Latinx Initiative

We connect and empower Latinx business leaders, students, alumni, and partners across Southern California through community, awareness, and inclusive programming that supports the growth of Latinx leadership.

Featured Events

LXi Quarterly Cafecitos

Join us quarterly for an hour of cafecito and la comunidad! Get inspired by our guest speaker series and connect with fellow peers. We also offer professional development workshops and opportunities to engage with the Merage and Orange County communities.

Stay tuned for our 2025–2026 Cafecito Series announcement!

Association of Latino Professionals for America

¡Bienvenido/a to the ALPFAmilia!

Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) is the nation’s largest and longest-standing Latino professional organization, empowering over 95,000 members. At UC Irvine, we help students grow as business leaders through professional opportunities, networking, and community engagement. Join us by completing our Membership Application!

  @alpfa.uci

  ALPFA at UC Irvine

 

Latino Business Student Association

Founded in 2003, Latino Business Student Association (LBSA) is a student-run nonprofit dedicated to helping UC Irvine students of all backgrounds develop professional skills and careers while celebrating Latino culture. Guided by its pillars of Professional Development, Social Interaction, and Community Service—and grounded in Academic Achievement—LBSA empowers members to grow personally and professionally.

 

Featured Stories

Our stories highlighting the achievements, experiences, and impact of Latinx students, alumni, and leaders at the Merage School.

MORE SCHOOL NEWS

Rosa Navarrete Receives 2025 LEAD Award for Graduate Excellence

Rosa Navarrete Receives 2025 LEAD Award for Graduate Excellence at the Merage School

READ MORE about Article: Rosa Navarrete Receives 2025 LEAD Award for Graduate Excellence

Sarah Lopez Uses Business Skills to Promote Healthcare Justice

With three degrees from UC Irvine, Lopez is using the skills she learned in school to change the face of health care delivery for underserved communities.

READ MORE about Article: Sarah Lopez Uses Business Skills to Promote Healthcare Justice

Business Leader Gary Acosta on the Latinx Economic Powerhouse

In this episode of the Dean’s Thought Leadership Story series, Dean Ian Williamson sits down with Mr. Gary Acosta, an influential agent of the economy. They focus on the Latinx business community; Acosta shares his perspective and makes recommendations.

READ MORE about Article: Business Leader Gary Acosta on the Latinx Economic Powerhouse

Scholarships

The Merage Latinx Initiative is pleased to announce that new LXi scholarships will soon be available for students who exemplify the mission and values of our program. Additional information will be released during the winter quarter. Please check back soon as we share more details.

ALPFA Student Officers

Jannett Ciranda BA '26

VP of Marketing

Connor Ruffalo BA '27

VP of Finance

The ALPFA Convention developed me professionally, taught me new skills, and gave me the opportunity to interview on-site and secure an offer! I met people working for companies I was interested in, and they helped me not only find an internship, but also find my passion, where I fit in the corporate world, and my value as a candidate. I encourage my peers to get involved with ALPFA and attend the annual Convention to learn more about themselves and their unique career path!

Medha Sarkar BA '25
Co-VP of Development

Committee Members

Maritza Salazar Campo

Associate Professor of Teaching
Organization and Management

Burt Alvaro Slusher

Assistant Dean
MBA and Specialty Masters Programs

Natalia Sanchez

Senior Associate
Recruitment and Admissions
MFin

Lisa Shulman

Manager
MBA and Specialty Masters Programs
Strategic Initiatives

Past Events

October 8, 2025

LXi Summit 2025

May 10, 2024

LXi Spring Quarter Case Competition LEARN MORE >>

January 31, 2024

Latinx Initiative (LXi) x ALPFA Consulting Panel LEARN MORE >>

October 14, 2023

Latinx Excelencia: Unleashing Economic Power of the Mainstream Economy

The Merage School’s Latinx Initiative (LXi) hosted this year’s conference celebrating influential Latino leaders and supporting the next generation of professionals. Discussions focused on inclusive workspaces, evolving ways of working, and driving growth in the Latino market. In partnership with KIA Motors, LXi also sponsored the KIA Case Competition, where UC Irvine students developed innovative ideas for a chance to win a $2,500 grand prize.

October 13, 2023

LXi Kia Case Competition LEARN MORE >>

May 4, 2023

LXi Cafecito & Celebracion 2023 LEARN MORE >>

April 15, 2022

LXi Cafecito Series: ERG and Leveraging Your Network for Career Growth LEARN MORE >>

October 15, 2021

Latinx Initiative Conference: Embracing Community, Leading to Inspire

The inaugural virtual conference featured a welcome from Dean Ian Williamson, an overview by founding faculty member Professor Maritza Salazar Campo, a keynote from Lucy Santana, CEO of Girls Inc., and panels with leaders from Microsoft, Experian, and Health Net. The event concluded with a networking session and prize drawings for Amazon gift cards. LEARN MORE >>

View Conference Video