La Red de Hispanos partnership shows students the importance of giving back and building community

Former University of Niagara Falls Canada student shares the impact of volunteering

Since closing the book on his final term as a student at the University of Niagara Falls Canada in the fall, Gian Carlo Noa Donaire has been taking time to reflect on his journey, both inside and outside the classroom.

Among the experiences that have shaped his time in the Master of Management (MMgt) program,   Donaire said his volunteer work with La Red de Hispanos, a community-driven organization that supports Spanish-speaking migrants across Canada, stands out as one that connected his academic learning with a deeper sense of purpose.

After meeting with Raquel Narjavas, La Red founder, and attending a networking event in Toronto, Donaire was inspired by the organization’s commitment to supporting the Hispanic community. It was at that moment that he knew he wanted to get involved.

“I’ve always been involved in volunteering because I like to help others,” said Donaire. “Seeing what La Red does for people inspired me to join them and bring the support they offer to Niagara Falls.”

This led to Donaire teaming up with fellow MMgt student, Irving Mendoza, to deliver a variety of events across the Niagara region. As events coordinators, the two students handled everything from early ideation through to execution. Together, they developed an annual events plan, coordinating dates, locations, and guest speakers, while also collaborating with the La Red on quality control, marketing, and event planning.

Through this work, Donaire has gained valuable experience that complements his academic studies and career goals. His involvement has allowed him to strengthen skills in coordination, communication, and leadership, while also expanding his professional network.

Beyond individual skill-building, Donaire believes partnerships like this play a critical role in helping international students feel supported.

“I think it has a huge impact in our community, especially for students,” said Donaire.  “We come from different countries and do not know anyone when we arrive to Canada, but this community can help all of us connect, network, make friends, and learn about all the resources that we have in Canada.

In addition to Donaire and Mendoza, other UNF students have made meaningful contributions to La Red de Hispanos through their volunteer roles. Denisse Contreras, a Master of Data Analytics student, has supported the organization as a Data Analyst, creating dashboards that help identify pain points, improve internal processes, and enhance user experience.

Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications student, Cristián Enrique Villarroel García, has helped shape the organization’s long-term direction. He has begun developing a two-year estrategy aligned with La Red’s core goals, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and expanded impact.

“The dedication of Gian Carlo, Irving, Denisse, and Cristián has made a remarkable difference for La Red de Hispanos,” said Narjavas. “Their leadership, creativity, and commitment have strengthened our events, streamlined our internal processes, and shaped a vision for our future. Their contributions are not only helping us grow, but they are also helping us better serve and empower our community.”

For Donaire, the experience made for a meaningful chapter in his UNF journey, one that reflects the value of experiential learning, community partnership, and giving back. He will be part of UNF’s first Convocation ceremony this May.