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 & Rhetorical Studies and Women’s & 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 & 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
Master 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 & 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 & 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 & Creative Engagement (SOURCE).
Sidney Mejia, ’24
Major in Political Science; Minor in Environment & 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 & 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 (PRSA) and the Society of Hispanic Professionals in Engineering (SHPE).
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 & 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.