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While a student at 5X����, Ilianna Velez said she quickly realized that she was one of the few Latinx students on the Kent Campus. She didn’t let that deter her, however. In fact, it ended up fueling her determination to excel and led to her finding her purpose as a professional.

While pursuing her bachelor's degree, Velez participated in undergraduate research, with a specific focus on exploring the barriers for Hispanic and other minority students in either attending college or graduating.

Today, Velez, who received both her bachelor's degree and her Master of Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Kent State, is the assistant director of the university's E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center. The center has a mission to cultivate a sense of belonging and cultural affirmation for students. Velez epitomizes the university's values in helping to create a welcoming and diverse global community at Kent State.

“I am now in a position where I can work to eliminate barriers in place that would prevent Latinx students from getting access to higher education,” .

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com have launched a special series spotlighting 50 Hispanic leaders in northern Ohio, with Velez among them. The nominees come from a wide variety of professional arenas, including education, business, music, art, politics, activism and other areas. 

“In my current role, I work to ensure that our students’ needs on campus are being met and that they have all the resources needed to make it to graduation,” Velez said. “I also oversee the planning of Hispanic Heritage Month and work closely with our Latinx student organizations, staff and faculty to ensure we are honoring and celebrating our Hispanic/Latinx culture.

Michael Daniels, Ph.D., director of Kent State’s Student Multicultural Center, nominated Velez for the honor for her dedication to multicultural students on campus.

“Ilianna Velez is a pillar within the 5X���� community,” Daniels said. “She has worked to assist our Spanish and Latino Student Association host programs and events throughout the academic year.”

In addition to her recognition for Hispanic Heritage Month, Velez also was named one of the “.”

Photo Credit: Alexander Garrett, Pano Marketing; Source Cleveland.com