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 UIUC, 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.
Stephanie Cardoza-Cruz (she,her,ella)
My name is Stephanie Cardoza-Cruz and I am excited to have served as an Assistant & Interim Director at La Casa. I was born and raised in Central New Jersey where my close family still lives. I'm at Midwest transplant having arrived in Champaign-Urbana in 2021 for my position as Assistant Director here at La Casa. Growing up, I spent as much time as possible in the heart of Honduras visiting my familia in El Progreso & San Pedro Sula. My interest in working with students began during my undergraduate career at Rowan University where I became super involved across campus through Student Activities, Greek Life, and Res Life.
Following my time at Rowan, I pursued my Masters in Higher Education at the Pennyslvania State University where I served as a Graduate Assistant within Student Activities and had multiple internships that allowed me to advocate for students. In my free time, I love to explore the areas around me, plan future travel opportunities, spend time with my friends and family, and do my best to keep my pup Theo out of trouble. I'm looking forward to working directly with and advocating for students, creating opportunities for students to thrive at Illinois, and being able to be a part of the legacy of La Casa!
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.