Cultura
The Latino Center of the Midlands is a place where being Latino, Latina, or Latinx is celebrated. We’re a community center where culture thrives; a place where the door is open to everyone. Our community comes from many different countries and we created this page to celebrate that diversity.
Cultural Spotlight
My mom and I were born in Omaha, Nebraska, while her parents—and my dad—were born in Mexico. Growing up with a Chicana mom and a Mexican dad helped me understand both the differences and deep similarities within our cultures, and it shaped how I see myself today. I’m proud of a culture that is strong, dependable, and unyielding. Mexicanas have a long history of challenging patriarchal systems and leading with courage. One of my favorite examples is las Adelitas—and in my own family, that legacy lives on. There’s an Adela in every generation on my mom’s side, a reminder that strength is something we inherit.
Yvonne Sosa
LCM Board Chair, Assistant Federal Public Defender of Nebraska
Sayings and Slang
Si te lleva el diablo, que te lleve en buen caballo – If the devil takes you, may he take you on a fine horse (Mexico)
This phrase is told to someone who is taking a big risk or will be facing negative consequences.
Se me fue la pajarita – The little birdy left me (Costa Rica)
Used to express that you forgot something.
Mas lento que tortuga embarazada – Slower than a pregnant turtle (Argentina)
This expression can be used to describe someone or something extremely slow.
Charadas – Charades (Spanglish)
Most of our staff are bilingual, and at our office, you’ll hear a variety of Spanglish words. The correct word in Spanish is caras y gestos o mímica.
- I hate playing charades. Everyone always guesses what I am doing right away!
- Odio jugar a la mímica. ¡Siempre adivinan lo que estoy haciendo al instante!
Trailblazer
Luis von Ahn | Computer Scientist
Luis von Ahn is a Guatemalan-born computer scientist and entrepreneur whose work has expanded access to education worldwide. Growing up in Guatemala, his curiosity for puzzles and computers sparked a lasting focus on using technology to solve real-world problems. At 19, he earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University, becoming one of the youngest graduates in his field. He co-created CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA—innovations that help protect websites against spam and bots. He later co-founded Duolingo, a free language-learning app that has reached millions of people worldwide. Through this work, von Ahn remains focused on bringing together culture, curiosity, and technology to open doors and expand opportunity.
