Our strength is fueled by the rich cultural backgrounds contributed by every member of our campus.
The UNIDOS Faculty & Staff Association at the University of Arizona is dedicated to building a strong, inclusive community among all faculty, staff, and interested professionals. We empower employees across all disciplines and ranks through voice, support, and service, fostering a workplace that values belonging, cultural connection, and the personal and professional growth of every individual within the University community.
While we proudly serve as a dedicated resource for Latina/o/e faculty and staff, our initiatives, programs, and advocacy are designed to strengthen campus engagement, elevate the voices of all employees, and celebrate the diverse contributions that enrich the University of Arizona as a whole. Since our founding, we have remained committed to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all, regardless of background or identity.
UNIDOS—means“united”— and it represents the heart of our community and the spirit that binds us together. UNIDOS speaks to the power of unity, familia (family), resilience, and collective strength. It reflects our deep commitment to uplifting one another, honoring our diverse identities, and building a future where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued.
To be UNIDOS is to stand together, with pride in our heritage, compassion for our community, and determination to grow, lead, and thrive at the University of Arizona and beyond.
We are a community by and for Latina/o/e faculty and staff. While our focus is on serving the Latina/o/e community, we welcome all colleagues, guests, and families to join our open events and programs.
Our Association was established in 2021 and is dedicated to building a sense of community and belonging by uplifting cultural identity, shared values, and collective goals.
Through servingness, strategically leveraging campus resources, and finding joy, we aim to expand the potential of our faculty and staff.
Connection: Fostering relationships, support, network, and servingness
Community: Sense of belonging and empowerment
Culture: Representation, recognition, and shared values
2025- 2026 Leadership
Chairs
- Staff Chair - Dra. Martha Sesteaga, Program Manager, Academic Administration, sesteaga@arizona.edu
- Faculty Chair - Dr. Adrián Arroyo-Pérez, Associate Director, Faculty Affairs, arroyopa@arizona.edu
Communications
Communications Manager - Jhonatan Henao-Munoz, Lic. M.A.s, Assistant Professor of Practice, UNIV Core Faculty, General Education, W.A. Franke Honors College
Awards Committee Chairs
- Yadhira Acevedo, Coordinator, Outreach and Engagement
- Dr. Leslie Gonzales, Professor & Director, College of Education
2024- 2025 Leadership
Past Chairs
- Staff Chair - Marianna Martinez, MLS, Human Resources Generalist III, HR Client Services
- Faculty Chair - Jhonatan Henao-Munoz, Lic. M.A.s, Assistant Professor of Practice, UNIV Core Faculty, General Education, W.A. Franke Honors College
Past Awards Committee Chairs
- Martha Sesteaga, MPA, Program Manager, Academic Administration
- Dr. Adrián Arroyo-Pérez, Associate Director, Faculty Affairs
The UNIDOS Faculty & Staff Association is proud to honor the work and dedication of the many Latina/o/e faculty & staff across the University of Arizona campus. Awards are presented at our Annual Awards Ceremony during the spring semester.
2025 AWARD WINNERS
· Promising Employee Award: Yonarki Garcia Varela
· Employee Excellence Award: Dominique Calza
· Celina Ramirez Award: Dr. Vanessa Perry
· Dr. Marla Franco HSI Servingness Award: Dr. Karla Silva
UNIDOS ENGAGEMENT FORM
UNIDOS ENGAGEMENT FORM
We’re excited to introduce our new Member Engagement Form!
Whether you want to volunteer, promote an event, spotlight a colleague, become a leader member, or host a "casita" to share what your department does, this is the place to start!
2025-2026 Events
DATE | EVENT TITLE | EVENT DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Volunteer Opportunity - GSS Encuentro | Celebrate the start of Latinx Heritage Month with free food, entertainment, dancing, and community fun! Hosted by the Guerrero Student Space (GSS), Encuentro brings together the University of Arizona community for an evening of music, performances, and a campus resource fair. Want to help out? Click here to volunteer, we’d love to have you! |
| September 25, 2025 | Casita - Blue Chip Spotlight | Casitas are monthly gatherings where members come together to connect, learn from one another, and the broader campus community. Join us to explore the Blue Chip Leadership Experience: a four-year program that builds student leaders through teamwork, communication, and real-world learning. Learn how you can help connect students. Attend in person or join us online! TIME: 12 PM - 1 PM LOCATION: Bartlett Academic Success Center, Room 306. REGISTRATION: Click here! |
| October 4, 2025 | Hispanic Heritage Month Tailgate & Football Game | Save the Date - Details coming soon, stay tuned! |
| October 29-30, 2025 | Volunteer Opportunity - 5th Annual Día de los Muertos | Save the Date - Details coming soon, stay tuned! |
Empowering Community Through Purpose
At the University of Arizona, we are driven by purpose, guided by our mission, and grounded in our core values. We’re committed to thoughtful engagement across the institution and focused on community-driven efforts to address the global challenges of today and tomorrow.