Patria Roman-Velazquez

Patria Roman-Velazquez is a Senior Lecturer in Culture, Media & Creative Industries at King’s College London, specializing in Innovations in Research Impact and Engagement. She leads the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries and is Chair of the charity Latin Elephant, focusing on migrant and ethnic groups’ urban inclusion. Her research explores gentrification, urban regeneration, and social justice, particularly for Latin American communities in London. She has held prior academic roles at Loughborough University, City University London, and the University of Puerto Rico.

Research Interests:
Patria’s work centers on urban communication, migrant economies, and spatial justice. She interrogates how urban policies impact marginalized groups and advocates for inclusive urban planning. Her key focus areas include:

• Latin American migration to Europe
• Gentrification’s socio-spatial effects
• Community-led EDI strategies in creative sectors
• Policy interventions for ethnic minority businesses

Publications & Impact:
Her recent works include Latin Americans in London: Digital diasporas and Social Activism (2023) and Resisting gentrification, reclaiming urban spaces (2022). Her research influenced London Plan reforms to support migrant economies and shaped Southwark Council’s Brexit policy.

Awards:

• 2018 Award for work with Southwark’s migrant women and groups

Grants & Leadership:
Leads projects like the British Academy-funded Community-led responses to EDI in creative sectors (2023–2024) and the EPSRC’s ECOLA: Environmental Communication in Latin America (2024–2026). She advises policy bodies such as the London Assembly and Southwark Council.

Labs/Teams:
Founder and Chair of Latin Elephant, a charity advancing migrant participation in urban change. The organization is a case study in reports by the Town and Country Planning Association and Centre for London.