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 |
|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | GSS - AROMAS | This will be GSS’s first AROMAS of the semester. They host a free meal prepared by a local Latinx business, creating space for culture and community. As one of their most popular events, AROMAS brings together hundreds of students, staff, and faculty. UNIDOS members are invited to volunteer with GSS and support an event centered on connection and service. Location: GSS Space (likely outside the Chavez Building) Interested in volunteering, contact Lucero at: luceroramirez@arizona.edu |
| March 10, 2026 | Staff Social Picnic | A campus-wide staff social event hosted by Presidential Events. This informal gathering provides an opportunity for staff to connect and enjoy a midday break on campus. Date: March 10, 2026 All staff are welcome. |
| March 12, 2026 | UA Bookclub | UA Staff & Faculty Book Club- Join us to read Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley, a 2026 Tucson Festival of Books selection. This a welcoming space for shared stories, conversation, and community.
|
| March 20, 2026 | 3rd Annual Bilingual Initiatives Symposium | This one-day symposium (BIS) seeks to foster conversations on bilingualism (English / Spanish and other bilingual combinations) across the University of Arizona within the Hispanic-Serving Institution and Borderlands contexts. For Spring 2026, the BIS26 organizers would like to invite you to participate by presenting your projects/initiatives and/or work-in-progress, and by attending and connecting with potential collaborators/stakeholders across campus and beyond with the Tucson school districts!
|
| March 23, 2026 | HSI Forum | A campus-wide gathering for staff, faculty, students, and community members to connect, hear updates, learn, and share insights.
|
| March 31, 2026 | HSI Day of Service | Mark your calendars! We invite students, staff, faculty, alumni, & community members to join in service learning. Held in recognition of Cesar Chavez Day, we honor his legacy through community-driven action and meaningful service partnerships. Together, we advance the University’s strategic imperatives of community engagement, access, and impact.
|
| 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 |
| 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! 🔗 Submit a nomination here! - Due date March 15, 2026 Date: May 1, 2026 |
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.