The UConn Hartford campus community brought energy, flavor, fun to the Hartford Times Building Courtyard on Sept. 16 with Viva la Salsa!—a lively celebration of Hispanic heritage.

Students, faculty, and staff gathered for an afternoon of cultural connection featuring a salsa dance class with instructor Rey Bermudez; a salsa tasting; and a creative career vision board activity to inspire future goals. The event also included a raffle and networking opportunities through a Career Center pop-up, blending culture and career readiness in one engaging program.

UConn held the event in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Mes nacional de la herencia hispana), which is observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on the nation’s history, culture, and achievements.

Lisa Werkmeister Rozas, professor in the School of Social Work, SSW Puerto Rican/Latino Studies Project, and a first-generation Peruvian-American, participated in the salsa lessons with other UConn SSW colleagues and students.

“The event was a vibrant way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and bring our community together through dance, food, and creativity,” she says.

Sponsored by the UConn School of Social Work, UConn Hartford Residential Life, the SSW Puerto Rican/Latino Studies Project, and the UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, Viva la Salsa! highlighted the Latino community while encouraging career exploration and connection. In total, 78 people attended including 63 students and 15 faculty and staff.

Additional photos of Viva la Salsa! are below and on Facebook.  (Olivia Drake/UConn Photo)