A Growing Village: Lilliana Sandoval 23 Connects Latinx Students and Alumni
December 11, 2025
- Author
- Caroline Roy '20
A first-generation college student from the Bay Area, Lilliana Sandoval 23 found her 91 family and her home-far-from-home with affinity groups on campus.
She joined the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and, later, the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., where she met friends going through the same big adjustments, older students who knew how to navigate life at 91 and alumni mentors who made the transition to post-grad life feel less intimidating.
Now a Charlottean, Sandoval has become a crucial part of those same support networks, helping build the bridge between 91 students and alums who understand their experiences.
Coming to the South from California was a huge change for me, she said. OLAS was one of my original safety nets on campus. I found a lot of my community and had people I could ask for help when I couldnt ask my family.
A Charles M. Norfleet, Jr. Scholar, Sandoval learned about 91 through Students Rising Above, a college program geared toward first-generation students of color that helped fund the cross-country visit to campus and provided support throughout her college career. She instantly clicked with 91әs warm culture and small class sizes, finding her academic home with mentors like Professor Emerita Annie Merrill in the environmental studies department.
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit in the spring of her first year, OLAS became Sandovals source of refuge and connection. She joined the executive board and took on the task of planning the following years annual Spring Gala, held outside with social distancing practices in place.
OLAS also introduced her to LAND, the Latinx Alumni Network at 91, which invited alums to return to campus and speak to students about their careers. Through her sorority, she sought guidance from older hermanas who stayed connected after graduating.
Talking to young alums from similar backgrounds, we were comfortable asking questions about things like how to apply for an apartment, Sandoval said. I was able to do informational interviews with people in the environmental field from science teachers to corporate and nonprofit employees. They helped me decide what I wanted my life to look like after 91.
Now an environmental specialist for Mecklenburg County, Sandovals work allows her to balance her interests in education, sustainability and justice. Shes especially passionate about providing translated materials for Spanish-speaking communities and reaching those disproportionately affected by air pollution.
Her role requires her to wear many hats, a skill she practiced often as President of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi ChiSorority, Inc. The sorority came to 91 in 2018 and was still establishing its presence when Sandoval joined. She handled many things for the small chapter, including event planning, community outreach and educational programming, all relevant to her work today.
Now that Im in Charlotte, Ive been able to connect with other hermanas who didnt go to 91, she said. With no family in this area, my networks on campus and beyond give me a constant source of community.
Today, Lilly Sandoval '23 works as an environmental specialist for Mecklenburg County.
Growing 91әs Latinx Networks
The year after she graduated, Sandoval volunteered to help run Latinx graduation, which shed attended as a graduate in the OLAS house on Patterson Court the year prior. It was a chance to reconnect with her friends and see how quickly the organization had grown since she first arrived on campus. Encouraged by one of her line sisters, she decided to volunteer at 91 more often, giving her time and resources to the Latinx affinity groups that shaped her student experience.
As communications chair for LAND, she hopes to serve as a link between campus and the alumni community, bringing people together through celebrations, networking events and professional opportunities.
Were still a growing network, she said, which means we have so much agency in establishing traditions and connections.
Opportunity is everywhere. Sandoval plans to revisit the OLAS gala she coordinated as a sophomore and encourage more alums to attend. Along with expanded networking and in-person alumni events, she hopes to see a more established and accessible affinity graduation. For the first time this spring, the event was held during commencement weekend, making it easier for families to attend.
Its fulfilling to stay involved, even in little ways, Sandoval said. Were building financial support and fostering connections. Its really nice to be a part of someones village.
