MEET THE
Office of Political Affairs
ABOUT OPA
The Hispanic-Latine Student Association’s Office of Political Affairs’ mission is to educate, advocate, and empower individuals by mobilizing our community around prominent issues. We create spaces where students can navigate the intersection of politics and identity, ensuring everyone has the information and support to claim their power.
'WHAT IS OPA?'
Produced by Isaac Aristud & Andrea Martinez Garaulet
MEET THE TEAM
INTERNAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GABY URDANETA FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Co-leads OPA with a focus on the team’s internal initiatives, collaboration, and engagement across HSA and its affiliates. Works alongside the External Executive Director to guide OPA’s overall direction and support the team.
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR – DESIGN & CONTENT
SOFIA CARBAJAL QUIROZ FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Creates visual content that promotes OPA’s events, initiatives, and educational efforts. Leads graphic design and helps capture and share content from OPA programming.
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR – MEDIA & VIDEO
ISABELLA PEREZ FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Leads OPA’s video and multimedia content, using creative storytelling to make information engaging and accessible. Helps capture events and expand the reach of OPA’s work through digital media.
HISTORIAN
ESLY VILLEDA CASTILLO FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Documents and highlights the history of the Hispanic community at UF through research and storytelling. Leads a year-long project dedicated to preserving and sharing the community’s history.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
FERNANDO GRANADOS CUELLAR FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Leads OPA’s Solidarity Sessions, creating spaces for thoughtful conversations around social, political, and community issues. Develops topics and interactive programming that encourage dialogue and connection.
EXTERNAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
KAYLA BELLO FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Co-leads OPA with a focus on external partnerships, community engagement, and relationships beyond HSA. Works alongside the Internal Executive Director to guide OPA’s overall direction and support the team.
DIRECTORS OF OUTREACH
ALICE GASTIABURRO & FRANCESCA NELSAS FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Builds relationships with community partners and leads civic engagement initiatives beyond campus. Develops projects that connect OPA and HSA with the broader Gainesville community.
RESEARCH & EDUCATION DIRECTOR
ISABELLA BETANCUR FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Researches current events and key issues affecting the community and translates them into accessible educational content. Leads Noticias Now and supports OPA’s broader civic education efforts
OPA SIGNATURE EVENTS DIRECTOR
BRIANNA CASTRO FOR THE 2026-2027 TERM
Lead the planning and execution of OPA’s major events and voter engagement programming. Coordinate event concepts, partnerships, and logistics to bring large-scale initiatives to life.
