Every September, Republic FC teams up with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to support the educational journey of a deserving local scholar in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
This year’s recipient, Larisa Rosales, not only earned a special halftime recognition during the club’s Noche Latina match, but also got to share her culture with the fans in a performance with Nuevo Amanecer Folkloric.
“I discovered my love for Mexican folklórico when I was in 7th grade. My first year of dancing was just for fun because I enjoyed dancing and took great pride in my Mexican identity,” she explained. “Now, after 8 years, I have dedicated countless hours of practice that have transformed me from a timid dancer to a spirited and devoted performer. My ultimate goal with dancing is to educate people and allow them to connect with our art, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. I am grateful for having the ability to share a beautiful part of my culture in such a unique way.”
Sharing and connecting with her Mexican heritage is something that Rosales has always been passionate about, which has led her to pursue study anthropology at UC Davis. “When I started participating in cultural activities, I began to wonder what the people from my culture experienced in the past,” she explained. “I learned about how subcultures found in each region in Mexico, which led me to question and compare the cultural characteristics of each state and the factors that led to this diversity.”
“My first anthropology class deepened this interest and now I am fascinated by the field,” continued Rosales. “This scholarship will help to alleviate the stress of financial burdens, allowing me to be able to focus more on my classes and participate in academic opportunities such as internships or study abroad programs, which are essential to my success in the field of anthropology. These hands-on experiences will provide the best immersion into my cultural studies, allowing me to explore and share the rich heritage that has shaped who I am today, as well as engage in global cultural experiences.”
Since 2019, Republic FC has worked with various community partners – including SACHCC, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center – to award $14,000 to young people showing exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement.
