About LAFSA

The Latinx Faculty and Staff Association (LaFSA) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) was established in the summer of 2020 to help bring together the Latino community of UTA, understand the needs of our members, and represent the interests of Hispanic faculty and staff at all university levels.

A Note on Terms

By using the term “Latinx” in its title, LaFSA seeks to connect this faculty and staff association as part of the national trend to advocate for the belonging and engagement of individuals in a higher education setting, particularly those who have been historically labeled as “Latino” or “Hispanic.” We recognize that there are many terms embraced by individuals to describe their social and political identities in terms of race, ethnicity, cultural heritage, nationality, gender, and others. Out of respect for the complex meaning and importance associated with these terms, LaFSA uses terms such as “Latino(a),” “Hispanic,” and “Latinx” interchangeably. We encourage ongoing discussion around these terms and strive to create an inclusive space for all perspectives.

Mission Statement

LaFSA seeks to achieve a visible commitment to the inclusion and valuing of Latino/Hispanic Faculty, Staff, and Students at The University of Texas at Arlington and the community at large.

LAFSA's Purpose

1. To promote increased opportunities for initial employment, retention, and career growth and development for Latino faculty and staff at the university.
2. To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and the discussion of issues and problems of concern to Latino faculty and staff members at UT Arlington.
3. To provide a mutually supportive social and cultural milieu for Latino faculty and staff at UT Arlington.
4. To provide a mechanism for interacting with the administration and the broader University community on issues which affect or are of concern to Latino faculty and staff at UT Arlington.
5. To monitor and encourage the inclusion of cultural diversity as an integral part of the mission of The University of Texas at Arlington.

Our Board

President

Dr. Jennifer Luken Sutton

Director, Academic Success Center, TRIO Student Support Services, University of Texas at Arlington

jluken@uta.edu

Secretary

Loretta Pequeno

Employee Engagement Specialist, Office of Talent, Culture and Engagement, The University of Texas at Arlington

lpequeno@uta.edu

Parliamentarian

Dr. Daniela Palmer Droguett

Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington

daniela.palmer@uta.edu

Treasurer

Julian Rodriguez Broadcast Journalism Specialist, Department of Communication, University of Texas at Arlington

julian.rodriguez@uta.edu

At Large

Nico Covarrubias

Assistant Director, Office for Cultural Engagement & Social Change, University of Texas at Arlington

nico.covarrubias@uta.edu

Ex-Officio

Dr. Sergio Espinosa Associate Professor, Department of Music, University of Texas at Arlington

espinosa@uta.edu