Hello, Hola, and Olá,
As we wrap up the year, thank you for showing up for one another, celebrating our stories, and strengthening our alumni network during these critical times. Here is a quick recap from this year!
- Bolívar Connections/Conexões Happy Hours (DC & NYC, Feb–Mar)
- Kicked off the year with opportunities to reconnect and build new relationships across our UVA Bolívar Network community.
- Juntos Alumni Weekend (Charlottesville, April)
- Celebrated the culture, heritage, and shared experiences of Hispanic and Latino/e students and alumni.
- Summer Mixer with AAPAAN and Ubunye Alumni Groups (DC & NYC, June)
- Hosted an important space for cross-community connection that we plan to make an annual summer tradition.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Gatherings (NYC, DC, Charlottesville, Sept-Oct)
- Included a NYC food tour, a DC happy hour, and the UVA YAR networking event at the Latinx Student Center on Grounds.
- Scholarship Review (Underway!)
- Winners will be announced this spring.
Without your support, none of this would be possible. We are volunteer-run and primarily alumni funded. As we look ahead, we invite you to participate in Giving Tuesday. Your donations can directly support scholarships that help alleviate student costs and a leadership fund that brings our local events to life. If you can, please donate here. If you can’t contribute financially, we hope to see you at our events and to continue to share your journey, helping others feel connected and inspired.
We look forward to seeing you next year. Check out more pictures on our Instagram page!
Keep reading for an inspiring alumni spotlight.
Alumni Spotlight
Hi! My name is Edward “Eddie” Castillo (Col class of ’18). While at UVA, I was involved in multiple Latino/Hispanic organizations that shaped me in many ways. Like most students, I came into UVA believing I wanted to be one thing when, in actuality, I ended up becoming another thing. About halfway through my time at UVA, my dream occupation changed – I decided I wanted to become an immigration attorney. To accomplish this goal, I attended the Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh, North Carolina.
While it was not an easy journey, I am pleased to say I am a licensed attorney working in immigration, particularly business immigration. I spend my days helping employers with their immigration matters, with the goal of obtaining work visas for their employees. When I am not working, I love spending time with my little brother and my dogs, a labradoodle and a labradoodle/German Shepard mix named Goober and Luna, rooting for Washington sports teams, and trying out new breweries.
To learn all about Eddie’s career path, his networking advice, his inspirations, and what the Hispanic/Latine community means to him, visit the Q&A on our website.
Thank you. Gracias. Obrigada.
Whether you’re connecting with alumni and students, attending a mixer with other alumni groups, or sharing our mission with your friends, your support keeps this community strong. Stay tuned for more announcements and ways to connect.
- Whatsapp and social media: Join our WhatsApp community (we have groups for various cities), and/or follow our social media pages including LinkedIn and Instagram.
- Support students: If you are interested in helping on an ad-hoc basis (attending the occasional panel or connecting with students if we get a specific request) please fill out this interest form.
- Donate: Donate to our scholarships and our leadership fund. Thanks to your support, we’re able to provide scholarships to current students and support regional in-person meet-ups. If you are able, please consider donating to support our efforts of community building and connection.
- Share professional opportunities: Join our LinkedIn Private Group to share job openings, scholarships, etc. with other alumni.
- Connect with the board: If you are interested in joining the board or learning more about The Bolívar Network, please email TheBolívarNetwork@gmail.com to schedule a coffee chat.
- Share our mission: Lastly, be an ambassador of our mission. Share our events with your friends, and encourage them to participate in the steps above, especially to follow us on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram), and/or subscribe to our newsletter.