Lion VoicesMarch 29, 2022

Lion Voices: Jennifer Negrete-Ibarra

Written By: Samantha Contreras

Happy Monday, Lions! Today’s #LionVoices feature is ¡Sí Se Puede en UAFS! representative, junior, Organizational Leadership major Jennifer Negrete-Ibarra. A first-generation college student, Jennifer works two full-time jobs to help support her family, serves as vice-president of the Spanish Club, and is a member of the Sister Hood Expansion.

Though she’s incredibly busy with her work and school commitments, she focuses her limited time on helping UAFS create an inclusive environment for the Hispanic and Latinx communities.

“Being Hispanic/Latinx is a blessing. My people work hard, we are not quitters. Hispanic people have a huge heart and they are willing to give you the shirt off their back,” Negrete-Ibarra said.

At tonight’s Hispanic recruitment event at Zapata’s Restaurant in Fort Smith, Jennifer will join fellow UAFS students, faculty and staff to share information about degrees, admission, financial aid, career paths, and more in both Spanish and English.

“For all those first-generation students who like me had no idea what to do, this event will provide guidance. The Hispanic community can now create a plan based on the information we share and the relationships they begin at this event. To help educate our peers and our elders makes it easier for them to understand the process that college students go through as well as how they can contribute to their success.”

“I am honestly very excited to be a part of this event. It is very heartwarming to be able to give back to my community in a way that enriches them.” said Negrete-Ibarra.

Jennifer is very dedicated to the work she puts in to help others and make a difference in the Fort Smith community. She said, “In the Spanish Club, we provide a safe space for students to come out and connect with each other. We want to be the place where Hispanic students can talk to each other about anything they need help with. If our members can't help them then we want to be able to connect them with someone who can provide the guidance they need.”

Jennifer says she aims to make her ancestors proud, knowing they sacrificed a lot for her to not only dream but accomplish her dreams and pave the way for those that come behind her. She is the oldest of three siblings, and says she is grateful to her parents, Yolanda and Efrain for everything they do to help her continue her studies at UAFS.

To read more about tonight’s event, visit: https://uafs.edu/news/2022SiSePuedeEnUAFS.php.

• Tags:
• Hispanic Heritage
• Current Students
• Feature