Staff - Western Illinois University

Casa

Director - Casa Latina Cultural Center
r-ayardochoa@wiu.edu

What do you do at Casa Latina?: In my role as the Director of Casa Latina Cultural Center and as a student affairs practitioner I am passionate about social justice, intersectionality and developing students through education, engagement and leadership. I ensure Casa provides a unique and empowering space for students to experience college life. It is also important that Casa is a space on campus that offers a holistic learning experience allowing students to explore ethnic identity development, engage in social justice, community outreach, cultural expression, social and professional networking so they can become the best version of themselves.
What degrees do you have?: B. A. in Sociology from Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa and a M.A in Latin American Studies from the University of Granada in Granada, Spain
Favorite place you have traveled?: Rome, Italy
Favorite movie?: Finding Nemo & Hidden Figures
Favorite quote?: Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?
- Frida Kahlo
What is one goal you have for this year?: To continue to be a servant leader.

Office Administrator - The Multicultural Center
JK-Richardson@wiu.edu

What do you do at Casa Latina?: I am the Office Administrator for the Multicultural Center. I am new to the team. I handle all of the room scheduling, budgeting and paperwork for Casa Latina and try to assist the staff and student organizations in any way I can.
What degrees do you have?: I am currently working on a General Studies degree.
Favorite place you have traveled?: Cancun, Mexico
Favorite movie?: Pride & Prejudice
Favorite quote?: "Shake it off; rub some dirt on it!"
What is one goal you have for this year?: My goal this year is to expand my cultural knowledge.

Graduate Assistant - Community Outreach & Communications Coordinator
College Student Personnel, 2019
ea-velazquez@wiu.edu

What do you do at Casa Latina?: I am the adviser for Tradicion Latin Dance Team. I also serve as our Communications and Community Outreach coordinator. I work to establish relationships with campus and community members. I also work with our Casa Ambassadors.
What degrees do you have?: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Latin American & Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Favorite place you have traveled?: Las Vegas with some of my sorority sisters. It was a blast!
Favorite movie?: Currently, my favorite movie is Coco.
Favorite quote?: I trust that everything happens for a reason, even if we are not wise enough to see it
- Oprah Winfrey
What is one goal you have for this year?: I wish to continue to grow as a professional and individual and; continue to bring the Casa community together.

Graduate Assistant - Engagement Coordinator
College Student Personnel, 2020
rm-robles@wiu.edu

Graduate Assistant - Operations Coordinator
College Student Personnel, 2020
j-nino@wiu.edu

Advanced Practicum Student
al-bergthold@wiu.edu

What do you do at Casa Latina?: I am the Practicum Assistant and will be working on developing the Casa Ambassadors as well as helping with planning events.
What degrees do you have?: I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in English Literature and a minor in Spanish.
Favorite place you have traveled?: I absolutely love going to Walt Disney World! Everybody is just so happy there!
Favorite movie?: I love so many movies, I can't think of just one!
Favorite quote?: Have courage and be kind
- Cinderella 2015
What is one goal you have for this year?: My goal this year is to grow not only as a professional, but also as a leader and innovator. I want my ideas to come to light.