¡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 on wishes to apply for and must have all parts to be considered by the AJFSA Awards Committee.
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
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
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
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
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
Related Events
| Date | Event Name | Event Details | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/04/2025 | Launch Event of WSU Hispanic Alumni Network | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | RSC 142 |
| 10/10/2025 | Latino Leadership Summit - KHLAAC | 8:00 am - 2:30 pm | RSC, Beggs Ballroom |
| TBD | Dia De Los Muertos Celebration - SEB | TBD | TBD |
| 11/05/2025 | Ulrich Fiesta | TBD | Ulrich Museum |