As a co-curricular unit of Syracuse University, La Casita provides opportunities for students, staff, faculty members, and alumni to engage in research and other scholarly projects together with the community. Through the Community Engaged Scholars campaign, La Casita recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the mission of La Casita as a space for scholarly activities in the community.
Ana Aponte ’24
Dual Major in Communications and Rhetorical Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies; Minor in Public Communications
As a Communications Intern, Ana has developed and implemented communications strategies in alignment with the Center’s mission. She has also conducted research at La Casita as part of a Lender Center for Social Justice project titled “Access to Wellness for Women in a Diverse Socio-Economic Neighborhood.”
Tess Ayres ’25
Major in Health and Exercise Science
Tess has volunteered at La Casita and completed a service learning requirement by helping to facilitate weekly after school arts workshops for youth in the community.
Myra Bocage ’26
Major in Advertising
Myra has been teaching weekly piano lessons at La Casita since the start of the Fall 2023 semester, which has allowed Myra to incorporate music into her college experience while gaining leadership and communications skills.
Manuel Chuquillanqui G’22
Executive Masters in Public Administration
As Development & Operations Strategist, Manuel’s work has focused on data collecting, identifying growth opportunities, and strengthening connections with community partners.
Daniela Dorado G’25
Masters in Public Relations; Bachelor in Advertising; Minor in History
Daniela has volunteered in numerous programs at La Casita, gaining experience in community engagement, event planning, and youth program development. Daniela has been involved in youth programs including the Acting workshop, Women’s gatherings, Arts and Mindfulness, and Danza. She is currently working with us in our communications team to increase our communications efforts both within campus and to the Syracuse community.
Alix Ferrer-Yulfo Ph.D.
Faculty Fellow in Museum Studies
Scholarly projects brought to La Casita by Dr. Ferrer-Yulfo include an oral history project with her Museum Interpretation class, special learning programs developed by her Public Learning in Museums students, and her own research titled “Integrating Intangible Cultural Heritage in Syracuse Museums.”
Jacob Gedetsis G’21
Master of Fine Arts in Poetry
Jacob collaborates with La Casita through the organization he founded and currently directs, Write Out. He has worked with the Center to co-design youth writing workshops to meet the unique needs of La Casita’s community.
Sofia Gutierrez ’24
Major in Architecture
Sofia has been in numerous projects at La Casita, most recently creating a piragua cart as part of a Directed Research project, unveiled at La Casita’s 2024 Young Art Exhibit opening. Based on two years of research and planning, the project addresses the need for culturally centered interventions into public spaces and highlights the impact that culturally sensitive design, diverse programming, and accessible public space has on community-building.
Bennie Guzman G’25
Master of Science Candidate in Art Therapy
In addition to being an exhibiting artist and coordinating La Casita’s youth and community programs, Bennie has also developed his own program, “Arts as Mindfulness.” This program focuses on developing creative expression, stress management skills, and emotional exploration.
Florencia Lauria, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Candidate in English Language and Literature/Linguistics
As the lead facilitator of the TC: Toward College/Talleres Culturales program, Flor has mentored a group of middle and high school students, challenging them to think outside-the-box and write about topics that are engaging to them.
Valeria Martinez Gutierrez ’26
Major in Sociology, Earth Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability and Policy
Valeria is involved with many areas of programming at La Casita, and is currently a Research Assistant for a project funded by the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Engagement (SOURCE). Her work at La Casita also connects with her internship through the Engaged Humanities Network.
Robersy Matos G’24
Master of Social Work
As a social work intern at La Casita, Robersy helped to apply for grants, supported youth programs and community engagement efforts, and developed her own program for girls focusing on self-care and empowerment.
Angel Medina ’25
Major in Electrical Engineering
Angel has facilitated the STEM program at La Casita, introducing young participants to important concept from the fields of science and technology while helping them to envision the career possibilities in these fields. He is also currently a Research Assistant for a project funded by the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE).
Sidney Mejia ’24
Major in Political Science; Minor in Environment and Society
Sidney created a weekly gardening workshop to teach youth from the community about plants and the environment. She is integrating her coursework into this programming to teach young citizens that small actions can have a big impact.
Tales Navarro G’23
Master of Music Candidate in Violin Performance
Tales has used his experience in teaching and violin performance to teach foundational skills to youth participants in La Casita’s violin workshops.
Catalina Niño Cordero G’22
Executive Masters in Public Administration
Catalina completed her Optional Practical Training (OPT) at La Casita, helping to increase community engagement and to develop new programming for women and children.
Motolani Oladitan ’24
Major in Psychology
Motolani is a Research Assistant at La Casita and has also been volunteering in youth programming for several years. She is skilled at working with youth, and has volunteered in La Casita’s summer programs, after school programs, and numerous events.
Alicia Orama G’21
Master of Arts in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture
Alicia has facilitated dual-language literacy programming at La Casita and currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Center.
Gabriela Padilla ’25
Major in Biochemistry
Gabriela uses her background in dance to encourage youth participants to explore movement, rhythm, and choreography.
Andrea Perez Ternent ’24
Major in Human Development and Family Sciences
Andrea recently completed a credit-based internship at La Casita, focused on improving literacy and reading skills. As part of her capstone, she helped to facilitate a weekly reading program, developed curriculum, and planned educational games to improve word recognition and to reduce reading anxiety among bilingual youth.
Kaura Reyes ’24
Major in Environmental Engineering
Kaura has been involved at La Casita for many years and in many capacities, most recently as a Research Assistant. She has also volunteered through the Puerto Rican Student Association and the Society of Hispanic Professionals in Engineering .
Isabela Rodriguez ’25
Major in Civil Engineering
Isabela has been involved at La Casita as both a volunteer in La Casita’s after school STEM workshop and as a Research Assistant. She has been involved in La Casita’s women’s programming and the STEM from Dance program for girls.
Sara Silva G’07
Master of Music in Violin Performance
As the lead instructor in La Casita’s violin workshops, Sara shares her experience as a professional musician with the young participants in this program.
Evelina Torres ’25
Dual Major in Political Science and Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Completing her community placement at La Casita for her Citizenship & Civic Engagement program, Evelina has been immersed in community programming at La Casita. She is gaining experience in program planning and execution, and is developing her own civics program to empower youth voices.
Diana Varo G’24
Master of Multimedia, Photography and Design
Diana has helped to facilitate dual language literacy programming at La Casita and has also supported the women’s program during her master’s program at SU. While completing her thesis project, Diana’s interest in highlighting the Latino community of Syracuse led her to become a participatory storyteller, volunteering at La Casita weekly and developing relationships with numerous community members. In collaboration with La Casita’s bilingual library, she assisted in a weekly workshop focused on improving children’s reading and literacy skills, and she also dedicated her time to supporting La Casita’s women and moms at monthly luncheons and special events.
Miguel Ramirez ’25
Dual Major in Policy Studies and Writing and Rhetoric
Miguel is helping navigate the Summer Programs at La Casita this summer as a Research Assistant, looking to maximize engagement by observing the implementation of policy and the design programming. As Miguel says, “La Casita is a perfect bridge between campus and community, offering students many opportunities to give back to the community which houses our campus. In La Casita resides true value for community and value, calling upon the unification of the Syracuse community.”
Malika Ghazai ’25
Dual Major in Psychology and Forensic Science
Malika is currently assisting the multiple programs here, at La Casita, as a Research Assistant, working toward community engagement and cultural preservation. She hopes to promote an enriched learning environment and establish meaningful connections within the community!
Nashaly Pérez ’25
Major in Chemistry; Minor in Business
Nashaly is a chemistry major passionate about spreading awareness about women in STEM. during her time at La Casita, “she iams to market the program to many more people in Syracuse” and “would like to inspire young girls in Syracuse by sharing (her) experiences and knowledge in chemistry, encouraging them to explore STEM fields and pursue their passions confidently.”
Ann Davenport Davis ’25
Major in Psychology; Minors in Forensic Science and Biology
Ann is a SOURCE Research Assistant conducting research on the current programming of La Casita. As she says, “my goal in La Casita is to empower and encourage the girls in the Syracuse community to reach their fullest potential.”
Nehemiha Manley ’27
Major in Illustration
Nehemiha is a SOURCE Research Assistant conducting research on the current programming of La Casita. As she says, “I’m here at LaCasita to help kids feel more comfortable and confident with their dancing and to show them the benefit of how art and dance can be helpful to their mental health and benefit them in the long run. La Casita is such a great environment and I love seeing how everyone is like a family here.”
Alyssa Nuñez Tapia ’26
Major in Television, Radio and Film; Minor in Philosophy
Through her efforts and persistence, Alyssa has brought incredible energy and creativity to our audiovisual, photographic and communication projects. With her passion for amplifying Latino voices in Syracuse and talent with video editing and photography, she quickly became a key figure at La Casita, forging meaningful connections with community members. As Alyssa says, ”In little over a year at La Casita, it has become my consistent outlet; not only to experiment with different creative ideas related to my passion, but also to have a Latin community while I’m away from home. That sense of comfort and exploration makes every visit to the center something to look forward to!”
Daijon Richards G’26
Masters in Social Work
Daijon works to enhance La Casita’s youth programming efforts, assessing the strengths and needs of the community and amplifying La Casita’s community engagement. Reflecting on his experience, Daijon shares, “La Casita has been a great experience for me learning and diving into a new culture and getting embraced by the community. This community needs La Casita and communities around the world need places like La Casita”
María Margarita Musante G’24
Dual Executive Master in Public Administration and International Relations
María Margarita has become an invaluable member of La Casita’s administrative team and currently supports community-based initiatives, particularly our dual-language literacy programming for youth. She is also actively involved in work with our partner organization, Punto de Contacto-Point of Contact, and its current exhibition, Libro de Artista, in partnership with the National Museum of Fine Arts of Argentina. Reflecting on her time, María Margarita says, “By bridging cultures and communities through art, education, and civic engagement, La Casita and Point of Contact create powerful connections that transcend boundaries and inspire a more inclusive world.”
Zachary Murray ’25
Triple Major in Political Science, Policy Studies and Modern Foreign Languages
Through his hard work and determination, Zachary has played a key role in strengthening La Casita’s programming efforts. Reflecting on his experience, Zach says, “Working at La Casita Cultural Center has so far been a super enriching experience. I not only get to experience the behind the scenes and inner workings of how a non profit is run but I also get the opportunity to engage with the Latino community of Syracuse through various media.”