Heart Work: The Handbook on the Surviving and Thriving of Cultural and Identity Centers in Higher Education

by Alex Romero Felix (Editor), Gary Santos Mendoza (Editor), Daisy Torres-Baez (Editor)

Overview

Heart Work: The Handbook on the Survival and Success of Cultural and Identity Centers in Higher Education highlights the experiences of higher education professionals working in these centers. This handbook offers a blend of personal stories and the latest research on cultural and identity centers, building on Dr. Lori Patton Davis’ 2010 book, Culture Centers in Higher Education: Perspectives on Identity, Theory, and Practice. Since 2010, these centers have navigated significant challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, and have increased focus on institutional racism.

The book delves into the experiences and histories of various cultural and identity centers, including Latinx/e Cultural Centers, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern Arab and Desi Cultural Centers, Native American/Indigenous Cultural Centers, Black/African American Cultural Centers, Disability Cultural Centers, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Centers, and Undocumented Student Resource Centers. In light of recent events affecting minoritized populations, it also covers topics such as evolving practices in cultural/identity centers, university politics, and strategies for practitioners to advance and sustain the Heart Work.

Heart Work offers community members - especially practitioners, faculty, and staff in higher education - an understanding of the recent environmental context of cultural and identity centers. As our society evolves, recognizing that identities are not monolithic and embracing intersectionality allows for a deeper understanding of oppression and lived experiences. This handbook aims to bridge the gap by continuing the research and practice of cultural and identity centers in higher education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781805921516
Publisher:	Emerald Publishing Limited
Publication date:	11/17/2025
Series:	Identity & Practice in Higher Education-Student Affairs
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Alex Romero Felix M.A. is Senior Academic Advisor at the A Center, University of Arizona, USA.
Gary Santos Mendoza M.S.Ed. is Director of the Intercultural Resource Center at Rutgers University-Newark, USA.
Daisy Torres-Baez MS is a doctoral student at Colorado State University, USA.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction; Alex Romero Felix, Gary Santos Mendoza, and Daisy Torres-Baez
Chapter 2. Celebrating and Supporting Latinidad on College Campuses: Latinx/e Cultural Centers; Alex Romero Felix and Daisy Torres-Baez
Chapter 3. Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern Arab and Desi (APIMEAD) Cultural Centers; Naima Chowdhury
Chapter 4. Supporting Native American/Indigenous Students' Survivance Through Native American/Indigenous Cultural Centers; Daisy Torres-Baez
Chapter 5. The Pandemic, BBRC and Me: A Non-Linear Path to Fostering Community and Building the UCLA Black Bruin Resource Center; Amanda Finzi-Smith
Chapter 6. The Rise of Disability Cultural Centers; Toni Saia and Elizabeth Anh Thomson
Chapter 7. Shining a Light on the Rainbow Heart Work: Reflections on LGBTQ+ Center Professionals’ Challenges and Motivations; Vanessa Aviva González-Siegel and Antonio Duran
Chapter 8. Our Existence is Resistance: Testimonios of Educators Working in Undocumented Student Resource Centers; Karla Silva and M. Elena Calderon Sandoval
Chapter 9. Developing Practices and Norms; Kevin L. Wright
Chapter 10. Supporting Multiracial Students in Identity Centers; Lisa Delacruz Combs
Chapter 11. Moving Forward; Alex Romero Felix, Gary Santos Mendoza, and Daisy Torres-Baez