UW Latinas Marching ‘Unidas Across Society’s Borders’ at Conference

Representatives from such diverse disciplines as psychiatry, nursing, literature and more will tackle such issues as depression, eating disorders and cultural identity at a special conference hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison April 25 and 26.

“Latinas Marching Unidas Across Borders” will be the theme of the fifth annual conference. Organized by the campus Latinas Mujeras, the events will feature a keynote address by Gloria Anzaldua, internationally recognized poet and author.

The conference will begin April 25 at 7 p.m. with an introduction of the speakers. On April 26, sessions will be divided into “Health and Spiritual Healing” (10:30 a.m.), “Latinas Measure of Identity” (1 p.m.) and cultural presentations (6 p.m.).

According to Nancy Rodriguez, conference co-chair, the event is intended as a possible agent of change. She says the multidisciplinary format is central to this mission.

“By fostering dialog and opportunities to network among diverse members of the community, we can work together to advocate for positive changes in our communities,” Rodriguez says. Some of those changes might include equitable health care, and in general, fostering more opportunities for Latinas in the workplace and political arena, she says.

In addition to eating disorders and depression, speakers will address topics including Latina lesbian issues, self-perceptions and identity. The theatrical company Tria Las Girlfriends will perform on April 26 at 7 p.m.

The conference is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Nancy Rodriguez at La Colectiva Cultural de Aztlan, (608) 262-9669.