¡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.
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
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.
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
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
Join us on Friday Feburary 27, 2026 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm at Los Compadres for a night of food, music, and community! A portion of the evening's sales will support WSU's Spanish-Speaking Graduation Ceremony's.
No ticket required. RSVP is encouraged, please fill out the link here. Simply come, support, and have a good time! 3213 N Toben St, Wichita, Kansas 67226
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
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
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
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/1 | Haute Handmade Pop-up Market | Revolutsia | |
| 2/15 | Wichita Flea Market |
Century II Convention Center |
|
| 2/19 | REACH Health Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Course | Register: https://forms.office.com/r/LrXDYUFe1Y |
Zoom 9am - 3 pm CT |
| 2/21 | Chinese New Year Celebration |
Botanica |
|
| 2/21 | Monster Jam |
Intrust Bank Arena |
|
| 2/26 | Latino Legislative Day | Register: Latino Legislative Day 2026 | Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission website |
Topeka State Capitol |
Have a community event you want published?
Email your event details to Estella Armenta at estella.armenta@wichita.edu