Latino Virginia Oral History Project

Please note: This oral history project is a work in progress. Oral histories will be added as they are finalized.

Latino Virginia is a multidisciplinary collaboration between academics, students, and community organizations. The project seeks to improve our understanding, research, and teaching about the Latino community of Virginia. The project focuses on the experiences of first- and second-generation Latinos relating to community building, COVID, immigration, labor, gender, political changes, race, and life in Virginia. The Latino community benefits from the establishment of a platform for the presentation of their stories, we would use this database as the basis for research and publication on immigration to Virginia, and VCU students would benefit by gaining skills in interviewing and field research. This community-engaged project creates links between VCU and the Latino community and their organizations, opening a window into an increasingly multicultural state.

The Latino Virginia Project is an ongoing research project that collects interviews and oral histories in collaboration with community partners to understand the challenges facing the Latino community of Richmond and Virginia. This work is leading toward the establishment of research and an archive or database of interviews. As part of their training, BA and MA students conduct some of the interviews and build and maintain a website that would host both archival and published pieces on the community. As the project grows over time it will publish oral histories, podcasts, photographs, film interviews, community resources, and more. The archive itself would document the community, provide sources for multidisciplinary research, and offer a basis for community engagement, becoming a major resource to the Latino community.

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Interview with Karen Gomez (2024-03-24)

The following interview takes place between Katie Argueta, a VCU student and Karen Gomez, a newly admitted student in Accounting who is originally from Venezuela. In this Interview, Karen Gomez shares her childhood experiences, why she left Venezuela in 2017, adapting to life in Miami and then later Glen Allen, Virginia. Furthermore, This interview also explores the impact of the pandemic and the politicization of immigrants and Latinos in Virginia.

Karen Gomez, nacida en Caracas, Venezuela, compartió su historia de vida. Su padre falleció en un incendio a los ocho años, lo que la llevó a mudarse con su familia. Estudió finanzas y gastronomía en Venezuela. Se mudó a Estados Unidos en 2017 debido a la persecución política. Vivió en Florida y Virginia, donde enfrentó desafíos culturales y educativos. Su hija sufrió depresión debido a la adaptación escolar. Karen trabaja como delivery y estudia contabilidad. Destaca la importancia de la resiliencia y la adaptación cultural. Critica el uso político de la inmigración y enfatiza la necesidad de apoyo y liderazgo en la comunidad latina.
Interview with Antonio Fajardo (2024-04-24)

The date of this interview is April 24, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. In the interview with Antonio Fajardo from San Pedro Sula, Honduras by Eric Bowden. Antonio talks in this interview about his upbringing in Portsmouth, Virginia, his transition into the United States and navigating two languages at the same time. Fajardo also discusses being a Honduran-American, DACA, and the appreciation of his parents teachings.
Interview with Genesis Rosas (2024-04-18)

Genesis Rosas, interviewed by Barrett Brown on April 18, 2024, discussed her family's migration from Texas to Virginia, where she has a cousin. She noted Richmond's physical development but social consistency. Genesis, who commuted to VCU and received a scholarship for both undergrad and her graduate degree in the School of Pharmacy, says she faced no major obstacles. She described her experience with COVID-19, noting its potential financial impact on the Latino community. Genesis shared her family's coping strategies during the pandemic and their vaccination experiences. She emphasized her pride in her heritage, her family's support, and her involvement in a small Spanish church.
Interview with Samuel McMinn Bautista (2024-03-18)

In this interview, Samuel McMinn Bautista, a recent undergraduate student from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, who is of Salvadoran and American heritage, shared their unique experiences navigating their Latinidad in both personal and academic spaces. Furthermore, they reveal how intertwined their work and art is at times with their identity. Their narrative paints a picture of dynamic, multifaceted Latinidad, shaped by their Salvadoran-American heritage, revealing the diverse experiences of Latinx individuals within the United States and within the city of Richmond, Virginia.
Interview with Gisele Rosas (2024-04-18)

Giselle Rosas shared personal experiences with racism and discrimination in Virginia, while Barrett Brown and Rosas provided insights on immigration. Brown discussed confusion and anger at incidents of racism, while Brown and Rosas offered empathetic perspectives on the challenges faced by immigrants. Brown and Rosas discussed starting and growing a business as immigrants in Virginia, highlighting challenges and strategies used to overcome them. Rosas also shared their experience working with the Department of Health of Richmond and Henrico during COVID, providing bilingual support to hundreds of families. Rosas went on to add that they struggled to find the right ingredients and seasonings, leading them to start a business selling Colombian food. Rosas encouraged immigrants to dream big and provided insights on business leadership and COVID-19 impact.
Interview with Angela Gates (2024-05-21)

This oral history interview with Angela Gates, conducted by Mateo McMinn Bautista at Virginia Commonwealth University, explores her experiences as a first-generation mixed Latina navigating cultural identity, education, and career aspirations. Born in San Antonio, Texas, to a Panamanian mother and a Puerto Rican-Irish father, Angela recounts her bilingual upbringing, the challenges of relocating to Winchester, Virginia, and the cultural shifts she encountered. She reflects on the impact of her family's attitudes toward language and identity, as well as the difficulties of assimilating into predominantly white environments while striving to maintain her Latinidad. Angela details her academic journey, from attending a bilingual elementary school in Texas to earning her associate degree alongside her high school diploma, ultimately pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy at VCU. She discusses the barriers she faced as a first-generation college student, including financial challenges and a lack of familial guidance. Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a renewed connection with her Latin heritage, influencing her career path toward serving Spanish-speaking communities in healthcare. Angela’s story highlights the resilience and adaptability required to balance cultural heritage, personal growth, and professional ambition in a multicultural society.

She also reflects on her evolving religious beliefs, her immersion in Richmond’s diverse community, and her aspirations to work in Northern Virginia’s Hispanic healthcare sector. Throughout the interview, Angela candidly addresses familial tensions, particularly with her father, whose opposition to Spanish language use and differing cultural perspectives strained their relationship.
Interview with Christian Martinez Lemus (2022-10-24)

Christian Martinez Lemus is the Advocacy Specialist for CASA, a nonprofit organization which supports immigrant communities. The organization has more than one hundred-thousand individual members. Lemus discusses his parents’ origins in Guatemala, their journey to Stafford County, Virginia, where he was born, and his graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. He discusses life as a student at VCU, where he graduated with three degrees and played in the pep band, his advocacy work with CASA, and how the new governor has affected the community under his tenure. His work focuses on lobbying for trust policies in Fairfax County, and Safe Streets, a campaign focused on transit equity and safer roads. He discusses the challenges wrought by COVID-19, CASA’s vaccination campaigns, and awareness and relief efforts.
Interview with New Virginia Majority Organizers & Southwood Tenants Group (2022-10-24)

An oral history interview with Claudia Leolo, Sofia Vega, “Lady,” Marcela Salazar, Douglas Hernandez, and Consuelo Camacho. The interview was conducted on November 4th, 2022 at the Department of History’s offices at Virginia Commonwealth University. This conversation concerns several topics of interest centered on the 21st century Latin American experience in Virginia. Principally: the lives of residents in the Southwood Apartments complex in Southside Richmond; Latin Americans in the Richmond metropolitan area more broadly; and their personal histories building community. The community organizers provide personal accounts of their relationship to Virginia, what brought them into pursuing grassroots level political & social changes, and their organizing in Richmond’s Latin American community. The residents were also asked questions regarding these topics as relevant to their history, particularly immigration, adapting to life in the United States, and organizing for their rights as tenants at the Southwood complex. Both groups were also interviewed on their experiences during and perceptions of notable current topics of discourse, including the course of the Trump presidency and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interview with Mayerli Molina (2024-03-07)

In this interview, Mayerli Molina shares her personal experiences and perspective on navigating cultural identity and belonging in a multicultural community in Richmond. Mayerli also shares her experiences growing up in a multicultural environment and challenges of access to mental health resources for the Latino community. Mayerli also shares her diverse passions and interests and how they have emphasized the significance of cultural heritage and family traditions in shaping their tastes. Finally, Mayerli discussed her experiences navigating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and the unique challenges faced by the Latino community.
Interview with Emily Portillo (2024-03-27)

We discover more about Emily Portillo in this interview, which is conducted by Ashani Jeffries and takes place on March 27, 2024, in Richmond,Virginia. Emily Portillo has been enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University since 2022 and is majoring in history. Although Portillo was born in Fairfax, Virginia, she mostly grew up in Gainesville, Manassas, and El Salvador. Emily shares her support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and the inclusivity of all Latin Americans. Emily also shares about the complexities of valuing family in Latino culture while also disagreeing with her parents on things and considering herself a questioning Catholic.
Interview with Karla Ramos (2024-03-14)

In her interview, Karla explains her experiences as an American-born Latino of cross-cultural heritage with an El Salvadorian father and Colombian mother. She discusses her relationship to both of these cultures as well as the culture of the United States of America. She also speaks about the language barriers between her and her parents, experiences with English Second Language programs, and being an unofficial translator in work and social settings. Karla also discusses her complicated relationship with both the English and Spanish language, as well as her experiences traveling to her parents' home countries and how they have helped her to feel more connected to her culture. She also talks about how her extended family has aided in connecting her to her culture.
Interview with Adriana Rosales (2024-03-03)

This oral history interview with Adriana Rosales documents her migration journey from El Salvador to the United States, her educational and professional development, and her work within the Latino community in Virginia. Rosales recounts her childhood in Santa Ana, El Salvador, her reunion with her mother after a decade apart, and her challenges adapting to life and language in Chesterfield, Virginia, at age 15. Despite cultural and linguistic barriers, she excelled in school, pursued higher education at Randolph-Macon College, and discovered a passion for communications and public service. Her early career in Spanish-language radio and public outreach laid the foundation for her current role as a Multicultural Programs Coordinator for the City of Richmond. Rosales reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both personally and within the Latino community, and emphasizes the importance of immigrant representation, legal support, and community trust. Her story highlights resilience, cultural pride, and a commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of migration and integration. Through her narrative, Rosales advocates for recognition of immigrant contributions and the need for human-centered approaches to immigration policy.
Interview with David Ferrer (2024-03-13)

In this conversation with Asta Kyiv, David Ferrer shares his experiences growing up in a Latino family in Virginia, highlighting the resilience and determination of his family in overcoming challenges. He also discusses his experiences as a member of the Venezuelan diaspora, emphasizing the importance of community and connection for those affected by the crisis. Davis discusses his experiences with the Latino community in Virginia, highlighting the challenges of finding a sense of belonging. Through these conversations, the importance of family and community support in overcoming adversity emerged as a central theme, as well as the complexities of cultural identity and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on his personal experiences.
Interview with Selena Davila (2024-10-16)

Mahima Sosale interviews Selena Davila from Centerville, Virginia, at VCU. Selena shares her family background, including her parents' young ages at her birth and her close-knit family. She discusses her education trajectory, aiming for law school to focus on family or immigration law. Selena highlights her diverse work experiences, from food service to research and mentoring, and her involvement with LSA, which fosters a sense of community for Latinos at VCU. She reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on her family and the Latino community, emphasizing the importance of representation and open-mindedness towards diverse cultures.
Interview with David Rodriguez-Quiceno (2024-10-10)

David Rodriguez-Quiceno, a Colombian-American student at Virginia Commonwealth University, shared his family's background, highlighting his parents' migration to the U.S. through an exchange program. He discussed his upbringing in Northern Virginia, his Catholic upbringing, and the impact of the pandemic on his family. David emphasized the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Latino community due to their higher representation in essential jobs. He reflected on his privileged upbringing, his involvement in the Latino Student Union, and his aspirations in international studies. David also discussed the importance of education and the need for humane immigration policies.
Interview with Magaly Rodriguez (2024-11-30)

Magaly Rodriguez, un immigrante de Bolivia, compartir sus familias historia con la migración de Bolivia a los Estados Unidos y cómo se adpataron a la sociedad estadounidense. Magaly compartió la lucha de la salud de su mamá y como le sistema de salud en los Estados Unidos ayudaron bastante. Ella reflexionó en el tiempo de la pandemia y como afectaron su familia y la comunidad Latina. Habló sobre política con respecto a la deportación de Latinos. Magaly expresó su agradecimiento de los oportunidades y recursos en la Estados Unidos.

Magaly Rodriguez, an immigrant from Bolivia, shared her family's story of migrating from Bolivia to the United States and how they adapted to American society. Magaly shared her mother's health struggles and how the healthcare system in the United States provided significant assistance. She reflected on the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected her family and the Latino community. She also discussed politics regarding immigration in the United States. Magaly expressed her gratitude for the opportunities and resources available in the United States.``
Interview with Marlene Laynez Loarca (2024-10-20)

Gabriella Wise interviews Marlene Laynez Loarca about her background and experiences. Marlene, a former student at VCU, shares that her parents are from Guatemala and immigrated to the U.S. in the late 90s and early 2000s. She discusses the differences in her and her brothers' upbringing, noting her parents' more lenient approach in the U.S. Marlene also talks about her brothers' families, including their own migration and reunification stories. She emphasizes the importance of education and community, influenced by her parents' immigrant experiences. Marlene also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on her family and her views on immigration, criticizing the reduction of immigrants to statistics by politicians.
Interview with Angelica Ayala Jimenez (2024-02-13)

Angelica Ayala Jimenez was interviewed on February 13th, 2024 by Isabella Alpire-Roca. Angelica shares her experiences growing up in Arlington, Virginia, highlighting the diversity of the area and its impact on her life. She also discusses her experiences as a Latina living in the US, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation and understanding. Angelica discusses her family's experiences with gentrification in Arlington, reflecting on the impact of these changes in her community and cultural identity. Both speakers also share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the impact on their Latino family and the importance of wearing masks.
Interview with Georgina Martinez Minero (2024-02-07)

The following interview was conducted on February 7, 2024 where Jason Tejeda Molina interviewed Georgina Martinez Minero. Georgina shares that she has lived in Virginia most of her life and focuses on the journeys, challenges, successes, and family dynamics. The interview is focused on Georgina’s family background based in Harrisonburg as a family owned business, and her experiences growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood. Georgina Martinez Minero recounts her experiences during COVID-19 and how that affected her small family business as well as her educational trajectory. As a student at VCU majoring in Health Sciences, Georgina Martinez Minero aims to start her own dental practice in her mother’s neighborhood to give back to her community.
Interview with Osvaldo Duran-Rojas (2024-04-06)

This interview takes place on April 6, 2024 in Washington, DC where interviewer Mateo McCinn Bautista and current George Mason University (GMU) undergraduate student Osvaldo Duran-Rojas , from Washington, DC, talk about their particular experiences navigating their Latinidad in academic and social settings.Osvaldo Offers insightful information about his experiences in Washington,DC and on campus in Fairfax, VA, as a resident of Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant, two of the city’s most LatinX neighborhoods. Being from Mexico and belonging to the indigenous group Otomi, Osvaldo highlights his recent reconciliation with what Mexico means to him while also illuminating the complex dynamics of one’s indigenous roots and history in both their homes in Fairfax and Washington, DC.
Interview with Angie Lopez (2024-06-20)

Angie Lopez, a student at George Mason University, shared her experiences growing up in Los Angeles, California, and moving to Manassas Park, Virginia, at age 11. She discussed the cultural shock of transitioning from a diverse city to a smaller, predominantly white area. Angie's parents moved for better financial stability and safety. She faced challenges in school, initially struggling with English but eventually excelling. Angie studied Communications at George Mason University after switching from an Education major. She also discussed her involvement in the Latin Student Association and her work experiences, including coaching soccer. The pandemic significantly impacted her family, with her mother being hospitalized for over a month with COVID-19.Angie shares her thoughts on education, personal growth, and challenges faced within her community. The interview provides a valuable personal narrative, shedding light on the lived experiences of individuals in contemporary American society.
Interview with Nicole Roca Aguirre (2024-06-24)

Isabella Alpire-Roca interviews Nicole Roca Aguirre about her background and experiences. Nicole, originally from Bolivia, moved to the United States of America at age seven and faced challenges adjusting to life in Virginia, including language barriers and cultural differences. She discusses her journey to obtaining DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and later a green card, the financial struggles associated with legal immigration processes, and the limitations DACA imposed on her, such as ineligibility for FAFSA and certain loans. Nicole also reflects on her family dynamics, the impact of the pandemic on her community, and the importance of cultural pride and acceptance.
Interview with Joey Martinez (2024-10-11)

Joey Martinez shared his multicultural background, with his grandparents immigrating from Colombia, Italy, Argentina, and Spain. He grew up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Florida before moving to Northern Virginia, where he attended West Springfield High School. Joey is pursuing a bachelor's in International Studies with a concentration in Latin American Studies. He discussed his Catholic upbringing, his father's conversion to Islam, and his involvement in the Latinx Student Association at VCU, where he serves as president. Joey also highlighted the challenges of job hunting and balancing work and school, and reflected on the impact of COVID-19 on his family and the Latino community. Joey expresses his sense of belonging in Richmond, attributing it to his positive experiences and community he made through organizations and not from the school's resources directly. He shares his views on the issue of immigration, criticizing fear-mongering by politicians and the lack of focus on legal immigration processes. Joey emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing diverse cultures and not relying solely on media portrayals.
Interview with Cristina Sayegh (2024-10-17)

Cristina Sayegh shared her multicultural background, detailing her mother's Colombian roots and her father's Palestinian roots with an upbringing in Kuwait. She moved frequently during her childhood, living in Florida, Dubai, and Virginia. Cristina attended Langley High School in McLean and is currently studying at VCU, majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and a double major in Sculpture. She discussed her religious upbringing, her family's relocation from overseas to Florida, and then Virginia. In addition Cristina reflects on her experiences with the Latin community in NOVA and Richmond. Cristina also discusses her solo trip to Colombia which allowed her to delve deeper into learning Spanish, her heritage, and connection with family abroad. Further, she reflected on the challenges of COVID-19, her work experiences on campus and with work, and her views on immigration and cultural identity.