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.
Staff
Bennie Guzman G’25
Programming Coordinator
bguzma01@syr.edu
A visual artist and community organizer from San Antonio, Texas, Bennie Guzman began his formal education in the visual arts at Colgate University. In 2025, he completed a master’s in creative arts therapy at Syracuse University. At La Casita he coordinates all after-school programming, working closely with staff, guest artists, student interns and volunteers from to develop activities to promote experiential learning and wellness. His training enables him to incorporate the therapeutic properties of artmaking 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. A passionate lover of Latin music and an accomplished guitarist, Santos served as the lead guitarist for his university’s Rondalla ensemble. At La Casita, he coordinates the youth Music Program, where he has implemented a data collection system to improve outcomes assessment. He is also a music instructor and currently leader of La Casita’s all-youth ensemble La Banda.
Alexander Paredes
Office Coordinator
adparede@syr.edu
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Alex brings a strong connection to Latin American cultures to his work at La Casita. Working in Administration and Operations for the Office of Cultural Engagement, Alex supports both La Casita and Punto de Contacto-Point of Contact. In this role, he manages daily operations, coordinates logistics for event planning, exhibitions, and visiting artists. He also supports 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.
Carrie Valenzuela
Office Coordinator
clvalenz@syr.edu
As a Chicanx artist, educator, and arts administrator, Carrie is the Office Coordinator at La Casita. She oversees administrative day-to-day operations supports community engagement initiatives and contributes to the development of arts-based educational projects. In addition, Carrie is an accomplished printmaker and bookbinder, founder of Amaranth Press & Bindery in 2001.
Tiffany Casares Schultz
Student Engagement Coordinator MSW Intern
A Counselor with the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at Syracuse University, Tiffany is also pursuing a Master of Social Work. She has a background in Chicano/Latino Studies and Higher Education Counseling, At La Casita, Tiffany supports and facilitates youth and adult community-based programs, and is also responsible for volunteer engagement, training and supervision.
Communications Team
Wesley J. Pérez Vidal Communications Coordinator
As a bilingual journalist pursuing a master’s degree in Magazine, News and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, Wesley is an experienced storyteller, reporter and digital content creator. At La Casita, he leads an all-student communications team collaborating with staff on program development and special projects that promote cultural enrichment and community visibility. His leadership strengthens La Casita’s role as a bridge between campus and community through storytelling, media and civic engagement.
Rowel Jimenez II
Digital Media Production Intern
As a senior at Syracuse University, Rowel “Ro” is completing a dual major in Television, Radio, & Film at the Newhouse School and Management at the Whitman School. As a Digital Media Production Intern he is a content creator and assists in the development of communication strategies that promote Latino cultures through community-engaged programming.
Emily Gutierrez
Graphic Design Intern
Emily Gutierrez is graphic design major in her junior year at the SI Newhouse School of Public Communications, minoring at the iSchool’s information management and technology at Syracuse University. At La Casita, she contributes her design skills in the creation of promotional campaigns, event fliers, brochures, art catalogues, and social media graphics.
Sara Miedel
Videographer
As a student at Syracuse University’s Film & Media Program and Economics, Sara is a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program. Sara brings a strong foundation in visual storytelling and analytical thinking to her work in video production, capturing and producing video content that promotes cultural and community engagement.
Dance Instructors
Gabriela Guadalupe
Dance Instructor
Gabriela brings a strong background in choreography and competitive dance performance to her work with Syracuse youths as instructor for
La Casita’s Danza Troupe. Her choreography has been recognized on a national stage, having been selected to present original work at the Regional High School Dance Festival. She is currently a member of Syracuse University’s Athletics Dance Team.
Maya Rizzo
Dance Instructor
As a junior Honors student at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, majoring in advertising, Maya brings hands-on experience in dance performance as a member and Public Relations Chair of Syracuse University’s Orange Pulse Dance Troupe. At La Casita, Maya serves as a Dance Instructor, leading dance programming and bringing her passion for movement and performance to youths in the community.
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.