Mesoamerican, Indigenous, and Caribbean Cultures Initiative
The Time is Now!
Ahora! Maintenant! Agora!
Our Mission
Recently we celebrated the centennial of The New School, a major milestone in its history. The central mission of the New School for Social Research in 1919 was to create an institution of higher learning in which refugees from Europe fleeing political and ethnic persecution could unite to pursue critical intellectual inquiry, freedom of self- expression, and most importantly to openly criticize and condemn policies and laws that would discriminate against communities because of race, nationality, sexual orientation or political persuasion. This philosophy and commitment stands at the heart of the institution then, and now.
at this crucial turning point in history, we are calling out to students, professors, and colleagues to join us to support our newly established initiative.
MICCI Events & Activities
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday
30
October
2025
Dia De Los Muertos
4:00pm-8:00pm
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School,
65 W 11th St, New York, NY 10011
October 12th
2025
AM:PM Gallery X MICCI Hispanic Heritage Event
2:00pm-8:00pm
108 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Past Event
May 02
2025
MICCI Launch: Centering Mesoamerican, Indigenous and Caribbean Presence, Voices and Knowledges in the University
2:30-5:30
39 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Past Event
Image author: Paolaricaurte
Who We Are
We are MICCI — a unified and passionate vanguard of students and faculty dedicated to meaningful change within The New School, uplifting and empowering Latine, Caribbean, and Indigenous peoples. Together, we seek to reimagine and diversify our curriculums, support emerging artists and scholars, and cultivate a genuine sense of community among Latine students across the university. Though we are many, we often find ourselves disconnected, separated by majors, schools, or simply by the absence of community and third space.
Latine students consistently show some of the highest transfer rates at this university, and more often than not, it’s tied to this sense of disconnection. We’re hoping to change that.
Salma Elsherif Lopez
Co-President
Jaime Arredondo
Founder & Director
Mariana Vivoni Gracia
Co-President
Representation
We reclaim our stories and our spaces — ensuring Latine, Caribbean, and Indigenous voices are seen, heard, and celebrated at every level of The New School.
Community
We aim to cultivate belonging through connection, care, and collaboration transforming isolation into solidarity and building a home for Latine students across the university.
Diversity
We seek to reimagine and diversify our curriculums while supporting emerging artists and scholars, reflecting our commitment to expanding and enriching The New School community.
MICCI Forum
The importance and necessity of the Orozco Room and its impact on the future of The New School.