Learning from Latin America

As a global region of diverse histories, cultures, languages, and political systems, Latin America offers vital perspectives on some of today’s most pressing challenges, including migration, democracy, environmental justice, and cultural expression.

Organized by the Outreach Program at the UCLA Latin American Institute, this series brings together scholars and community partners to explore how Latin American experiences and cultural knowledge can foster dialogue that connects diverse perspectives, enriches K–12 education, and promotes interdisciplinary exchange. By connecting  academic research with contemporary global concerns, the series highlights Latin America’s ongoing role in shaping international conversations.

Location: Via Zoom

Potential Speakers:

Favio Chavez
Topic: Recycled Sounds, Renewed Futures: The Story of the Cateura Orchestra
This talk will feature Favio Chávez, director of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura in Paraguay, an ensemble of children who perform with instruments made entirely from materials salvaged from the Cateura landfill. Chávez will share the story of how music, creativity, and community can transform conditions of poverty and marginalization into spaces of dignity, hope, and international recognition. The presentation will highlight the orchestra’s global impact, raising broader questions about sustainability, education, and the power of the arts to inspire social change.

Gaspar Rivera Salgado
Topic: Migration Across Borders: Lessons from Latin America
Professor Gaspar Rivera-Salgado will explore the complex realities of Latin American migration, with a focus on Mexican and Indigenous communities in the United States.

Benjamin Kanter- amazon