Presented by the OCC Counseling Center in collaboration with the Committee for Access and Belonging.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, (September 15- October 15) the OCC Counseling Center and the Committee for Access and Belonging invite you to Encuentros: Culture, Community & Conversation — a four-part fireside chat series centering Latinx voices, experiences, and perspectives. 

Featuring Alan Chirino, LPC, Of Water, Earth, & Spirit Therapeutic Arts, each conversation will include facilitated discussion, interactive activities, and audience Q&A. 

Encuentros centers the lived experiences of Latinx students and communities while creating space for students of all backgrounds to listen, reflect, share, and learn together. 

Series Topics and Dates:

Tuesday, September 15 | 12:30–1:45 p.m. 
Machismo & Marianismo Gender Roles 
Express Yourself with Lotería Cards 
Explore traditional gender expectations, identity, and self-expression. 

Tuesday, September 22 | 12:30–1:45 p.m.
“Hustle” Culture & Generational Work Ethics
Talk about messages around work, success, sacrifice, and rest across generations. 

Tuesday, October 6 | 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Colorism in the Latinx Community
Explore skin tone, beauty standards, identity, and belonging. 

Tuesday, October 13 | 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Language and Cultural Belonging
Discover how communication shape identity and belonging. 

Where: Library, 2nd Floor Tower Room 

Questions? Contact the OCC Counseling Center at counselingservices@ocean.edu. 

We hope you’ll join us!