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.
Santos Ciriaco
Community Engagement Coordinator
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
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.
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.
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
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.