When Cynthia Sanjuan Huerta came to CMU as a freshman, she wasn’t sure she saw herself as a leader. She joined Prospanica — then a new student organization on campus — as a student government representative. Step by step, she moved into new roles, eventually becoming treasurer and now president of the group. Along the way, she found her voice, her confidence, and a community.
“Watching the leaders before me really helped me grow,” she said. “I came in shy and introverted, but this organization gave me the push to step into leadership roles and put myself out there.”
A welcoming organization open to all majors
Prospanica is CMU’s chapter of a national association supporting Hispanic professionals. Now in its fifth year, the group is one of the only student-led chapters in Michigan. While its mission focuses on professional development within the Hispanic community, it is open to all students, regardless of major or background.
“You don’t have to be Hispanic or Latino to join,” Sanjuan Huerta explained. “As long as you’re open to being involved, learning about our community, and building connections, you’re welcome.”
The group recognizes that many Hispanic and Latino students are first-generation college students navigating new challenges. Prospanica provides resources and a supportive network to help them — and anyone who joins — learn how to interview, network, and prepare for their careers.
Blending culture and professional growth
Prospanica isn’t just about résumés and interviews. Members also celebrate culture and collaborate with other student organizations across campus. One popular tradition is the annual flan cook-off, where Prospanica partners with the Organization of Asian Leaders to showcase variations of the dessert found in both cultures.
“It’s fun and it brings people together,” Sanjuan Huerta said. “We want people to feel like this isn’t another class. It’s a place where you can have fun and still grow.”
The group also organizes tortilla-making events, cultural cookouts, and professional development workshops like résumé reviews before the career fair. These activities create a balance of community-building and career preparation.
“While Prospanica is a fun, open, and engaging group, the members are serious students passionate about learning and wanting to make a positive difference at CMU and beyond,” said faculty advisor Mike Pisani. “Importantly, Prospanica models servant leadership in their care for and sharing with others.”
An intimate, supportive community
Sanjuan Huerta describes Prospanica as close-knit and welcoming. “If we see a new face, we make sure they don’t feel left out. We mix and mingle, and we try to get everyone talking so they know their voice matters.”
For her, the friendships have been just as meaningful as the professional benefits. “It’s a little tight-knit community within the College of Business, but also across campus,” she said. “You find your people, and it really helps you feel like you belong.”
How to get involved
Prospanica meets every other week, keeping the time commitment manageable for busy students. There are no local dues, making it easy to join. Students can find meeting times and updates on Instagram at @prospanica_cmu, or reach out to Sanjuan Huerta by email at sanju1c@cmich.edu.
“We just want students to have an opportunity to walk into an environment where they’re welcome,” Sanjuan Huerta said. “Even if Prospanica isn’t the right fit, we’ll help connect you to other groups that might be. It’s about creating opportunities and building connections.”
