Profiles of Tenacity: Ivan Mendoza

Ivan Mendoza is a second year advertising major with minors in criminal justice and film studies from Powder Springs, Georgia set to graduate in May 2028. Mendoza is the president of Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity as well as the founder of the La Unidad Latina Book Club and Leer es una Libertad. Mendoza is also the community outreach chair for the Hispanic Student Association and the vice president of external affairs for the Multicultural Greek Council.

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

Advertising relies heavily on creativity, digital marketing and communication. As I currently run 5 social media accounts (including my personal account), I am always advertising products and stories throughout my work. I chose advertising because this career pathway provides me with the opportunity to represent marginalized communities, products and stories that matter and go overlooked.

What does tenacity mean to you?

To me, tenacity means determination and persistence in accomplishing goals that will either benefit you and/or your community. With my videography, I challenge myself to make content that properly represents the Latino community or my personal stories. With Leer Es Una Libertad, I am increasing the amount of book drives for local schools and non-profit organizations. Without tenacity, I would have never started my videography journey or any initiatives that impact my local community. Thanks to my tenacity, all of my videography content averages around 10,000 views per post on Instagram, and I am currently setting up book drives in North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, California and many more states.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

If you have dreams and ambitions, make outlines for those dreams. If you have ideas that will impact your career, your community, or the world, then make those ideas a reality. Don’t sit on your ideas for too long, because over time, you will be recognized as someone who talks a lot but never accomplishes anything. Do not be afraid of making your ideas a reality.

What motivates you?

My family, specifically my mom and dad. Everything I do in life is for my family, and I would not be here without them. Every day that I am here in Athens, my dad sends me voice messages on WhatsApp, asking me about how I am and asking what I will be doing today. I always call my mom, and we always talk about the latest movie and TV show that came out on streaming services. Neither of them ever had the chance to finish their dreams of pursuing higher education, but they are my biggest inspirations in everything that I do. If my mom is reading this, I will be coming back home soon to watch the second season of “The Pitt” with her.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

The Beta Tau Chapter of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., has tremendously impacted my leadership and communication skills. LUL’s national philanthropy and pillars align perfectly with the beliefs that I grew up with as a Costa Rican and Mexican first-generation student. As someone who never grew up with biological siblings, Nathan, Carlos, Bryan, Chepe, Jason, Mikey, Chris and many more Hermanos have changed my life, and I will always be grateful for them. As the President and Public Relations Chair of the Beta Tau Chapter, I have been given numerous opportunities to improve my advertising and marketing strategies, allowing more people around me know about the Multicultural Greek Council and my fraternity. As the fraternity has impacted my advertising skills, our Instagram page garners around 250,000 views per month, thanks to all the videos and graphic designs that I curate for my chapter. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

I was recently featured on The Red & Black for founding the first and only Latino-based book club in the history of the University of Georgia. If I never read stories, poems, or novels from Latino authors like Elizabeth Acevedo or Jose Olivarez, I would have never pursued higher education. As the founder of “La Unidad Latina Book Club,” I owe everything to the educators, authors, and family members who inspired me to where I am today. We have read books such as The Poet X, Solito, The Undocumented Americans, Esperanza Rising, and we will read so many more titles in the future. 

Additionally, as of October 2025, I have been working alongside my fraternity to host a year-long national book drive. Leer Es Una Libertad is an LUL-based initiative founded on 3 goals: Increasing the amount of book donations for non-profit organizations and local schools, encouraging students to engage with reading, literacy, and education, and providing access to school supplies and resources in Latin American countries. I currently have a book drive set up at the UGA Greek Life Office, where I have collected over 300 books with zero incentives. I have also set up a book drive at Georgia State University, fittingly titled the “Hermano Ivan Book Drive.” 

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Honestly, there are way too many options to choose from. I love the Greek Life Office because I can check up on the book drive and study there in peace. However, I think my favorite spot will always be the fourth floor of the Main Library. When I found out about it my freshman year, it has been my go-to spot ever since. 

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Nunca olvides tus raíces. Never forget your roots.

Editor: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu