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.
Catalina Niño Cordero
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.
Alicia Orama
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.
Florencia Lauria
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.
Manuel Chuquillanqui
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.
Jacob Gedetsis
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.
Ana Aponte
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.”
Robersy Matos
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.
Evelina Torres
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.
Gabriela Padilla
Major in Biochemistry
Gabriela uses her background in dance to encourage youth participants to explore movement, rhythm, and choreography.
Daniela Dorado
Dual Major in Advertising and Creative Writing
Daniela has volunteered in numerous programs at La Casita, gaining experience in community engagement, event planning, and youth program development.
Angel Medina
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).
Tales Navarro
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.
Sara Silva
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.
Alix Ferrer-Yulfo
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.”
Bennie Guzman
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.
Hanna Seraji
Master of Arts in Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism
Master of Library & Information Science
Hanna manages La Casita’s Bilingual Library and Cultural Memory Archive, while also serving on the communications team to strengthen La Casita’s digital presence.
Valeria Martinez Gutierrez
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.
Sidney Mejia
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.
Isabela Rodriguez
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.
Motolani Oladitan
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.
Tess Ayres
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.
Kaura Reyes
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).