Letter of Support for El Centro and director Elvira Prieto from 2016 Alum(na)
Since I first met Elvira during the Centro Frosh welcome, I have always admired her unwavering commitment to students. She consistently made herself available, and for many of us, she became like a second mom, ensuring we had proper meals and rest. Her welcoming smile made both El Centro and Casa Zapata feel like a true home away from home. As a non-Mexican Latinx student, I was acutely aware of the need for more diverse and inclusive programming at El Centro and Casa Zapata, and I was pleased to find that Elvira shared this vision too.
When I had the opportunity to work alongside Elvira as El Centro's Outreach Coordinator, I was thrilled to see her openness to student feedback and suggestions. Whether it was diversifying the pastries for Cafecito or collaborating with other student groups to promote representation, she embraced these initiatives with genuine enthusiasm. It was evident that she was genuinely invested in making El Centro an inclusive space for everyone.
One aspect I always admired about Elvira was her ability to strike a balance between honoring Stanford's rich Chicano legacy and creating room for an increasingly diverse student body. This task can be challenging, but Elvira always encouraged us to consider the bigger picture, ensuring that both traditions and progress were respected. Sadly, it seems that some students may not fully recognize the depth of Elvira's commitment to diversity throughout the years.
Now, having been a few years removed from Stanford, I can clearly see the immense value in Elvira's wisdom and experience. She has been a guiding force for Centro for many years, and I have complete faith that she will continue to lead with excellence in the future. The path forward for Centro lies in open dialogue and mutual respect, as we work together to forge a middle ground that considers and brings together everyone’s unique perspective.
Elvira's dedication to students and her ability to foster a sense of belonging within La Comunidad have been remarkable. I wholeheartedly believe that she will play an instrumental role in shaping the future of Centro for the better. Let us continue striving for a more inclusive and supportive community under her guidance.
Stanford Alumni, Class of 2016