Latino Community Events in Tennessee

McKenna L. Cox graduated Magna cum Laude from Wofford College with a Bachelor’s degree in English, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. She holds a Master’s Degree in Romance Languages and Literature from UNC-Chapel Hill and is fluent in Spanish. McKenna received her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2005 with a concentration in Advocacy. McKenna has over a decade of experience in family law, domestic violence, mediation, powers of attorney, immigration, conservatorships, and litigation practice. She is a Rule 31 listed family mediator in the State of Tennessee. McKenna is also a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and the Catholic Charities CLINIC program for representation of victims of crime in immigration cases. She is member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Federal Bar Association and its Immigration Law Section, the Tennessee Bar Association, the LGBT Bar Association, is the past Vice President and Pro Bono Coordinator of the Washington County Bar Association, sat on the Board of Legal Aid of East Tennessee, and is currently a member of the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Johnson City, TN. McKenna has lived in Santiago, Chile and has travelled throughout Central and South America as well as Spain, the rest of Europe, parts of Asia, and most of North America.

The Latino Law Student Association at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee represents a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community within one of the region's most respected legal education institutions. This student-led organization serves as a vital support network for Latino law students navigating their legal education and preparing for careers in service to the public good. Operating within the framework of Winston College of Law's distinctive mission, the association embodies the values of the Volunteer spirit and the law school's dedication to producing conscientious leaders who care deeply about making their communities better places for all. The organization recognizes that law school can be an intimidating experience, and it works to create a welcoming, collegial environment where Latino students feel supported, valued, and empowered. Members of the association benefit from the law school's practical, hands-on educational approach, which emphasizes real-world legal experience alongside rigorous academic training. The association facilitates meaningful connections between students and mentors, creating pathways for professional growth and leadership development. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the Knoxville campus provides a unique setting for legal education that combines the rigor of top-tier legal training with the warmth of a genuinely inclusive community. The Latino Law Student Association contributes to the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences that define the Winston College of Law student body. Through cultural events, professional development activities, and peer support initiatives, the organization ensures that Latino students have the resources and relationships necessary to thrive academically and personally, ultimately preparing them to become excellent practitioners of law and dedicated advocates for justice in their communities.

Vandy VIDA represents the heart of Latin dance culture at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, serving as a vital student organization that celebrates movement, music, and cultural expression. Founded on the principle of accessibility and community building, Vandy VIDA welcomes dancers of every background and experience level into a supportive environment where passion for Latin dance is the only requirement. The organization has grown into a respected fixture of campus life, fostering connections among students who share a love for this dynamic art form. At its core, Vandy VIDA is driven by a mission to democratize dance education by offering completely free lessons to the Vanderbilt community. This commitment to removing barriers reflects the organization's belief that Latin dance should be accessible to all students, regardless of prior experience or financial circumstances. Beyond the classroom, Vandy VIDA creates meaningful opportunities for students to showcase their talents and celebrate their growth through performances and competitions. The organization's five-year tradition of hosting the Dancing with the 'Dores competition exemplifies how Vandy VIDA has woven itself into the fabric of campus culture in Nashville, TN. By nurturing both recreational participants and serious performers, the group provides a space where students can express themselves authentically while building lasting friendships. Vandy VIDA's inclusive approach and genuine passion for Latin dance have made it more than just a student organization—it's a community where the joy of movement brings people together and cultural traditions are celebrated and shared.

The Vanderbilt Latino Medical Student Organization represents a vibrant community of medical students united by shared heritage, professional ambitions, and commitment to advancing healthcare equity in Nashville, Tennessee. This student-led organization at Vanderbilt University creates a welcoming space where Latino medical students can connect, support one another, and navigate the challenges and opportunities of medical education together. Rooted in the values of community, cultural pride, and professional excellence, this organization recognizes that Latino representation in medicine enriches healthcare delivery and strengthens the profession as a whole. Members gather regularly to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and address the distinctive perspectives and concerns relevant to their community. The organization fosters meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom, creating a support network that sustains students through their medical training and into their professional careers. Based at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, the organization actively engages with both the medical school community and the broader Nashville community. Through collaborative events and initiatives, members work to increase visibility of Latino healthcare professionals and inspire future generations to pursue careers in medicine. The organization also serves as a bridge between students and faculty, facilitating conversations about inclusion and representation within medical education. What distinguishes this organization is its dual focus on personal support and systemic change. Members not only uplift one another through mentorship and friendship but also work collectively to advance awareness and action around healthcare disparities affecting Latino communities. The Vanderbilt Latino Medical Student Organization embodies the belief that strong community bonds strengthen individual success and contribute to a more equitable healthcare landscape.