Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez (Ze, Zir, Zirs, Ellx)
Director
Hola! My name is Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez, and I’m honored to serve as the Director of La Casa Cultural Latina. I am an Afro-Dominican and Taíno educator, artist, and cultural strategist with over a decade of experience in higher education, the arts, and leadership development. My approach centers restorative practices, dialogue, and healing-centered spaces that nurture belonging, creative transformation, and student empowerment.
Before joining University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I served in senior leadership as Chief Diversity Officer at New College of Florida, leading institutional initiatives that strengthened inclusive learning environments and student belonging. My professional journey also includes key roles at Ringling College of Art and Design, Rutgers University–Newark, and Northern Arizona University, where I collaborated across divisions to promote creative expression, dialogue, and student development. I am also the Founder of Mosaic Movements, an interdisciplinary arts organization amplifying diasporic narratives through storytelling, performance, and cultural collaboration.
I hold an M.Ed. in Higher Education (Student Affairs & Multicultural Education) and a B.A. in Theatre and English from Dickinson College. I also began doctoral studies in Theatre of the Americas at Arizona State University. My scholarly and creative work explores the intersections of belonging, liberation, and collective memory through art and education.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring local arts and food scenes, writing, and spending time with my family. I’m excited to contribute to La Casa’s ongoing legacy of empowerment, cultural pride, and community connection.
Danny Meléndez (él, him)
Assistant Director
Hola! My name is Danny Meléndez, and I’m excited to serve as the Assistant Director of La Casa Cultural Latina. I was born and raised in Carora, Venezuela, where I began my professional journey as an English teacher working with Spanish-speaking students. My experiences as an educator, researcher, and student affairs professional have shaped my commitment to equity, access, and creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and connected.
Before joining La Casa, I worked with the Immigrant Student Support team within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Access, Civil Rights & Community at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In this role, I supported initiatives that addressed social, cultural, and institutional barriers affecting immigrant and undocumented students. This work strengthened my commitment to student advocacy, community building, and culturally responsive support.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and a Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics. I am also a Doctoral Candidate in Spanish Linguistics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where my research focuses on bilingualism, first and second language acquisition, and psycholinguistics, with a particular interest in how Spanish speakers in the United States develop and process Spanish morphosyntax.
In my role as Assistant Director, I will contribute to the development and implementation of culturally responsive programming, cultivate meaningful relationships with students, support student engagement and leadership initiatives, and help strengthen community partnerships that advance La Casa’s mission and impact.
Outside of work, I enjoy lifting weights, biking, listening to reggaetón, and supporting others as they work toward their goals. I’m honored to join La Casa and contribute to its ongoing legacy of cultural pride, empowerment, and community connection.
Jennifer Humphrey (she, her)
Office Support Associate
Hello! My name is Jennifer Humphrey, but you can call me Jenny. Being the Office Support for La Casa Cultural Latina has been a very exciting and rewarding opportunity. I enjoy meeting and interacting with such a wide variety of visitors and appreciate serving and assisting all those who enter our space. My motto is: Always happy to help! After patiently waiting for my youngest to enter school full-time, I was finally able to pursue my dreams of furthering my education. In 2016 I received my associates degree from Parkland College for Business Administrative Technology. I have lived in central Illinois my entire life, with most of that being in Piatt County. I adore small town living and all it has to offer.
When I'm not hard at work, spending as much time as possible with family and friends is my favorite thing to do. They're the support system that keeps me going. Other things I enjoy are cooking, trying new foods, traveling, helping others, and my puppy Marlee Mae. I’m a proud mom of 3 sons. 2 are still at home, 1 has already left the nest. The 3 of us have lived on a farm just on the tip of McLean County for over 8 years now. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in this position. Proud to be a part of the La Casa family.