Spanish Clubs/Organizations

Latinos Unidos Student Organization

(Housed under Spanish program)

The Latinos Unidos organization aims to create an inclusive and supportive space where students can celebrate Latino culture, build community, and engage in academic, social, and professional development opportunities. The organization will serve as a hub for students—Latino and non-Latino alike—who want to learn about and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of Latin America while strengthening their connections on campus.

Through educational initiatives, cultural events, mentorship programs, and outreach activities, Latinos Unidos will provide members with the opportunity to embrace and showcase Latino identity, while also raising awareness about the contributions and presence of Latinos in higher education and society.

"Hand in Hand, We take a Stand"

Linktree | Instagram | Facebook | Engage

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Executive Leadership

President & Co-Founder: Jesrael Cabrera-Luna, B.A. | Jcabreraluna@mail.fresnostate.edu 

Overseer of Committee Operations

Jesrael R. Cabrera-Luna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Fresno State in Fall 2025, continuing a family legacy within the same department and university. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel at California Lutheran University and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Research Methods at Fresno State. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration with a focus on Student Affairs or Assessment and Evaluation.

Jesrael works at Fresno State’s Cross Cultural and Gender Center as an Operations and Administration Assistant Analyst, where he supports student programs, operations, and equity-focused initiatives.

As a second-generation college graduate, Jesrael founded Latinos Unidos to strengthen community, belonging, and access to resources for students. While rooted in Fresno State’s identity as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Latinos Unidos is open to all students and centers mentorship, leadership development, cultural pride, and student success.

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Vice President: Annette Michelle Román | Annette_roman@mail.fresnostate.edu 

Public Relations & Marketing Committee Co-Chair

Annette Roman Velazquez is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Chicano Studies. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Mathematics from Fresno City College through Design Science Middle College High School while completing her high school diploma.

Raised by immigrant parents, Annette draws motivation from their sacrifices and belief in education. She is on the pre-med track with aspirations to become a gynecologic oncologist, with a strong interest in addressing health disparities and expanding access to care for underserved communities.

As the Vice President for Latinos Unidos, Annette oversees organizational operations, documentation, and coordination across leadership. Her background in advocacy, academic excellence, and community service informs her commitment to supporting students through leadership, collaboration, and service.

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Chief of Staff: VACANT

Public Relations & Marketing Committee Co-Chair

VACANT

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Itchel X. Salgado-Barajas | Itchel35@mail.fresnostate.edu 

Fundraising and Finance Committee Chair

Itchel X. Salgado Barajas is a first-generation college graduate and graduate student at California State University, Fresno. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in Fall 2025 and is currently enrolled in the Spanish M.A. program.

Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Itchel immigrated to the United States in 1994 and grew up in California. As the oldest of two sisters and a single mother, her lived experiences shape her leadership, discipline, and commitment to education.

As Chief Financial Officer of Latinos Unidos, Itchel oversees budgeting, fundraising, and financial accountability. She is dedicated to strengthening student organizations, supporting campus-wide initiatives, and ensuring resources serve Latino students with care and purpose.

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Director of Academic & Career Success: Rosa M. Rosales, M.S | Rmr26@mail.fresnostate.edu

Membership and Outreach Committee Co-Chair

Rosa Maria Rosales is a graduate student in the Spanish M.A. program at California State University, Fresno. She holds a B.S. in Criminology and Chicano and Latin American Studies, a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

With over 15 years of experience as a social worker serving foster youth and underserved families, Rosa Maria brings a strong commitment to educational access and student success. As Director of Academic and Career Success for Latinos Unidos, she develops academic programming, career pathways, and collaborative initiatives that support and empower students.

A former migrant student and proud daughter of Michoacán, Mexico, Rosa Maria leads with purpose, resilience, and a belief in education as a tool for equity and community advancement.

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Director of Community Affairs: Guadalupe E. Castrejon, B.A. | Ecastrejon80@mail.fresnostate.edu 

Event Planning Committee Co-Chair

Elizabeth Castrejon, B.A., is a Spanish high school teacher with a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from California State University, Fresno, and a Licenciatura in Medicine from the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa in Mexico.

As an immigrant and educator, Elizabeth brings a strong community-centered perspective to her work. As Director of Community Affairs for Latinos Unidos, she strengthens partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to expand the group’s reach beyond campus.

Elizabeth is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Education program at Fresno State with an option in Multilingual and Multicultural Education. She is committed to inclusive education, cultural representation, and community engagement.

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Director of Outreach & Recruitment: Mia Olguin | Mjo19@mail.fresnostate.edu 

Membership and Outreach Committee Co-Chair

Mia Olguin serves as the Director of Outreach and Recruitment for Latinos Unidos. She is a first-year student pursuing pre-health studies and brings her passion for community and service into her leadership role. As Outreach and Recruitment Director, Mia works to welcome new members, strengthen campus connections, and ensure students feel supported and included. She values the importance of celebrating Latino culture while building a space where all students can belong, grow, and succeed together.

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Director of Events: Andrea Tenorio-Zurita | Andreatenorio86@mail.fresnostate.edu  

Event Planning Committee Co-Chair

Andrea Tenorio-Zurita is an undergraduate student majoring in Philosophy Pre-Law with a minor in Spanish Translation and Interpreting. She expects to graduate in Spring 2026 and plans to attend law school.

As Director of Events for Latinos Unidos, Andrea brings a strong interest in law, justice, and community engagement to her leadership. She is committed to cultural advocacy, student empowerment, and creating programs that promote equity, connection, and cultural pride on campus.

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Emeritus Executive Members

Claudia Román, B.A. | Vice President Emerita, Co-Founder | 2025-2026

Claudia Román is a first-generation college graduate who earned a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Criminology in Fall 2025. She co-founded Latinos Unidos alongside the organization’s first executive officers to promote unity, inclusion, and student success at Fresno State, a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Claudia plans to pursue a legal career centered on equity and educational justice, gaining professional legal experience prior to attending law school.

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Faculty Director & Advisor

Debbie M. Ávila, Ph.D. | Professor of Spanish and Portuguese

Deavila@mail.fresnostate.edu | 559.278.6616 | Office: Peters Business Bldg. 335

Dr. Debbie M. Ávila has been part of Fresno State since 2004, where she teaches Spanish and Portuguese literature and culture in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, on top of being a Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, she was also Chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures for five years, and Graduate Coordinator of the Spanish M.A. program for one year. She holds a Ph.D. in Twentieth-Century Spanish and Portuguese Literatures from the University of California, Irvine, and has studied and taught abroad in both Spain and Portugal.

Her research and teaching reflect a deep commitment to language, culture, and student success. As the Faculty Director & Advisor for Latinos Unidos, Dr. Ávila supports the organization’s mission to empower students, provide resources, and celebrate Latino identity on campus.

Dr. Ávila believes Latinos Unidos is special because it combines cultural pride with academic and professional support, giving students the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond.

A fun fact about her: her family is originally from the Azores Islands.

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About Latinos Unidos

Latinos Unidos was founded by Jesrael R. Cabrera-Luna to provide students with the support they need to succeed. Fresno State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and the first officers — Jesrael R. Cabrera-Luna, Claudia Román, Itchel Xiomara Salgado-Barajas, and Annette M. Román — chose the name Latinos Unidos to represent unity and inclusion.

Although our name highlights Latino identity, we welcome all students regardless of background, ethnicity, or religion. Latinos Unidos is a student services organization designed to help students succeed at Fresno State and beyond. Our support includes FAFSA and Dream Act help, food resources like CalFresh and the Student Cupboard, and resume and job search assistance.

We also prepare members for life after college. Officer positions provide leadership experience that looks strong on resumes. Members can earn up to three certificates:

• Certificate of Distinguished Leadership
• Certificate of Civic Engagement
• Certificate of Cultural Advocacy

These credentials support graduate school applications and meet equity and diversity requirements that many K-12 and higher education institutions value. Soon, Latinos Unidos will also offer scholarships to further assist students. At graduation, members receive a sash to proudly recognize their involvement and remember being part of a supportive community.

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Academic & Career Success

Latinos Unidos supports members in reaching their academic and professional goals. We host study sessions, provide peer mentorship, and guide students through FAFSA, Dream Act, and scholarship applications. Members also receive help with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation to be ready for jobs and graduate school.

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Community Engagement & Leadership

Our members give back to the Central Valley through volunteer work, outreach, and partnerships with local schools and organizations. Students can earn leadership roles within Latinos Unidos and receive official certificates in Distinguished Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Cultural Advocacy. These experiences strengthen resumes and meet equity and diversity requirements valued in education and professional fields.

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Celebrating Culture & Building Legacy

We celebrate Latino heritage through cultural events, guest speakers, and campus programs. Members connect with their roots while sharing traditions with the wider Fresno State community. At graduation, members receive a sash to honor their involvement, and we are working toward offering scholarships to leave a lasting impact for future generations of Latinos Unidos students.

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Communication and Outreach

If you would like to collaborate or partner with Latinos Unidos, please connect with our outreach leads.

Rosa Maria Rosales M.S. MFT, Director of Academic & Career Success, serves as the Lead Director of Latinos Unidos. She develops academic and career programs, organizes study sessions, career workshops, and mentorship opportunities. She also connects members with scholarships, internships, and campus resources while coordinating with all committees to ensure alignment with organizational goals. You can reach her at Rmr26@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Guadalupe Elizabeth Castrejon, Director of Community Affairs, cultivates relationships with community organizations, alumni, and external partners. She advises the Executive Board on community engagement opportunities and supports sponsorships and outreach while serving as a community voice within Latinos Unidos. You can reach her at Ecastrejon80@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Mia Olguin, Director of Outreach and Recruitment, leads recruitment efforts and membership engagement. She builds partnerships with campus and community groups, promotes visibility, and advocates for Latino student representation. You can reach her at Mjo19@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Rosa, Elizabeth, and Mia are your main contacts for outreach, partnerships, and collaboration opportunities with Latinos Unidos.