WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
We aim to create a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where undergraduate and graduate students alike can share their perspectives on the Latin American region.
Kawsaxkuna is a Quechua word that translates to “seres vivientes,” or “living creatures.” We chose this name because it reflects our common humanity and our desire to cultivate an environment of mutual understanding, intellectual curiosity and compassion.
The Kawsaxkuna forum welcomes essays, articles and artistic submissions for publication. If you are interested in contributing, please email kawsaxkuna@gmail.com with your topic!
In addition to the blog platform and Facebook page, we hope that the annual academic journal will foster a better understanding of the diverse histories, peoples and cultures of this region. The journal of this name seeks to explore a range of social, political, economic, and cultural topics related to Latin America, enabling undergraduate and graduate students across Canada and abroad to showcase their ideas and research in an inclusive and accessible platform. The journal is interdisciplinary and submissions will be accepted from a range of mediums and perspectives.
MEET OUR TEAM
Ana Rodriguez Co-Editor in Chief |
Ana is currently in her third year of undergraduate studies, she is double majoring in Sociology and Latin American studies. Born in Colombia but raised in Canada, Ana has an interest in the Latin American diaspora and social issues surronding immigration. Besides working with Kawsaxkuna, she also works with OLAS as their Academic Director. In the future Ana hopes to pursue a career in law with a special focus in immigration and Latino communities.
In her spare time, you can find Ana catching up with friends over a cup coffee or perfecting her makeup portfolio! |
Prachi Singh Co-Editor in Chief |
Prachi is a third-year student double majoring in International Relations and Latin American Studies and minoring in French Linguistics. Born in Nepal to a multi-ethnic family, she has immigrated multiple times and is interested in the intersections of law, migration, social norms and minority rights in the Global South.
Prachi spends her free time trying to become a polyglot and hopes to pursue a career in law where she can put her knowledge of multiple languages and her passion for refugee and minority rights to good use (@theUN, please get in touch!) |
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Ana-Louise Polexe Associate Editor |
Ana-Louise is finishing her last undergraduate year, with a major in Latin American Studies, and two minors in Spanish and English. In her spare time she enjoys writing creatively, and eagerly takes on the challenges of academic essay writing. Currently, she divides her time as an executive member of the Organization of Latin American Students and trying to find the ideal space for dancing on campus. One day she hopes to work for the UN as an Information Systems Officer.
Favourite quote: “Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” -The White Queen, Through the Looking Glass |
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Cassandra Yanez-Leyton Associate Editor |
Cassandra is a fourth year student pursuing a major in International Relations with a double minor in Latin American studies and German studies. Of Chilean descent, she has always been interested in Latin American culture and politics and hopes to engage with Latin American affairs throughout her life and career.
For Cassandra, Kawsaxkuna represents an opportunity for her to refine her own editing and writing skills but most importantly, it will offer her the chance to continue learning beyond the classroom and give back to the community that has meant so much for her through her undergrad |
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Gregory Antono Associate Editor |
Originally from Singapore, Gregory is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, double majoring in Linguistics and Spanish and minoring in Latin American Studies. He is interested in the Asian diaspora in South America, as well as the language, culture and conditions of indigenous peoples in Latin America.
Upon completing his undergraduate studies in June, Greg plans to continue studying Linguistics in graduate school, with the eventual goal of studying the underrepresented languages of Latin America and embarking on a career in language documentation. |
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Karina Velazquez Associate Editor |
Karina is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Karina is currently double majoring in Political Science and Latin American Studies and hopes to study law in the future. She is fluent in Spanish, French, and English, and is in the midst of learning Italian.
Her hobbies include swimming and watching films. Karina is passionate about sustainable development and decreasing social inequalities in Latin America. |
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Leonardo Cosenza Associate Editor |
Leonardo is in his second year of undergrad here at U of T and is a Peace, Conflict, and Justice major. Born and raised in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Leonardo is interested in Latin American affairs, development, and strategies to tackle income inequality in the region.
After his undergraduate studies, he wishes to work in international development organizations operating in Latin America. |
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Shenhab Zaig Associate Editor |
Shenhab is a fourth year student in the Neuroscience Specialist program. She has a special interest in Latin American history and how it has shaped politics in the region.
In her free time you can find her writing, climbing and eating alfajores. Shenhab is an experienced writer and has published some articles with HER campus as well! |
