The Center for Multicultural Affairs is entering an exciting new chapter, and we are thrilled to welcome Marcela Torres-Cervantes (she/her/hers) as the new Director of CMA.
At its heart, the CMA is a space where students explore identity, build meaningful relationships, and find community rooted in care and advocacy. As the Center continues to grow, especially following its 2024 renovation and the addition of new affinity and coalition spaces, this moment feels full of possibility.
Marcela brings more than a decade of experience supporting students, building programs grounded in belonging, and cultivating sustainable, community-centered change. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of the Carolina Latinx Center at UNC Chapel Hill, where she led leadership and mentorship initiatives designed to affirm students’ identities and strengthen connections.
Search chair Dr. Bobby Kunstman shared that what stood out most during the process was Marcela’s ability to pair vision with heart. “She understands how belonging is built through relationships, programs, and care,” he said. “Marcela brings a strong record of creating meaningful, culturally responsive initiatives, along with the strategic skills needed to lead teams, manage resources, and build partnerships.”
A proud Mexicana raised in Clinton, North Carolina, Marcela’s commitment to students is deeply personal. Her work is rooted in ensuring students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from The George Washington University and a Master of Education from the University of Georgia, and she is currently pursuing her Educational Doctorate at Western Carolina University. Across her academic and professional journey, she has consistently advocated for normalizing mental health conversations in communities of color and centering student wellbeing as foundational to success.
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Identity Centers and Community Development, Dr. Dawna Jones, reflected on the strength of the candidate pool, noting that “Marcela shined from the very beginning. She is student-centered, community-oriented, and incredibly smart.” That blend of thoughtfulness and clarity of purpose will be critical as the CMA begins shaping its next five-year strategic plan, one that will focus on civic leadership development, cross-cultural engagement, deeper partnerships with student organizations, and expanded alumni and community connections.
Director for the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Dr. Angel Collie, shared similar excitement: “Marcela is a wonderful addition to our team. She brings a deep sense of care, strong expertise, and a collaborative spirit that will immediately strengthen our work.” Within the Identity & Cultural Centers portfolio, collaboration and shared vision are central, and Marcela’s leadership will help position CMA as a driving force for connection and coalition-building across campus.
As a proud Durhamite, Marcela is especially excited to continue investing in relationships both on campus and in the surrounding community. With the renovated spaces designed for gathering, dialogue, and coalition-building, CMA is poised to expand how students connect, organize, and lead together.
This new chapter also includes the addition of three Assistant Directors, Hunter Roberts, Monique Rochon, and Mel Arcila-Delgado, whose collective energy and expertise will further strengthen the Center’s work. Together, this expanded team reflects a renewed commitment to students and to building spaces where identity, advocacy, and belonging are not just encouraged, but actively cultivated.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Marcela and the entire CMA team. We are excited for what’s ahead and for the many ways this community will continue to grow, lead, and thrive together.