Executive Director
Tere Paniagua
Executive Director, Cultural Engagement
for the Hispanic Community
tpaniagu@syr.edu
Responsible for the overall management, programming, advancement, and co-curricular development initiatives at La Casita and Punto de Contacto-Point of Contact, her work is focused on fostering experiential learning, building partnerships, and amplifying the voices of Latino communities in Central New York. A Newhouse School alumna (’82) with a strong background in communications and more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and university leadership, she advances cross-cultural dialogue through the arts and community engagement. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of WCNY/PBS, the Advisory Board of the Syracuse University Humanities Center, and as advisor to student organizations La LUCHA and the Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA).
Staff
Bennie Guzman G’25
Programming Coordinator
bguzma01@syr.edu
As a visual artist, poet, and dancer born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Bennie Guzman Jr. began his formal education in the visual arts at Colgate University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Art & Art History with an Emphasis in Studio Arts. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy program at Syracuse University and has completed art therapy internships at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse and River Hospital in Alexandria Bay. At La Casita he coordinates all after-school programming, working closely with staff, guest artists, student interns and volunteers from Syracuse University to develop activities that enrich the lives of the local community. He plans to use his studies to incorporate the therapeutic properties of art-making in his work with the community and explore themes of mental health in his personal artistic practice.
Ana Arango
Community Engagement Coordinator
aiarango@syr.edu
As Community Engagement Coordinator at La Casita Cultural Center, Ana Arango also supports the Youth Programs. With a background in community engagement and experience working with children, their families, and participants of all ages, she strives to create inclusive spaces that foster creativity, learning, well-being, and joy. Her work at La Casita focuses on strengthening the bonds between families, participants, and the center itself, ensuring that everyone who visits feels supported, inspired, and empowered to grow, and, as she reminds everyone, every star shines with its own light.
Alexander Paredes
Office Coordinator
adparede@syr.edu
Working in Administration and Operations for the Office of Community Engagement (OCE), Alex Paredes supports both La Casita Cultural Center and Point of Contact (POC). In this role, they manage daily operations, coordinate logistics for events and exhibitions, and assist visiting artists and community partners with scheduling, travel, and payments. They also handle financial documentation, reimbursements, and donations, ensuring that all processes run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, they support students and volunteers, helping to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Alex holds an Executive Master’s degree in International Relations and is currently pursuing an Executive Master’s in Public Administration at Syracuse University. Through their work, they help strengthen connections between Syracuse University and the local Latino community in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Carrie Valenzuela
Office Coordinator
clvalenz@syr.edu
As a Chicanx artist, educator, and arts administrator, Carrie is the Office Coordinator at La Casita Cultural Center. In this position she ensures the smooth operation of the Center’s programs, supports community engagement initiatives, and contributes to the development of arts-based educational projects. In addition to her administrative role, Carrie is an accomplished printer and hand bookbinder with over two decades of experience. She founded Amaranth Press & Bindery in 2001, where she continues to create fine press books and lead workshops in bookmaking and letterpress printing. Through her work—both at La Casita and in her studio practice—Carrie promotes justice, inclusion, and representation for historically underrepresented communities in the arts. She also serves as President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the American Printing History Association, and as a member of its national Diversity and Inclusion and Membership Committees.
Sidney Mejia
Students Engagement Coordinator
As a graduate student at Syracuse University, Sidney is pursuing a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises. In her role as Student Engagement Coordinator at La Casita Cultural Center, she oversees the recruitment, training, and coordination of all student and community volunteers who support the Center’s educational and cultural programs. Passionate about integrating social justice values with innovative business practices, Sidney brings a mission-driven approach to her work, fostering meaningful collaborations between Syracuse University students and the Latino communities served by La Casita. Her leadership strengthens La Casita’s role as a bridge between campus and community through arts, education, and civic engagement.
Iman Jamison
Community Archive and Library Intern
Iman Jamison is currently pursuing her M.S. in Library and Information Studies at Syracuse University. As the Archival intern, Iman is working to organize, update, and add to the internal archive of La Casita’s collections and documentation as well as update and continue to grow the Cultural Memory Archive in collaboration with Syracuse University libraries and CLRC. Iman also supports the community library and kids programming.
Tiffany Casares Schultz
MSW Intern
As a Counselor with the Higher Education Opportunity Program at Syracuse University and is pursuing a Masters of Social Work degree. With a background in Chicano/Latino Studies and Higher Education Counseling, she aims to expand her advocacy efforts, develop trauma-informed practices, and deepen her understanding and involvement of public policy through Syracuse University’s Social Work Program and La Casita Internship. At La Casita, Tiffany will support and facilitate select youth programs, while collaborating with staff on program development and special projects that promote community engagement and cultural enrichment.
Santos Ciriaco
Music Program Coordinator
sjciriac@syr.edu
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Santos Joel Ciriaco earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidad de Santo Domingo and later completed a Master’s in Data Science at Spain Business School in Madrid. As a passionate lover of Latin music and accomplished guitarist, Santos served as the lead guitarist for his university’s Rondalla ensemble.At La Casita Cultural Center, he coordinates the Music Department, where he has been implementing a data collection system to gather insights that enhance the center’s music programming. In addition to his administrative role, he serves as a music instructor and is currently leading the development of La Casita Music Band, a new initiative that brings together the program’s most talented students to foster creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression through music.
Myra Bocage
Piano Instructor
As a senior at Syracuse University, Myra Bocage is majoring in Advertising at the Newhouse School of Public Communications with a minor in Psychology. As the piano instructor at La Casita Cultural Center, she teaches students a variety of techniques, songs, and strategies to help them develop their musical skills and build confidence in reading and performing different pieces.
Maya Rizzo
Dance Instructor
As an Honors student at Syracuse University, Maya is pursuing a degree in Advertising at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, with a minor in Philosophy. At La Casita Cultural Center, Maya teaches dance as part of the youth education and arts programs, encouraging creative expression, confidence, and cultural awareness through movement. In addition to her work at La Casita, Maya serves as Co–Public Relations Chair for Orange Pulse Dance Troupe and Creations Dance Company. Orange Pulse is a student-run, nonprofit, and philanthropic organization at Syracuse University dedicated to community building through dance. Maya’s passion for both the arts and social engagement reflects La Casita’s mission of bridging cultures and fostering inclusion through creative practice.
Communications Team
Rowel Jimenez II
Digital Media Production Intern
As a junior at Syracuse University, Rowel “Ro” is double majoring in Television, Radio, and Film at the Newhouse School and Management at the Whitman School. With experience in script writing and event planning, Ro thrives in fast-paced, creative environments. As a Digital Media Production Intern for the Office of Cultural Engagement, he helps manage social media content, develop communication strategies, and produces engaging digital media that promotes the Latino culture La Casita and Point of Contact present.
Bronte Micek
Digital Communications and Strategy Intern
As a graduate student pursuing her M.A. in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications at Syracuse University, where she combines her interests in storytelling, media strategy, and cross-cultural collaboration. As the Digital Communications and Strategy Intern for the Office of Cultural Engagement, she manages social media platforms for La Casita Cultural Center and Point of Contact Gallery, sharing engaging content that highlights both programs and their community impact. She also contributes to the development of strategic communications plans that strengthen cultural programming, broaden audience reach, and support community connections.
Emily Gutierrez
Graphic Design Intern
Emily Gutierrez is a junior graphic design major at Newhouse, minoring at the iSchool in information management and technology. She started designing for La Casita in fall 2024, creating event fliers and social media posts for holidays. Since then, she has designed brochures and various promotional materials as part of the communications team.
Bismarck Pacheco
Digital Media Production Intern
As a sophomore at Syracuse University double majoring in Advertising at the Newhouse School and Marketing Management at the Whitman School. As a versatile member of La Casita’s communications team, Bismarck brings a dynamic skill set to the organization’s digital presence, seamlessly adapting to fill critical roles whenever needed. He plans and produces engaging reels, stories, and social media posts that showcase La Casita’s mission and community impact. From conceptualization to execution, he has worked in every aspect of content creation—including filming, editing, copywriting, and art direction—ensuring that La Casita’s voice remains authentic and compelling across all platforms.
Visit Our Center
109 Otisco St., Syracuse NY 13204
315.443.2151
lacasita@syr.edu
The area is served by the Connective Corridor bus, which links the Near Westside, Downtown Syracuse, and the SU campus. The Connective Corridor bus is free.
Students, visiting La Casita from campus is convenient and easy. Bus #443 Connective Corridor serves The Warehouse, the closest stop to the center from College Place bus stop. Visit the Centro website for more information on schedules and additional routes.