News and Events

Sep. 29, 2026

Research Report: Refugee Resettlement

Three Cambio Fellows recently finished a report for their research project funded by the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin. Through this work, they examined the factors that promote refugee economic self-sufficiency, well-being, and integration in the United States, with a particular focus on Missouri. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined national refugee survey data with interviews and focus groups, the research provides evidence on the conditions that help refugees successfully rebuild their lives after resettlement. Research Team Research Purpose This team utilized the Annual Survey of Refugees (ASR)…

Sep. 29, 2026

Key Takeaways from 25th Cambio de Colores Conference

The Cambio Center’s 25th annual Cambio de Colores Conference, held from June 3rd to the 5th this year in Columbia, Missouri, centered on the theme “En Comunidad, We Rise: In CoMO, We Lift Each Other Up!” The idea behind the event was to highlight the power of unity, mutual support, and community to bring about meaningful change. Over the course of the three days, nearly 100 registrants — which included any interested students, academics, practitioners, and community members — came together to listen to more than 75 presenters speak on topics ranging from civil rights and political participation, to…

Sep. 3, 2026

The Art of Welcome

Building Communities that Last! The Cambio Center is proud to partner with Della Lamb Community Services for a community conversation featuring an immigrant community member, a researcher, and a community leader as we explore what it means to create welcoming communities, particularly for newcomers. This is part of Della Lamb’s Walk for Welcome initiative, about which you can read more here! Our community event will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, 3:00-4:30 PM at the Missouri United Methodist Church (Corner of 9th and Elm St., Columbia, MO 65201).

Aug. 31, 2026

Hispanic Heritage Month

There are many events to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month in Missouri. Here are a few: ✏️ THE GIANT INKTOBER WALL – ONLINE ANY TIME! Featuring daily Inktober drawings by Professor C. Pazia Mannella and community submissions displayed in FAB on our Josephine Gallery Wall. Join the challenge: Follow daily Inktober prompts  👉🏼 Submit drawings for display by emailing :dgg8b@ missouri.edu or find more info on Instagram @mizzou_svs Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival Hosted by Hispanic Festival, Inc., this long-running community celebration showcases the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture through live performances, food, arts, and…

Aug. 3, 2026

Cambio de Colores 2026 

Thank you all! ¡Muchas gracias! ✨  On behalf of the Cambio Center, we want to thank everyone involved in the 2026 Cambio de Colores Conference: “En Comunidad We Rise”, held June 3–5 in Columbia, Missouri.   Did you know that during the three days of the conference, we: This is amazing! And it was thanks to your fantastic engagement. Thank you to all the organizers and participants for your time, expertise, and passion. We hope you found the conference both energizing and worthwhile. We look forward to staying connected and hope to see you at Cambio de Colores 2027, hosted in Kansas City, Missouri, June 2027!  If you would like to be part of our planning…

Aug. 3, 2026

Cambio Fellow Spotlight: Alejandra

COLUMBIA, Mo—While many people attend community events, Alejandra Gudiño is usually the one introducing strangers, translating conversations, and making sure everyone feels welcome. Whether she’s volunteering at a local event or helping a newcomer find resources, she has become a trusted resource for Columbia’s Latino community. But Gudiño’s story didn’t begin in Missouri. It began in Córdoba, Argentina, where she spent her childhood before moving to Colombia. Then, years later, she relocated to Mexico City to study archaeology, never imagining that her journey would eventually lead her to Columbia, Missouri. Now, living in Columbia, over the…

June 15, 2026

Educar el futuro desde hoy – Educating the Future Today

CIIDE, the International Research Center for the Development of Education, and their partner university in Colombia, Uniminuto, is one of Cambio Center’s core partners. We were thrilled to welcome our Uniminuto colleagues to the 2026 Cambio de Colores conference, where they presented on their vision for the future of education. What follows is a guest newsletter post about this important work. UNIMINUTO apuesta por una educación innovadora, inclusiva y transformadora UNIMINUTO’s Commitment to Innovative, Inclusive, and Transformative Education Hablar del futuro de la educación no significa esperar a que llegue. Significa…

May 21, 2026

The 2026 Spark Change Nominees Are…

Cambio Center’s “Spark Change” Award celebrates individuals who inspire change through their research and/or outreach focused on Latines/Hispanics, immigrant integration, and communities undergoing demographic change. With this award, we recognize the resilience, innovation, and impactful contributions of individuals who actively work toward bridging divides, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering sustainable change within diverse communities. Meet this year’s nominations! Esmeralda Aharon is a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer; she served 26 years in the Chaplain Corps, leading intercultural, crisis, and interfaith initiatives across diverse and rapidly changing communities, including during four deployments to the Middle East. At Saint…

Jan. 29, 2026

Dual Language Leadership

February 13, 2026 Supported by the Cambio Center and Midwest Dual Language Alliance, this year kicks off a new Midwest Dual Language Leadership Fellowship, a 4-month leadership and learning experience designed to deepen dual language educators’ and leaders’ impact as change agents specifically within the Midwest region. Applications are due February 13, 11:59 CT — apply here! [Application is now closed.] Who should apply?: Current dual language educators, coordinators, instructional coaches, and leaders committed to personal development and interested in cultivating a community network. (Note: Preference will be given to educators who currently do not…

Jan. 18, 2026

Stories of Resilience

February 10, 2026 Stories of Resilience – An Asian American Legacy is a Evening of Storytelling to be held on February 10 at 6 pm at Webster University, Browning Hall auditorium, 8274 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63119. This is a companion to the national traveling exhibit, Resilience—A Sansei Sense of Legacy, sponsored by the St. Louis Japanese American Citizens League at the STL Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. As part of Cambio Center’s year-long storytelling festival funded by the Missouri Humanities, we are proud to support this event, which aims to develop greater access…