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 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!
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| October 4, 2025 | Hispanic Heritage Month Tailgate & Football Game | UNIDOS invites you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at our Tailgate + Football Game on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Join us for a day of cultura, connection, and campus pride as we come together to honor our community and cheer on the Wildcats!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW: https://www.gofevo.com/group/Hispanicheritage450 |
| October 29-30, 2025 | Volunteer Opportunity - 5th Annual Día de los Muertos | Save the Date - Join us to the 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a vibrant evening filled with music, performances, and our community Mercado. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities leading up to the event, we’d love your support! Date: October 30, 2025 |
| November 20, 2025 | Casita - Life & Work Connections Overview | Join Eileen Lawless, Dependent Care Specialist, for an overview of the resources available through Life & Work Connections (LWC). Learn how LWC can support your well-being, both at work and at home, with tools for dependent care, work-life balance, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and explore what LWC can do for you! Date: November 20, 2025 Registration: LINK COMING SOON! |
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.