Co-founder and VP of La Voz Latina proves herself while facing adversity

Sofía García

Photo Credit: TU Mass Communication Department

Deysi Granados Rivas is a Salvadoran first generation student who faced adversity and successfully pursued her dream career in Public Relations. She proved herself by becoming an executive officer for numerous student organizations, including La Voz Latina.

Deysi transferred to Towson University after attending prince george’s community college. This made for a difficult adjustment as she was accustomed to attending lectures with many other hispanic students. It was an uncomfortable shock when she realized that the people in her classes at Towson University were mainly white men. 

This however, did not let her feel intimidated. 

With the help of her family as a support system, and with much discipline, she managed to complete her degree in Mass Communications with a PR track. Her interest in this field first began when a friend mentioned that she would be great at public relations.

Deysi emphasized the importance of having a degree, especially as a Latina woman. She followed the empowering motto that her mom would always tell her: “Without a degree no eres nada.”

Though with much motivation to succeed, came burnout and hardships. She endured personal difficulties, including balancing a part-time job, and commuting, all while being a full-time student. 

Despite enduring a 2 hour commute during her first semester, Deysi still attempted to add responsibilities to her plate. 

“I just found myself always wanting to do something,” she said. “I just wanted to prove myself.”

As a result of her limited rest, she found herself unsatisfied with her GPA. However, she managed to pick herself back up and has made dean’s list for the past 2 semesters; further proving to herself that she can in fact be academically successful. 

Prior to branching out to Latino led organizations, Deysi did initially find herself wanting to blend in with the majority of students at Towson University. 

Towson women's soccer club was one of the first clubs that she became a part of. She had always wanted to do a sport, and this was something that she enjoyed, despite being one of the only Latinas on the team.

Further down the line, she branched out to student organizations that were led by Latino students. She luckily found a close-knit community through the Latin dance team, Pasión.

“I became captain of Pasión for a semester, and I loved it. I met my life-long friends there, and I always loved to dance. It was a way to express myself,” she said.

The community that she made at Towson University helped guide her through a new environment. Being part of numerous student organizations has helped her make connections. It later on led her to create a student organization where Latino students could express themselves.

Deysi became co-founder and Vice President of La Voz Latina at Towson University. Deysi always thought of how important it was for Latin students to have their own journalistic voice- as other newspaper clubs did not provide as much of a voice for minorities.

“There’s stories that should be told,” she said. “People should be aware of what’s going on in our society, not only by the news but by actual student voices.” 

She encourages others to take their time to figure things out. She herself emphasized how if she didn’t take the time to create La Voz Latina, then “there still wouldn’t be anything like this.”

She tries to tell others to not be intimidated by being the only Latin person in a room. Whether it’s in a classroom, a club, or a professional setting.

“If you don’t see your people there, then be the one who puts your people there,” Deysi Granados Rivas said.

Deysi will continue to prosper her career in PR after graduation. She is receiving a promotion from Maxwell Finish Inc. and is doing an internship as a social media manager for a small company. Through dedication and networking connections, she aspires to start her own small business.