With several risk factors affecting local young Latinas at disproportionate rates, Saturday's Soy Unica! Soy Latina! rally had an important goal: Helping girls make smart decisions.
The rally, organized annually by Latinas Unidas, attracted more than 150 girls to the University of Rochester for a Saturday morning mix of fun and serious business.
Girls aged 7 to 18 participated in workshops on topics such as healthy living, healthy and unhealthy relationships, personal finance, cultural traditions and college admissions.
"It's a great opportunity to meet new friends," said Mila Sutton, a 14-year-old Spencerport High School student who has been attending Soy Unica! Soy Latina! for years. "It really makes you appreciate who you are."
University of Rochester freshman Stephanie Hoppe has fond memories of attending past Soy Unica! Soy Latina! rallies and stopped by Saturday's event for the Zumba demonstration and fashion show.
"It was definitely an experience that helped motivate me and solidify my Latino identity," she said. "It's warm and welcoming and you learn a lot."
Latinas Unidas President Daisy Rivera Algarin said that this ninth annual rally placed a strong emphasis on higher education and hoped that each participant left the event saying, "I'm going to college."
Toward that end, girls were given tours of the UR campus, and their parents received information about available financial aid. Attendees also had the chance to mingle with UR students and Latinas who have found notable professional success. READ MORE
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