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Adelante Juntos: Faculty and Staff Association

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¡Hola y bienvenidos!

The Adelante Juntos: Faculty and Staff Association (est. 2023) is committed towards building community among the faculty, staff, and other professionals at WSU. Through voice, support, and service - we work to foster a workplace where all of the Shocker Community can thrive.

Our History

The Adelante Juntos: Faculty and Staff Association (est. 2023) was conceived from the WSU HSI Strategic Plan: Formalizing support for current and future faculty and staff at WSU. 

Founding Members:

  • Dr. Sara Mata | Executive Director of Hispanic Serving Initiatives 
  • Eiran Saucedo-Rodarte, M.S. | Assistant Director for Student Success
  • Dr. Edil Torres Rivera | Professor of Latinx Studies & Counseling
  • Nigel Soria, PhD | Research Economist & Data Scientist 
  • Maria Lucas, M.S. | Academic Advisor

Our Purpose

We are dedicated to celebrating all identities and amplifying the voices of all Faculty and Staff within our institution. By fostering professional growth and mutual support, AJFSA empowers its members to influence meaningful change and advance opportunities for all.

AJFSA contributes to WSU's broader mission of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Our Leadership

FY 2025-2026

  • President: Enid Colon-Ortiz | Engagement Specialist for HSI
  • Vice President: Jaya Escobar | Associate Director for Upward Bound Prep
  • Secretary: Jasmine Sosa | Administrative Specialist/Database Manager for TRIO DSS
  • Treasurer: Antonio Hernandez-Reynoso - Financial Aid Advisor
  • Publicity Chair: Estella Armenta | Academic Program Specialist for UReCA

  • Events & Meetings

    Meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month between 3:30pm-4:30pm In-Person and on Microsoft Teams. 

    Spring 2026 Meetings:

    • Jan. 29, 3:30-4:30 pm in Marcus Welcome Center
    • Feb. 26, 3:30-4:30 pm in RSC 262
    • March 26, 3:30-4:30 pm in RSC 266
    • April 23, 3:30-4:30 pm in RSC 262

  • Membership

    Membership is open to all Wichita State University employees and retirees. Annual membership is not mandatory, but contributing to AJFSA programming efforts is encouraged.

    Active Membership: $5/Pay Period ($130 annually)

    Dues & donations can be paid by completing the voluntary payroll deduction form. 

  • Contact Us

    We welcome all engagement, community building, and advocacy opportunities! 

    Contact: Enid Ortiz-Colon (enid.ortizcolon@wichita.edu)

Annual Adelante Juntos: Faculty and Staff Association Awards

The Annual AJFSA Awards is a way to recognize the contributions of Students, Faculty, and Staff to Wichita State University. Recognized student organizations, university-affiliated student groups, and individuals may be nominated by a student, faculty member, or staff member. One application must be completed for each award one wishes to apply for and must have all parts to be considered by the AJFSA Awards Committee.

Nominate a student, faculty and staff to win one of the awards below: Adelante Juntos Award Nomination Form

We need your support and help for the Graduation Ceremony! Here is the volunteer sign-up form: Volunteer Form for Spanish Graduation 

The Elisa Chacon Award

This recognition is named after Elisa Chacon, WSU's first latine student graduate (1932). The Award will be given to an Undergraduate Student who has excelled in the following areas: Scholarship, Community, Leadership, and Advocacy.

2024 Recipient: Guadalupe Torres-Arreola

2025 Recipient: Valeria Paunetto

The Hector Franco Award

This recognition is named after Hector Franco, WSU's earliest Graduate Level degree recipient (1950). The Award will be given to a Graduate Student who has excelled in in the following areas: Scholarship, Community, Leadership, and Advocacy.

2024 Recipient: Abel Barraza

2025 Recipient: Griselda Gomez

The Joseph "Jose" Angulo Award

This recognition is named after Joseph "Jose" Angulo, WSU's longtime professor who taught at WSU for 37 years (1930's-1960's). This Award will be given to a Faculty member who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring, and engaging with the WSU community.

2024 Recipient: Marco Hernandez Guillen

2025 Recipient: Dr. Edil Torres Rivera

The Marcelino "Chelo" Huerta Award

This recognition is named after Marcelino "Chelo" Huerta, WSU's Head Football Coach (1962-1964) who was inducted in to the College Football Hall of Fame (2002). This Award will be given to a Staff member who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring, and engaging with the WSU community.

2024 Recipient: Dra. Sara Mata

2025 Recipient: Isabel Medina Keiser

The Camarena Community Award

This recognition is named after Gene and Yolanda Camarena, founders of the Shocker Adelante Scholars (2020). Awarded to a student who embodies the highest ideals of character, leadership, and service and whose commitment has made a significant impact to the WSU Community.

2024 Recipient: Sofia Polanco Botteselle

2025 Recipient: Dr. Teri Hall

Related Events

 
Date Event Name Event Details Location
3/3  KCK Taco Trail Bus Tours 2026   Revolutsia - Wichita, Kansas
3/4 Wellness Expo   Boats & Bikes, Wichita, Kansas
3/11 Intro to Mezcal From Agave to Glass WSU
3/14 St Paddy's Day Parade   Delano District
4/30 Graduation Celebration Join us as we celebrated the graduating classes of 2025 and 2026! Please RSVP here: SPANISH SPEAKING GRADUATION CEREMONY RSVP FORM

Beggs Ballroom 

From 6-8:30 PM

Have a community event you want published?

Email your event details to Estella Armenta at estella.armenta@wichita.edu 

 

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