The beat of Latin American music and the hum of conversation in Spanish often fill Bentley’s student center during events organized by La Cultura Latina. At the heart of it all is Pedro Zorrilla, a sophomore from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who works as the group’s events coordinator. Between managing budgets, decorating venues, and promoting celebrations of Latin American heritage, Zorrilla helps create a sense of community for both international and continental-born students on campus.
We sat down to talk about what drives his work, how culture brings people together, and why La Raza, the group’s signature event, has become one of the biggest student-run celebrations of the year.
Laura Bello: What does your role as events coordinator involve day to day?
Pedro Zorilla: It doesn’t consume that much time day to day, but there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I register all our events through Campus Groups and help market them on social media. I also work with my co-coordinator, Talia Casado, on decorations and logistics. We have a limited budget, so we arrive a few hours early to set up before the event starts.
Bello: What’s the mission behind La Cultura Latina?
Zorilla: The main mission is to unite all Latinos. Family and friendship are such important parts of our culture. Especially for second-generation students who grew up in the United States, many only know their roots through their parents. We want to create a space where they can reconnect with that identity and meet people who share it.
Bello : How does the club balance members born in Latin America with those born in the U.S.?
Zorilla: It’s very important to bring everyone together. Most of our members are U.S.-born, so we’re always trying to involve more international students. We have a few on our executive board, and that helps us attract others. At the end of the day, we all share the same culture—whether you’re Mexican from Montana or from Guadalajara, it’s the same heart and the same pride.
Bello: What are some of the main events La Cultura Latina hosts throughout the year?
Zorillo: We have salsa and bachata nights that highlight Caribbean culture and Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition that we celebrate near Halloween. But our biggest event is La Raza. It happens every April and brings together dance clubs, musicians, and performers from all around Boston. We host about eight different bands, have food vendors, sponsors like Liberty Mutual, and even offer internships through them. Students get in free, and it’s a huge celebration of community.
Bello: Last year’s La Raza had an old-school reggaeton theme. What’s next?
Zorillo: You’re getting the exclusive. This year’s theme is going to be a 1950s classic vintage aesthetic. We’re calling it Cosa No Extra, and we’re really excited to bring that old-school Latin flair into the event. The decorations are going to be colorful and nostalgic—something that connects generations.
Bello: How do you get people to show up and stay involved?
Zorillo: Our marketing team does an amazing job. We promote everything on Instagram at @lclbentley, and we’re launching a TikTok soon. We also rely a lot on our freshman liaisons—they spread the word to new students and keep the excitement going through word of mouth.
Bello: What’s been the most rewarding part of your role?
Zorillo: When La Raza was featured on Telemundo. That was huge for us—seeing our event reach beyond Bentley and represent our community on television. I even appeared on TV with our former president. It made all the work worth it.
From organizing dance nights to getting La Raza on Telemundo, Zorrilla’s efforts go far beyond campus fun. For him, every light strung and every beat dropped is part of something bigger—building community through pride, rhythm, and shared heritage.
