy Center, the Western New York Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies, and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies. The organization hosts food and hygiene drives, maintains community gardens, and organizes college workshops for local students.
During Fall 2024, Adelante Juntos has already achieved significant milestones:
- Through the Empower Her Initiative, they donated all menstrual product kits to the WNY Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies.
- They also partnered with the Al Sigl Community of Agencies to work on a community gardening project.
Recently, the organization collaborated with Nayeliz Santiago from the Monroe County Young Democrats to host a voting and registration information session. They also volunteered at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day.
Upcoming Events and Service Initiatives:
- Wednesday, October 23rd – Adelante Juntos is taking over the Spanish and Latine Students association Weekly Noche
- Friday, October 25th 3:00pm-6:00pm- Morado: The Color of Bruises, The Color of Resistance in the May Room
This event will be in collaboration with Nazareth University’s El Barrio, the David T. Kearns Center, The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, and The Medallion Program.
Stay connected with Adelante Juntos! Follow them on Instagram @ur_adelantejuntos or email them at uradelantejuntos@gmail.com if you’re interested in supporting or joining the organization.
