A variety of prominent community leaders and University interdisciplinary faculty and staff make up one of the two advisory boards of the LRC to help with idea contribution and steps to accomplish its overall mission. The Latino Student Advisory Board was initiated in 2007 with the purpose of gaining student direction for the LRC and provide Latinx students a welcoming space to come together in enhancing the Hispanic community of Â鶹ӳ» through public outreach, academic excellence and advocacy.
University-Community advisory board
- Vacant
University community ex-officio members
- Karla Hernández, Ph.D., Teaching Assistant Professor, Director of Biotechnology Program
- Diana Sande, Public Health Diversity Advisor, School of Public Health
- Sandra Rentas, Business Development Advisor, NV SBDC, College of Business
- Mariana-Cecilia Velázquez, Ph.D., Associate Professor World Languages & Literatures: Spanish; College of Liberal Arts
- Emma Guzman, Home Mortgage Consultant Guild Mortgage, VP Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce Latino Community
- Victoria Ríos, Director of Youth Programs, Northern Â鶹ӳ» Literacy Council
- Ron Aryel, M.D., Pediatrics Specialist, Every Mind Matters
- Edith González Duarte, Co-Founder & CEO – Western Public Affairs
- Noemí Gómez Martínez, Community Relationships Manager, City of Reno
- Mario A. Alpuche, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry, Â鶹ӳ»
- Lorraine T. Benuto, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of DICE Center, Â鶹ӳ»
- Gerold B. Dermid, MBA, Director, Â鶹ӳ» Public Health Training Center
- Fatima Rivas, Multicultural Outreach Specialist, WCSD Parent University
- Andy Hughes, Executive Director, TMCC Admissions and Records
Student Advisory Board
Get involved! Join us for our biweekly member meetings every other Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in EJCH 100. All are welcome!
Contact our Student Advisory Board's Co-Advisors:
- Osvaldo Jimenez-Estupinan: ojimenez@unr.edu
- Carolina Rocha Becerra: crochabecerra@unr.edu
Follow us
Stay connected with us on social media:
The Latino Research Center Student Advisory Board of the Latino Research Center is primarily composed of Â鶹ӳ» students, but also incorporates ideas and suggestions from faculty members and prominent community leaders, who strive for the enhancement of the Hispanic community in Â鶹ӳ» through public outreach, academic excellence and advocacy.
LSAB E-Board 2024-2025
- President: Dennis García
- Vice President: Lesly Navarro Chávez
- Treasurer: Jofran Tonantzín Rea
- Secretary: Brianna Contreras Becerra
- Media Coordinator: Rafael Rojas
The Latino Student Advisory Board is the longest-running student club at the University. The board meets regularly to discuss different topics related to Latinos and about different leadership approaches both in the community and on campus. The group received the ASUN Award for the best new club the year it was formed (2007) and Carla Castedo, former President, received the Club Leader Award of the Year (2012). The board was able to get the first Latino column “Latino Voices” in the Â鶹ӳ» Sagebrush. They have also worked in mentoring programs for Latinx students in elementary, middle and high school.
The board created the “Beyond Government Aid” program, helping high school students with their résumés and finding scholarships. They have also worked at the community level with voter registration drives, supporting Immigration Reform at the Â鶹ӳ» Legislature, driver authorization cards, working on DACA and Citizenship workshops, and in civic engagement and leadership trainings. Each year, the board helps organize Cesar Chavez Day, La Bienvenida (now SomosÂ鶹ӳ») and the Dia de Los Muertos celebration on campus.