USC LaFe
University of Southern California
About USC LaFe
LaFe is a vibrant student organization at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to building authentic Christian community among Latino/a students. Rooted in the values of faith, cultural identity, and service, LaFe operates as part of InterVarsity Trojan Christian Fellowship and functions within USC's broader Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. The organization recognizes that spiritual growth and community belonging are essential to the college experience, particularly for students navigating the intersection of faith and cultural identity.
At its heart, LaFe is driven by a commitment to developing Latino leaders who embody the love of Jesus Christ while honoring and celebrating the unique experiences and perspectives of their communities. The organization understands that Christian leadership looks different across cultures and contexts, and LaFe creates intentional space for Latino/a students to explore their faith in ways that feel authentic and culturally resonant. This approach fosters deeper spiritual connections and empowers students to become advocates for justice and compassion within their own communities.
LaFe's existence reflects USC's broader institutional mission to foster a vibrant community that encourages spiritual reflection, mutual understanding across traditions, and active engagement in building a just world. By providing a dedicated fellowship space for Latino/a students, LaFe addresses a specific community need while contributing to the larger interfaith and intercultural dialogue happening across the Los Angeles campus. The organization welcomes students at all stages of their faith journey, from those seeking to deepen existing beliefs to those exploring spirituality for the first time.
Under the leadership of Director Gabby Manriquez, LaFe continues to be a welcoming home base where Latino/a students at USC discover spiritual wholeness, develop meaningful friendships, and cultivate the personal responsibility and moral reasoning necessary to make a positive difference in their campus and broader communities.