Students and faculty members from the Orvis School of Nursing gathered for a screening of “Translators,” a powerful documentary film that explores the experiences of Hispanic children who serve as interpreters for their Spanish-speaking families in healthcare settings. Organized by the Orvis Student Nurses Association, the Beyond Borders event brought together 60 attendees from the School of Nursing, including students and faculty members. Before the film screening, the student dance group Ballet Folklórico Cima de Plata performed traditional Mexican folklórico dances in an inspiring representation of Hispanic culture. The event also included a Día de los Muertos altar, or ofrenda, to honor the traditions and spiritual practices embedded within many Hispanic communities.
Directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker Rudy Valdez, “Translators” poignantly documents the lived experiences of bilingual Hispanic children of migrants. The film highlights the stories of families with underserved health needs due to structural barriers. Accessing language services remains one of the most persistent challenges for Hispanic and immigrant communities seeking medical care. The film screening was followed by an impactful panel discussion featuring nursing students and bilingual patient advocates, who advocated for protecting patient rights, improving translation services and delivering patient-centered care.
Professor Vania Carter-Strauss, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, director of Latinx Nursing Advocacy & Advancement at the Orvis School of Nursing, affirmed the event’s impact on diversity and culture in nursing education.
“As the only Latinx faculty member in the Orvis School of Nursing, I see every day how deeply representation matters. Latinx nurses make up only about 7% of the nursing workforce, while our communities represent approximately 20% of the population,” she said. “Events like Beyond Borders are powerful because they show our students — especially our Latinx students — that their identities, languages, and lived experiences are not barriers but strengths. Their cultural resilience and bilingual skills are essential to advancing health equity, and it’s critical that we highlight this and that they see themselves reflected in the profession they are preparing to lead.”
Andie Pereyra, a recent BSN graduate and former vice president of OSNA, emphasized the importance of healthcare workers advocating for Spanish-speaking patients.
“It was incredibly powerful and special to witness the documentary screened at the Beyond Borders event,” Pereyra said. “It is important for all healthcare workers to educate themselves on the systematic barriers non-English speaking patients and their families face. Healthcare workers have a responsibility to ensure our patients receive holistic care by supporting and achieving health literacy, regardless of the patient’s background. I hope we can create more events that educate future and current healthcare workers and celebrate our diverse community!”
Beyond Borders affirmed the importance of Latinx representation in nursing and highlighted how language is an essential expression of identity for many communities. Language and communication shape the way patients experience care. Beyond Borders demonstrated that culturally responsive care begins with awareness and grows through action. Through art, storytelling, education and discussion, the event encouraged students and faculty to embrace their shared responsibility in advocating for equity, inclusion and healthcare for all patients.
The Orvis School of Nursing extends its deepest gratitude to the student volunteers, faculty advisors, folklórico performers and generous supporters who made this event possible. By celebrating culture, honoring bilingualism and creating space for students to see their identities reflected, the event strengthened belonging while advancing truly equitable, patient-centered care.