Latino Faculty Staff Association
Mission Statement
The Latino Faculty & Staff Association is an educational organization whose purpose is to be an advocate for Latino issues in higher education, which also includes the educational welfare and advancement of the Latino community. Our goal is to promote the social and cultural dimensions of Latino history, heritage and culture as it relates to education.
Executive Board 2025-2026
Beto Carbajal
President
Beto currently serves as Assistant Director for the TRIO Upward Bound PRO program, supporting students at Parlier, Reedley, and Orange Cove High Schools. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accountancy from Fresno State and is pursuing a Master’s in Educational Counseling with a PPS credential. Throughout his academic and professional journey, Beto has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service, having served as LFSA Vice-President, Treasurer, and an active member of committees such as the Latino Graduation Ceremony and student scholarship fundraising initiatives. As a first-generation college graduate, immigrant from Mexico, and English language learner, he brings both personal experience and deep passion to his work. Dedicated to advancing equity, Beto advocates for increased college enrollment, retention, and completion among socially and economically disadvantaged communities. He leads by the phrase, “La Unidad Hace la Fuerza”—unity creates strength.
Natasha Castillo
Past President
Natasha Castillo is a proud first-generation Latina and TRIO alum dedicated to advancing student success and equity in higher education. She currently serves as the Program Assistant for the Reedley College TRIO Student Support Services and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), where she supports students in achieving their academic, career, and personal goals. Natasha earned her Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Reedley College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Career & Technical Studies from Sacramento State University. Her career goal is to become a college counselor supporting students in TRIO or TRIO-like programs because she firmly believes these programs work and have a lasting impact, not only on individual students but also in creating generational change within families and communities. As Past President of the Latino Faculty & Staff Association, Natasha’s mission is to support the current LFSA President and continue encouraging more classified professionals to become involved. She believes that collaboration among faculty and staff is essential to building an inclusive, student-centered campus culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Gema Ortega
Vice-President
Gema Ortega is a proud first-generation Latina and TRiO alum who received her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master’s in Counseling in Higher Education from Fresno State. She is honored to serve as the President-Elect of the Latino Faculty & Staff Association. Since 2013, Gema has participated in LFSA she began her journey at Reedley College with the Upward Bound Math & Science Program Assistant. Since then, she remained committed and involved as she transitioned through different roles on campus from classified professional, adjunct faculty, and now full-time counselor serving our AGNR Pathway. Through the years, she has had the privilege of serving in multiple executive board roles, including President (twice), Vice President, Past President, scholarship committee members, and co-chairing several committees such as our fundraising events and the Latino Graduation Celebration. Being part of LFSA has allowed for her to actively contribute to an association that advocates for Latino issues in higher education and supports the educational advancement of our community. She is passionate about promoting the social and cultural dimensions of our history, heritage, and culture as they connect to education. As President-Elect, she looks forward to continuing this work, uplifting voices, building community, and creating spaces where our students, faculty, and staff so they can feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Veronica Leal, M.S.
Historian
Veronica is a proud first-generation student who received her Bachelor's in Anthropology & Chicana/o/x Studies with a minor in Education from UCLA. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she pursued a Master's in Higher Education Counseling and gained the tools to approach counseling through culturally responsive perspective. Becoming a counselor to support higher education pathways in the Central Valley has always been a lifelong dream for Veronica. Her college experiences have grounded her in the retention, equity and success of students at all levels of the educational pipeline. Currently, Veronica serves as a counselor for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Pathway at Reedley College and where she supports students' educational goals, career aspirations, and personal growth. As Historian for the Latino Faculty & Staff Association, she, is working to preserve the history of LFSA through oral interviews, newsletters and communications materials. Grounded in social justice, Veronica seeks to represent and bring light to Latina/o/x students, faculty and staff at Reedley College through the Historian position. She believes that our community deserves more visibility and hopes to continue to highlight their achievements and resilience.
Reyna Armenta
Treasurer
Reyna Armenta is a proud first-generation Latina and dedicated higher education professional passionate about equity, access, and student success. She currently serves as Outreach Specialist (limited term) and her permanent position is Financial Aid Specialist at Reedley College, where she supports students through financial literacy, scholarship initiatives, and college readiness programs designed to empower first-generation and underrepresented communities.
Reyna earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from National University. Her academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to servant leadership, cultural inclusion, and community engagement.
As Treasurer for the Latino Faculty & Staff Association, Reyna manages all financial operations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with LFSA’s mission to uplift and celebrate the Latino community across the State Center Community College District. Beyond financial stewardship, she actively supports fundraising and professional development efforts that provide scholarships and growth opportunities for students and staff.
Grounded in compassion and collaboration, Reyna strives to create sustainable systems that strengthen LFSA’s impact and ensure future generations of Latino students and professionals continue to thrive.
Reyna earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from National University. Her academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to servant leadership, cultural inclusion, and community engagement.
As Treasurer for the Latino Faculty & Staff Association, Reyna manages all financial operations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with LFSA’s mission to uplift and celebrate the Latino community across the State Center Community College District. Beyond financial stewardship, she actively supports fundraising and professional development efforts that provide scholarships and growth opportunities for students and staff.
Grounded in compassion and collaboration, Reyna strives to create sustainable systems that strengthen LFSA’s impact and ensure future generations of Latino students and professionals continue to thrive.
Daisy Pelayo Figueroa, M.A.
Secretary
Daisy is a first-generation, bilingual, Chicana, born and raised in Fresno, CA. She is currently a classified professional, Instructional Administrative Assistant where she supports faculty, staff, and students with care in day-to-day operations. She has been with the State Center Community College District for about four years. Daisy pursued her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Merced in Cognitive Science with a minor in Public Health and earned her master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration at California State University, Fresno. Outside of work, Daisy enjoys being involved in the community and learning from the community. She continues to be inspired by Libuse Binder’s book quote, “You are old enough to care, innovative enough to find solutions, and energetic enough to take action. You are the next generation of leaders, ambassadors, and trendsetters, and you are armed with intelligence and ingenuity. You have incredible power.”
Kristen Chavana, M.A., P.P.S
Communications Officer
Kristen Chavana serves as a Counselor for the TRIO pre-college program, Educational Talent Search (ETS), at Reedley College, where she is based at Parlier High School. She proudly earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (P.P.S.) Credential from Fresno Pacific University, building on a strong academic foundation. Kristen is deeply committed to empowering students throughout their educational journeys. Beyond her counseling role, she serves as the 2025–2026 Communications Officer for the Latino Faculty and Staff Association (LFSA) at Reedley College and as Public Relations representative for CenCal WESTOP. Passionate about showcasing TRIO and Reedley College initiatives, Kristen actively manages social media accounts for CenCal WESTOP, LFSA, and ETS at Parlier High School, amplifying the impact of these programs across the Central Valley.
History
Resources
Forms
- 2025-2026 ByLaws - Updated 10/16/2025
- Payroll Deduction Form - Need help completing it? Please contact rc.lfsa@reedleycollege.edu
- Membership Form
Scholarship
Events
Social Media
Social Media & Email
Have questions?
Contact us: rc.lfsa@reedleycollege.edu
Latino Graduation Celebration
Get in Touch
Location
Forestry & Natural Resources Building (FNR) 1
Phone
Email
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
* Summer hours may vary
