Belmont University’s Executive Vice President for Administration & Chief of Staff Dr. Susan West accepted the Amiga We Love Award from the Nashville nonprofit Conexión Américas on Friday, Sept. 15 at its Hispanic Heritage Award Ceremony.
Celebrating the vibrant history, traditions and contributions of American citizens with Spanish, Latin American and South American ancestry, National Hispanic Heritage Month extends from September 15 through October 15. Conexión Américas annually recognizes a non-Latinx whose work, efforts and voice has meaningfully promoted the organization’s vision of creating a welcoming Nashville and Tennessee where the Latinx community are embraced as integral members of the community.
"[Dr. West’s] tireless work and support to make the Mesa Komal Café at Belmont University a reality has had an immeasurable impact,” Conexión Américas Co-Executive Director Martha E. Silva said. “[Her] leadership has opened the doors for Latino and immigrant food entrepreneurs to experience invaluable professional growth and career pathways and represents a significant contribution to the economic growth of Nashville.”
In August 2022, Belmont opened Mesa Komal Café which rotates local minority entrepreneurs from the Conexión Américas Mesa Komal culinary incubator program. The café has a two-fold social impact on campus– featured businesses gain valuable experience operating a culinary venture and Belmont’s campus has convenient access to diverse dining options and new cultures.
“I am honored to accept the Amigo We Love Award,” West said. “Mesa Komal Café is accomplishing the work it was intended to do. Two businesses have completed successful rotations, the Belmont community has been enriched and this venture has paved the way for more minority-owned businesses to find a home on our campus. It is an honor for the University’s work to be honored in this fashion.”
Mesa Komal Café launched with the Mexico-born Karla Ruiz’s Viva la Vida restaurant last fall. Kallooriville, featuring South Indian Street food, is the second business to occupy the Belmont Blvd. location and will stay for a second residency through the 2023 fall semester.
West received her Doctor of Education degree from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Educational Management. She is married to Rev. John P. West and they have two adult children and three grandchildren.