ECC Celebrates Latinx Heritage Through Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch

To kick off Latinx Heritage Month, the third annual Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch took place at Elgin Community College (ECC) on September 18, 2026. 

Barbosa founded ECC’s Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) in 1990, providing encouragement and support to generations of students, particularly first-generation Latino students. 

“Jane Barbosa understood that getting to college and making it to graduation takes more than hard work,” said ECC President Dr. Peggy Heinrich. “Students also need people who encourage them, believe in their potential, and help make opportunities possible.” 

Melissa Barbosa-Guzman, ECC Board Trustee and Jane Barbosa’s daughter, welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of celebrating Latinx heritage. 

“I’m proud of our school,” she said. “I don’t take this for granted. I know this does not happen on all campuses and not even in all communities. Thank you to Elgin Community College for continuing this tradition.”

Illinois State Senator and ECC alumna Cristina Castro also spoke about Barbosa’s impact on her as a student and Latina woman.

“She helped break down barriers and stigma, especially for women of color, in particular Latinas, who, during her day, once they graduated high school, were told their responsibilities now were to get married and manage the household,” Castro said. 

The event featured a performance by ECC’s in-residence ensemble Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl and a keynote address by Sandy Lopez, Ph.D., retired director of the undocumented student resource center at Northern Illinois University.

The ECC Latinx Planning Committee also recognized three individuals for their contributions to ECC and the Elgin community. Elena Gardea, ECC Adult Education Transitions Coordinator, received the We Rise Staff Member Award. Victorino Rosales received special recognition for his contributions to the We Rise Scholarship, and Castro received the We Rise Community Member Recipient Award.

Elgin Mayor David Kaptain also attended the celebration and proclaimed September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Elgin. 

The Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch is part of ECC’s annual Latinx Heritage celebrations, which recognize the history, culture, and contributions of the college’s Latinx students, employees, alumni, and community members. 

Event Sponsors

ECC’s Latinx Heritage Month Committee thanks the sponsors and donors whose support made the Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch possible.

Legacy Sponsors: Consumers Credit Union, Morales Law Group, Friends of Susan Timm, and Vito Morales-Raza Country Club.

We Rise Sponsors: Sanjuana Alvarez, Mortgage Broker with Resonate Mortgage; State Senator Cristina Castro; City of Elgin; and the Law Office of Melissa Barbosa-Guzman. 

Empowerment Sponsors: State Representative Anna Moeller; Real Estate Broker Brenda Puga; Alero Financial; Joseph & Armida Dominguez; and Wintrust Financial. 

Auction and Raffle Basket Donors: Raza Country Club; Friends of Jane Barbosa; Judge Julio Cesar Valdez and Maria Valdez; Zamudio Realty Group; San Juana Alvarez with Resonate Mortgage; Morales Law Group; Maria Cortez; Mayra Gallardo with Realty of America; Eleazar and Yesenia Rodriguez; and Chicago Title Insurance Company. 

Mexican Sweet bread donated by Edgar Santiago.