Daisy Gonzales-Castaneda: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage as a Trailblazer on Homecoming Court

Cindy Martinez

Daisy Gonzales-Castaneda, a first-generation college student, has been chosen for this year’s homecoming court, making her a spotlight figure just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month. As she embraces her role in the spotlight, Gonzales hopes to use this opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of representation and inspire others in her community.

Gonzales, a junior majoring in journalism, is known for her strong leadership skills and involvement on campus. She serves as the president of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated (LTA), a sorority focused on empowering women with unity, love and respect and promoting diversity. Running a solo chapter as a neo of Lambda Theta Alpha, Gonzales takes her commitment even further, working to create opportunities for potential members to grow and connect.

In addition to her role in the sorority, Gonzales is a multimedia journalist at WUTV, the campus television station. Gonzales has also brought news in English and Spanish. 

Gonzales is also starting to branch out into a new form of communication and volunteers at WOLF Radio. As the social media director for the Marketing Club’s executive board, she promotes events and engages with students on social media. 

“I enjoy West Wolf Community in so many different areas on campus,” Gonzales said. “It helps me connect with people from all walks of life and share our stories.”

This year, Gonzales decided to run for homecoming court because she wanted to represent the Hispanic community on campus. 

“I wanted to run for homecoming court to represent not just myself but the Hispanic community,” she explained. “It’s important for students to see someone who looks like them in leadership positions.”

Her decision to run for homecoming court aligns perfectly with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors the contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino individuals. Gonzales’ presence on the court serves as a reminder of the richness of Hispanic culture and its significance within the university community.

Gonzales embraces her cultural identity and actively works to create spaces where Hispanic students feel welcomed and valued. She understands first-generation college students’ challenges and uses them as motivation to keep achieving. 

Gonzales’ involvement in various campus activities shows her dedication to making a difference. She believes representation matters and wants other students to feel inspired to step into leadership roles.

As homecoming approaches, Gonzales is excited to connect with her fellow students and celebrate the diversity that makes her university unique. 

“I want everyone to feel proud of their heritage and know they belong here,” she said. “Together, we can create a campus environment where everyone feels included and celebrated.”

Gonzales’ journey is a powerful reminder of one person’s impact on a community. As she steps onto the homecoming court, she does so as a representative of herself, a voice for her Hispanic peers and an advocate for positive change. Her story inspires students to embrace their identities and strive for leadership, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant campus environment for all.