Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month

Dear Wilson College Community,

Welcome to Latinx Heritage Month 2023!

The month actually spans two months, from Sep. 15 to Oct. 15, and provides an opportunity for us to celebrate and learn more about the cultures, accomplishments and history of Americans with Latin American heritage.

In fact, the start date of the month itself is actually a celebration in itself: Sept. 15 is an independence day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, according to the Library of Congress.

Wilson College Wolfpack Inspired by Latinx Heritage

Here at the Wilson College of Textiles, we are lucky to have talented students who draw from their heritage as a source of inspiration.

Lisbeth Arias (FTD ’15): Owner and Founder of Descalza

Arias, who was born in El Salvador, collaborates with Latin American artisans to develop the woven fabric for her special occasion garments.

“When I started Descalza, I knew that fashion is a way that we express ourselves, and as immigrants in this country, we’re always trying to move forward but at the same time, we don’t want to let go of our roots. These textiles represent that. They kind of reconnect us to our history, to our ancestors.”

Click below to watch Arias’ story featured by PBS North Carolina.

“Fashion Technical Exploration:” Cecilia Monge (M.T. ’23)

“This collection features three looks inspired by different insects endemic to Costa Rica. My family is from Costa Rica and the yearly trips we took while I was growing up made me develop a profound admiration for its nature and culture.

Endemic species are those that are restricted to a geographical area and do not occur naturally in any other part of the world, similar to the Costa Rican way of life that is unique to the country and inimitable.

Each look has a unique source of inspiration: the velvet worm (peripatus solorzanoi), mud cricket (ripipteryx biolleyi) and butterfly (dynamine hecuba).”

Diversity Propels the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation

Diversity and inclusivity are interwoven into the core values that inform the work of the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), which serves as the college’s philanthropic arm.

The NCTF makes the college’s groundbreaking, industry-leading work possible. That exceptional work includes supporting change agents, glass ceiling breakers and equity seekers in a variety of ways. With the foundation’s financial backing and extensive network of connections, our college’s students, staff and alumni, including members of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council, can continue to further their understanding and celebration of diversity and inclusion.  

Find resources and community

Latinx Heritage Month is the perfect chance to learn and connect. Here are just a few of the opportunities offered through NC State:

• NC State Latinx Alumni Network
• NC State Latin American Student Association
• DEI Courses at NC State