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-Muñoz, Lic. M.A.s, Assistant Professor of Practice, W.A. Franke Honors College. Assistant Director of Bilingual UNIV Curriculum, UNIV Core Faculty, Office of General Education.
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-Muñoz, Lic. M.A.s, Assistant Professor of Practice, W.A. Franke Honors College. Assistant, UNIV Core Faculty, Office of General Education.
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!
Upcoming Events
DATE | EVENT TITLE | EVENT DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | New Year Social | Join us for a fun spring semester kickoff full of community and connection. Location: Barrio Brewery, 800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719 Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. |
| January 29, 2026 | HSI Casita | Join us for our first UNIDOS Casita of the spring semester—a monthly gathering designed to foster community, highlight campus resources, and create connections across departments. This month’s Casita will be hosted by HSI Initiatives. Attendees will learn about the office’s campus-wide efforts, opportunities for faculty and staff to engage with and support the HSI mission, available professional development pathways, and ways to collaborate on equity-centered projects across the university. The session will include a brief presentation from HSI Initiatives, a short overview of the Women & Gender Student Space and the support and resources it offers, and time to connect, mingle, and build community. Location: Women & Gender Student Space @ Student Union Memorial Center, 404 (on the 4th floor of the SUMC, on the campus store side). |
| February 13, 2026 | Hispanic Heritage: Softball | Join us for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Softball Game! Come celebrate culture, community, and Wildcat pride as we cheer on the softball team. Location: Mike Candrea Field at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium, 1700 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719 |
| April 17, 2026 | Hispanic Heritage: Baseball | Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at the Baseball game, where tradition, culture, and community take center field. Join us as we cheer on the Wildcats! Location: Hi Corbett Field, 700 S Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716 |
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.