Arte Público Press and the University of Houston invite the community to a special fundraising luncheon, Celebrate a Legacy of Latino Literature, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (CT) at the University of Houston Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Ballroom. For nearly five decades, Arte Público Press has shaped American literature—championing US Latino voices and celebrating the stories that define our cultural heritage. This event highlights the enduring impact of books, storytelling and access to literature in building more inclusive cultural and educational landscapes. The program will feature a fireside chat with acclaimed journalist John Quiñones and Arte Público Press founder Nicolás Kanellos, offering a conversation on the power of storytelling, the importance of preserving literary histories and the future of Latino voices in American letters. Founded in 1980 at the University of Houston, Arte Público Press has grown into the nation’s premier publisher of US Latino …
Liana López
Marketing Manager Liana López oversees Arte Público Press marketing and the promotion of books, authors and programs. Contact Liana at: lllopez@Central.UH.EDU
Arte Público Press Welcomes Two New Team Members
Arte Público Press is pleased to welcome two new team members who bring diverse experience in marketing, education and project management to the organization. Carlos Dueño joins Arte Público Press as Marketing Coordinator. He earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Houston and brings a multidisciplinary professional background to his role. Dueño began his career at the Apple Store, where he worked for six years, before transitioning into media as a promotion coordinator and radio host for Mix 96.5. Most recently, he taught 9th-grade professional communications and career exploration at Cypress Park High School in the Greater Houston area. In his new position, he will support marketing initiatives that amplify the press’ presence. César Alvarado also joins the team, bringing expertise in accounting, data analysis and project administration. He holds a degree in accounting from Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez (ITCJ) and has experience in project management and …
Alejandro Castillo Estrella
Sales Supervisor Alejandro Castillo Estrella oversees the fulfillment of all Arte Público Press book orders. Contact Alejandro at: acasti74@Central.UH.EDU
Sophia Gutiérrez Vega
Puerto Rican Literature Project (PLPR) Project Manager Sophia Gutiérrez Vega supports project management, implementation and contracts related to PLPR. Contact Sophia at: spgutier@uh.edu
César Alvarado
Business Manager César Alvarado supervises the accounting, contracting and order fulfillment staff of Arte Público Press. Contact César at: calvar30@Central.UH.EDU
Carlos Dueño
Marketing Coordinator Carlos Dueño supports marketing initiatives and outreach events. Contact Carlos at: cdueno@Central.UH.EDU
Announcing the Esther Campos Collection
Recovering the US Hispanic Literary Heritage, an initiative housed at the University of Houston and dedicated to preserving and making accessible the written legacy of US Latinas and Latinos, announces the launch of the Esther Campos Collection in its Digital Collections platform. The newly available collection celebrates the life and career of Maria “Esther” (Estrada) Campos (1930–2025), a pioneering Mexican-American educator, civic leader and public servant who devoted her life to advancing educational opportunities for Houston’s youth. Born in Houston on October 6, 1930, Campos earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston College of Education at a time when few Latinas pursued higher education. She became one of the first bilingual instructors hired by the Houston Independent School District (HISD), later serving as counselor, assistant principal and ultimately as HISD Trustee for District VIII from 1993 to 2003. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to education, …
Ayda Abrar
Contracts & Subrights Coordinator Ayda Abrar coordinates contracts and subrights for Arte Público Press.




