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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Several Members of the HFSA

collage of HFSU members at UT Austin

The Hispanic Faculty/Staff Association (HFSA) is a campus-wide organization that has been making a positive impact on the university through advocacy, education and service. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are spotlighting several HFSA members who are leading efforts to make the university a more inclusive, equitable place for Hispanic/Latino faculty, staff and students.


Desiree d Alva
Desiree D. Alva

Director of Student Programming and Assessment Desiree D. Alva shares how she found her community on campus through the HFSA, and how she helps the organization fundraise for student scholarships through the FIESTA ’22 program.

Read Desiree’s story.


Portrait of Yvonne Loya celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2021
Yvonne Loya

OnRamps Senior Outreach Program Coordinator Yvonne Loya has dedicated more than two decades of service to the HFSA, mentoring her fellow colleagues and working with university leadership to increase higher Latino/Hispanic faculty and staff representation on campus.

Read Yvonne’s story


Portrait of Jessica Silva celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Jessica Silva

College of Education Academic Advising Coordinator Jessica Silva shares her experiences uplifting communities on and off campus through various outreach initiatives—including big holiday fundraisers that benefit hundreds of children and their families every year.

Read Jessica’s story


Portrait of Robert Valdez celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Robert Valez

University Housing and Dining Assistant Director Robert Valdez reflects on his rewarding experiences in the HFSA—and how he is determined to fulfill his grandmother’s legacy by taking his career and education to great lengths.

Read Robert’s Story.


Mario Villa Director of Student Recruitment and Financial Aid, Texas Law

Mario Villa

Texas Law Director of Student Recruitment and Financial Aid Mario Via dedicates his work and his doctoral research to supporting students throughout their graduate school journeys. He shares his experiences in the HFSA— and how he enjoys supporting the campus community with his colleagues through various activities.

Read Mario’s story.