The smell of pan dulce, the name for traditional Mexican pastries meaning “sweet bread,” filled the Library Plaza Oct. 14, as laughter and music buzzed in the background. With warm tamales and Red Bull Italian sodas in hand, students browsed tables filled with handcrafted jewelry and art that told stories of heritage and pride.
El Mercadito, hosted by Seattle University’s MECHA Club, brought culture, color and conversation to campus. The lively market-style event highlighted local Latine-owned businesses and paid tribute to the campus Latine community.
Seattle U’s MECHA chapter has long been committed to advancing Latine empowerment, culture and social justice. After several years without in-person programming, student leaders sought to revive the organization by creating events that unite Latine students and connect them with the broader Seattle community.
Second-year Nursing Major and MECHA Vice President Julissa Vasquez Mejia said the idea for El Mercadito came shortly after last spring’s elections. MECHA’s elected president, Lily Estrada, proposed the concept as a way to uplift and celebrate the Latine community on campus. The leadership team immediately embraced the idea and began planning how to bring it to life.
Over the summer, MECHA members spent hours contacting small businesses through calls, emails and texts in hopes of connecting with vendors across the city. MECHA’s members carefully selected each vendor to highlight local Latine artists and entrepreneurs.
“These are vendors who don’t often have the opportunity to be in institutions like a university,” Mejia said. “It took a lot of persistence and coordination to make it happen.”
This vision came to life through the vendors featured at El Mercadito, each bringing their own artistry and story to the space. Lula Terra offered Mexican artisan ceramics that are handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico, while Rice, Beans, & Happiness shared authentic Mexican food. To Be Known Photography captured candid moments and cultural pride through their lens. Thrift Oh Six brought sustainable fashion to the mix with secondhand clothing and accessories.
On the day of El Mercadito, the Library Plaza transformed into a lively center of cultural pride.
“One vendor was braiding students’ hair, and some girls mentioned how homesick they felt,” Mejia said. “But being there surrounded by the community made them feel okay.”
As a first-generation student who attended a predominantly white high school, Mejia said she initially worried she wouldn’t find community at Seattle U. She expressed the significant impact joining MECHA had on her.
“Joining MECHA and finding other people who thought like me, looked like me and made me feel welcomed, that’s what really mattered,” she said. “These events remind us that we belong here.”
That sense of belonging resonated with Glenda Lozano, a third-year strategic communications major who attended El Mercadito. She said it was refreshing to see Latine culture represented so visibly on campus.
“Representation is everything,” Lozano said. “That imposter syndrome sometimes hits way too hard. Being able to see and be around people you can connect with kind of soothes that feeling in a way.”
Among the vendors, Lozano said one stood out in particular.
“Luna’s had the most beautiful jewelry and colorful headbands,” she said. “Growing up in Washington, you don’t see that type of stuff. It reminded me of Mexico, and it was affordable too.”
The event also gave local business owners the opportunity to share their work with students. Jesus Garcia, owner of Cielo y Amor Candles, said his company specializes in candles made from ceramic vessels imported from Japan and Mexico.
“It was a fantastic opportunity,” Garcia said. “Seeing our community come together to produce something that not only promoted our culture but showed people that we’re here and we’re not going away was something that felt really close to me.”
Garcia started his business to save for college, but said it quickly became a passion. What began as something small became a creative outlet, giving him the chance to express who he is and engage with people through his art.
“I learned so much about marketing and creating a product that reflects my culture,” Garcia said. “Events like this give small Latine businesses a platform they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
The event also aligned with MECHA’s broader mission to create a safe space for Latine students, while promoting cultural and political awareness. Beyond celebration, it provided an opportunity for empowerment and education, inspiring students to interact with their heritage, teach one another and talk about issues that affect their communities.
“It’s important for us to be politically active and understand the struggles of our community,” Mejia said. “We can’t separate celebration from advocacy.”
She explained that events like El Mercadito are not just about celebrating culture, but also about acknowledging the resilience and activism that make it unique.
Looking forward, Mejia hopes MECHA continues to host events that are both joyful and activist-driven. She sees future gatherings that not only celebrate Latine culture but also address the social and political challenges facing the community. She believes MECHA can continue to raise unity, inspire leadership and ensure that Latine students feel seen, supported and empowered at Seattle U.
“Our community is under attack right now,” she said. “To be MECHA, you have to be willing to fight for our people, uplift the community, and stay connected—not just on campus but across Seattle,” Mejia said.
