ANGELA VELASCO

Angela Velasco is a temporary program manager with the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EID). She is a New Mexico State University Alumni with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) and a Master of Arts (Agricultural and Extension Education).

Angela is also a New Mexico State University Retiree after 27 years of service. She first started her NMSU career with Facilities and Services while earning her bachelor's degree. Shortly after earning her degree Angela was hired in Human Resource Services serving in multiple roles. She retired after working 15 years as an Equity Officer/Investigator with OIE.

After spending several years as an investigator, Angela is excited to return to NMSU in a new capacity and working with EID in the development of NMSU’s Affirmative Action Plan, working toward enhancing NMSU’s commitment toward creating a fair and equitable workplace while striving to meet Goal 6: Build, Elevate, and Strengthen Sustainable Systemwide Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Practices as described in LEADS 2025.

Fun Facts: Angela enjoys spending time as possible with her family and friends, which includes hosting weekly Sunday dinners. When the opportunity arises, she enjoys reading suspense and thriller novels, watching crime drama series and watching live baseball, especially during the times her sons were playing.

Claudia Gonzalez Astorga 

Claudia Gonzalez Astorga is the Student Program Coordinator for Latin American Programs. She was born and raised in San Isidro, D.B., a small village on the outskirt of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Claudia is a first generation. She obtained an associate's degree from DACC. She is also an NMSU alumna, holding a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages with a focus on Spanish and Portuguese. Gonzalez Astorga earned a Master's degree in Spanish with specialization in Literature. Claudia has extensive experience in community and equity work spanning both sides of the US-Mexico border. her commitment to language education took her to become a volunteer assisting students with Spanish language acquisition in the Department of Language and Linguistics, where later on taught Spanish as a Graduate Assistant. Her passion lies in supporting students and guiding them towards a deserved brighter future, firmly believing that with dedication and mentorship, any dream is achievable.

Before joining NMSU, Claudia established a Spanish academy, and a coffee house, who later evolved into a restaurant in Old Mesilla, which has quickly intertwined with a vibrant cultural center for senior citizens, hosting diverse activities ranging from conversational Spanish clubs, book clubs, German and French conversational clubs, to Spanish I & II clubs. Additionally, cultural events such as musical performances, dance showcases, artist gatherings, and book signings have become regular highlights of the center’s offerings.

Fun Fact: Claudia loves writing, reading, walking her dog, and expending time with her family.

Claudia’s motto: “My home is where my heart is. I am part of two worlds: I always carry two types of currency in my bag, and two languages on my lips. I am bicultural. I am an inhabitant of the border.” 

Joseph Duran 

Joseph Duran is the Administrative Assistant for Latin American Programs and Black Programs. Prior to this role, Joseph was the administrative assistant for The Foundation and for the Dept. of Psychology. Joseph is born and raised in Las Cruces, NM and graduated from New Mexico State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in management and finance.

Fun Fact: Joseph enjoys spending time with his daughter, being outdoors (hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping), and traveling. Joseph and his daughter have a bucket list, where they want to go to every MLB stadium and watch a game!