Marcela Torres-Cervantes
She/her | Director
Marcela is a proud Mexican American raised in southeastern North Carolina and has called Durham home since 2017. Being Mexican shapes how the world experiences her, while being raised in a small Southern town shapes how she experiences the world. Navigating these spaces taught her how to build bridges, listen closely, and find connection across difference. As a student, multicultural centers served as places of refuge and growth, affirming her identity and demonstrating the power of culturally grounded community. These experiences deeply inform her commitment to this work and her service at Duke.
Marcela serves as the Director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs, where she stewards both the space and the people within it. Her work centers on amplifying the impact of the CMA by strengthening systems, building partnerships, and supporting an incredible team and student leaders. She brings a grounded, welcoming presence to the center and is often a space for others to decompress, reflect, and think out loud. Leading with curiosity, empathy, and high standards, Marcela values honest dialogue, sustainable solutions, and community rooted in joy. She is committed to ensuring the CMA is a space where people feel seen, empowered, and supported to lead, question, celebrate, and grow.
Shavonne Ross
She/her | Staff Specialist
Shavonne is an Afro‑Caribbean cis woman born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Professional Studies and has been part of the CMA community for two years, currently serving as the center’s Staff Specialist. In her role, Shavonne manages all things administrative, ensuring the center stays organized, responsive, and running smoothly behind the scenes. From calendars and logistics to real‑time problem‑solving, she is the steady presence making sure the details are handled and nothing falls through the cracks.
Shavonne enjoys connecting with students through genuine conversation, a good kiki, or simply being a trusted sounding board. She leads with structure, consistency, and care, bringing a dependable and thoughtful energy to the space. Grounded and loyal at her core, warm and expressive in how she shows up, and composed in her approach, Shavonne balances heart and leadership in her work. She works intentionally so she can remain present, prepared, and fully available for her community.
Mel Arcila-Delgado
She/her | Assistant Director Assessment and Learning
Mel is a first‑generation daughter of Colombian and Ecuadorian parents, an identity that deeply shapes how she shows up in her work. Grounded in an awareness of access, responsibility, and care, Mel is guided by a commitment to making spaces more welcoming and affirming for others. She brings a calm, intentional presence and values reflection, curiosity, and collaboration as essential tools for meaningful learning and growth.
Mel serves as an Assistant Director of at the Center for Multicultural Affairs, focusing on assessment and learning. Her role centers on consistently showing up for students: listening without judgment, problem‑solving with care, and supporting the behind‑the‑scenes work that allows programs and people to thrive. Even when her work isn’t always visible, Mel’s focus is on creating the conditions for students to feel seen, heard, and empowered. She is committed to leading with clarity, consistency, and heart, paying attention to both the big vision and the small details that help community take root.
Monique Rochon
She/her | Assistant Director Community Outreach and Engagement
Monique is a Black woman, educator, and community connector, shaped by her family’s Louisiana roots and the many places she has called home. Born and raised in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and further shaped by time in Washington, DC, she has seen how communities adapt, organize, and endure. These experiences inspire her commitment to supporting students in college from all walks of life and guide how she builds connected learning environments alongside them. She believes learning is strongest when it fosters belonging and nurtures meaningful connections.
At the Center for Multicultural Affairs, Monique serves as a bridge‑builder and ecosystem steward, coordinating programming, partnerships, and outreach while centering student connection and support. Her day‑to‑day work includes collaborating with campus and community partners, advising student leaders, and managing the logistics that bring programs and initiatives to life. With a steady and attentive presence, Monique works to create spaces that feel inclusive, affirming, and meaningful, and is committed to cultivating a brave, joyful, and thoughtful community where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to show up as their authentic selves.
Hunter Roberts
She/her | Assistant Director Communications, Marketing, and Storytelling
Hunter is a Black woman of multicultural lineage rooted in the African diaspora. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and shaped by life in North Carolina, Hunter’s identity reflects both her multicultural heritage and the cultures of the places she has called home. She also lived in South Korea for four years, an experience that deepened her understanding of self and community and fuels her commitment to helping students explore identity and build cultural understanding.
Hunter serves as the Assistant Director of Communications and Storytelling at the Center for Multicultural Affairs, where she supports the center’s branding and narrative vision across CMA programming and initiatives. She collaborates with team members and student staff throughout the planning process, ensuring alignment with CMA’s mission, vision, and values while shaping language, graphics, and visual storytelling. Hunter brings curiosity, care, and big‑picture thinking to her work, helping cultivate a space where students feel seen, heard, and that they belong.