University Canada West presented an Honorary Doctorate to community advocate Francisco Javier Barajas at its Fall 2024 Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, October 29. 

Mr. Barajas has been a staunch advocate for both the Mexico-Latino and the LGBTQ2+ Latino communities in Canada and the United States. Over the past 30 years, his involvement in these communities has been extensive, from founding new associations to organizing financial education fairs and cultural events for Mexicans and Hispanic-Latinos in Vancouver.  

Mr. Barajas received a Doctor of Laws degree. 

“Your presence here is a beautiful testament to the power of diversity,” Mr. Barajas told the crowd at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tuesday morning. “Each of you carries with you the rich traditions, values and resilience of your homelands. You have enriched our community, sharing knowledge and culture that goes far beyond what textbooks can offer.” 

Mr. Barajas is President of the Hispanic Canadian Chamber of Commerce, a group he co-founded. He also served on the Cultural Communities Advisory Committee for the City of Vancouver from 2012 to 2018 and was nominated for the Civic Assets Naming Committee in 2017. He is also one of the founders of Red Global MX of BC, where he served as President from 2016 to 2018.   

In 2012, Mr. Barajas initiated the raising of the Mexican flag at Vancouver City Hall to celebrate Mexican Independence and recognize the contributions of the Mexican community to Vancouver. For the past 12 years, he has advocated for the City of Vancouver’s official proclamation of Mexican Independence Day.  

Mr. Barajas also created the Spanish Community School “Lazos Hispanos,” which taught young Canadian-Latinos about the importance of preserving their native language and heritage and was involved in the creation of the Vancouver Latino American Cultural Centre. 

In his speech to students, he spoke about how convocation isn’t the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. 

“Your journey ahead is filled with opportunities to innovate, to lead, to build and to give back. As you move forward, remember that success is not defined solely by the titles you hold or the wealth you accumulate, but by the impact you make on the world. 

“As you leave this convocation hall today, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of your families, your communities, and your nations with you. But more importantly, remember that you have within you the strength, resilience, and wisdom to create a brighter future.” 

As part of his long-term commitment to community investments, Mr. Barajas has been proactive in meeting with consuls and ambassadors from Latin American countries over the past 25 years in both Chicago and Vancouver to develop new initiatives.  

“We are delighted to bestow an Honorary Doctorate on Francisco Javier Barajas, recognizing his dedication to the Mexico-Latino and LGBTQ2+ Latino communities,” said UCW President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bashir Makhoul. “He has played a pivotal role in strengthening these communities through his leadership and his dedication has made an enduring impact on the lives of many.” 

 

For more on UCW Fall 2024 Convocation, read the stories below: