Cyndia Morales Muñiz, assistant director for UCF’s Multicultural Academic & Support Services, was named recently as one of 2016’s top Latino leaders by the Council for Latino Workplace Equity.
Muñiz, also the president of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association at UCF, was one of 43 people chosen for the award along with other notables such as Columba Bush, former first lady of Florida; New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez; MSNBC journalist José Díaz-Balart; Miami Herald president and publisher Alexandra Villoch, and Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“It was a bit overwhelming to see my name listed alongside renowned leaders in our country. Now, I feel a sense of pride and happiness,” Muñiz said. “It’s very fulfilling to know that my work is having a positive impact on our community. I appreciate the recognition and am happy to continue doing my part.”
She will attend the National Diversity Council’s second annual Latino Leadership Conference in August at Florida International University, where attending recipients will be recognized. The conference is an annual gathering of entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, educators, policy makers and outstanding students, and is designed to encourage change and opportunity within the Latino community.
In her job, Muñiz helps assist multicultural and first-generation students through services such as the Multicultural Transfer Program, ACCESS SOAR Program, MASS Student Success Conference and others. The MASS office is part of Student Development and Enrollment Services.
As founding president of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, or LaFaSA, she raises awareness and advocates for the goals of its members.
“UCF is at the national forefront of opportunity and excellence,” said Muñiz, who earned her doctorate of education at UCF in 2013. “I am grateful to learn and grow at UCF and am proud to represent UCF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”