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/x 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
2026- 2027 Leadership
Chairs
- Yadhira Acevedo, Coordinator, Outreach and Engagement, yadhia@arizona.edu
- Co-Chair - TBA
Awards Committee Chairs
- Dominique Calza, Director, Student Activities and Engagement, Student Cultural Engagement Hub
- Melissa Gomez, Grant and Contract Coordinator, Mathematics
2026- 2026 Leadership
Past Chairs
- Staff Chair - Dra. Martha Sesteaga, Program Manager, Academic Administration
- Faculty Chair - Dr. Adrián Arroyo-Pérez, Associate Director, Faculty Affairs
Past Awards Committee Chairs
- Yadhira Acevedo, Coordinator, Outreach and Engagement
- Dr. Leslie Gonzales, Professor & Director, College of Education
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.
2026 Award Winners
· Promising Employee Award: Jessica Martinez
· Employee Excellence Award: Dr. Rodrigo Gutiérrez
· Celina Ramirez Impact Award: Dr. Nolan Cabrera
· Dr. Marla Franco Servingness Award: Dr. Danthai Xayaphanh
2026 Award Nominees
Promising Employee Award | Employee Excellence Award | Celina Ramirez Impact Award | Dra. Marla Franco Servingness Award |
Jessica Martinez Lucero Ramirez Nelva Valenzuela | Indira Arce Dr. Rodrigo Gutiérrez Dra. Itzel A. Íñiguez Manuel Martinez Serena Valle Tanya Gonzales | Serena Valle Dra. Nadia Alvarez Mexia, Dr. Nolan Cabrera
| Celina Urquidez Dr. Danthai Xayaphnah, Dr. Judy Marquez-Kiyama |
Past Award Winners
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!
Upcoming Events
DATE | EVENT TITLE | EVENT DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | UNIDOS -Awards Ceremony | UNIDOS Faculty & Staff Association Awards UNIDOS proudly honors outstanding University of Arizona faculty and staff for their contributions and leadership on campus and in the community. Celebrate with us as we close the academic year with music, entertainment, raffle prizes, and lots of fun, a lively community event you won’t want to miss! Date: May 1, 2026 |
| May 6, 2026 | GSS -AROMAS | The Guerrero Student Space (GSS) invites UNIDOS and the broader campus community to join their Spring Semester AROMAS celebration and end-of-semester breakfast—a wonderful opportunity to come together in community. Following the success of last semester, AROMAS will once again be a potluck-style event. Attendees are welcome to bring homemade dishes, sides, or favorite treats (like pan dulce) to share. Volunteers are also welcome! This is a great opportunity for student organizations and UAHA scholars to get involved. Sign up to bring a dish or volunteer here: Event Details: We hope to see you there! |
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.