[{"id":209,"date":"2026-10-07T10:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uvaalumni.org\/juntos\/?page_id=209"},"modified":"2026-10-07T10:01:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:01:03","slug":"leadership-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uvaalumni.org\/juntos\/leadership-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Your Juntos Leadership Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

We asked your leadership team various questions about their time on Grounds as well as Juntos, below is just a few of the answers we got. Enjoy the read and getting to know your team! And<\/em> join us in April for an unforgettable weekend back on Ground in Charlottesville!<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Leon Arceo<\/strong> (Com<\/abbr> class of <\/span>’25)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

What student activities were you involved with during your time on-Grounds?<\/strong>
\nI loved all the extracurriculars during my time at UVA. On Grounds, I was a part of The Cavalier Daily, Latinx Student Network, CRAVE, CASH at Madison House, LUL, and Promotions<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Claudia Casta\u00f1eda<\/strong> (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>’17)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

What student activities were you involved with during your time on-Grounds?<\/strong>
\nOne of my highlights was working with Sin Barreras through LSA. Being able to connect with the community on and off grounds was so meaningful.<\/p>\n

What does Juntos mean to you?<\/strong>
\nI always remember the latine community at UVA that was my home away from home. Juntos is my opportunity to reconnect with those memories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Carolina Espinal<\/strong> (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>’00)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

What student activities were you involved with during your time on-Grounds?<\/strong>
\nDuring my time at UVA, I was a Charter Member of the Iota Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and helped to lay the foundation for the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). I also established a student organization known as El Pueblo, to discuss socio-political dynamics and advocacy in the Latine community. Working closely with the Office of the Dean of Students, I collaborated with students across UVA to organize activities including Nuestra America\/Our America, a forum for art and culture from Latin America and the diaspora.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Maria T. Gutierrez<\/strong> (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>’90)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

What student activities were you involved with during your time on-Grounds?
\n<\/strong>The Cavalier Daily, Spanish House, French House<\/p>\n

How are you currently staying connected to your UVA Community?
\n<\/strong>Served on the UVA Alumni Association\u2019s Board of Managers and Jefferson Trust, UVA Club of Fort Lauderdale<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Wilson Ventura<\/strong> (Col<\/abbr> class of <\/span>’12)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

What student activities were you involved with during your time on-Grounds?<\/strong>
\nDuring my time on-Grounds, I cofounded UVA\u2019s first Latino dance group, creating a space to celebrate our culture, build community, and share our heritage through dance. I was also involved with La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., where I continued developing my passion for leadership, cultural representation, and community engagement.<\/p>\n

As a first generation college graduate, I know how meaningful it is to find a community that understands your experiences, celebrates your culture, and supports your growth. To me, Juntos is about honoring where we come from while strengthening the connections that carry us forward. It\u2019s also about making sure the next generation of Latino Hoos feels seen, supported, and empowered to leave their own mark at UVA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n