CubaCaribe work
Highlights of my work as an Executive Director for the past 23 yeas include relationship building, artistic curation and producing multi-week events supporting the traditional performing artists and a vast and vibrant community.
The best moments are often before or after a festival performance, gathering all together backstage in giving thanks with all the musicians, dancers and artistic directors.
Being featured on Live! In The Bay TV program with legendary Latin Jazz musician and historian John Santos who we honored, presented and collaborated with many times.
Participating in workshops, events and creating new partnerships
Photo Aat the Sozo What Comes After Fear? Abundance As Strategy in August 2026. Pictured Jamaica Itule Simmons, Sarah Crowell, Olivia Malabuyo Tablante, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Lane Sugata
Getting the opportunity to create and co-choreograph a piece from inception to completion. At the world premiere of Calle, featuring seven dancers and live music, and exploring the gap between “high art” and “street art,” concert dance and dances that happen in the street or calle. Oakland street dances – such as hip-hop, specifically turfing and break dancing – are celebrated as cultural treasures and yet simultaneously overlooked, much like Rumba, the national dance of Cuba which was started by marginalized Afro-Cubans. Funded by the Rainin Foundation at Laney College Theater in June 2018.
Co-creating a donation campaign with multiple Bay Area dance stores, studios and theaters to collect gently used and new dance wear and dance shoes and delivering these donations to a few schools in Santiago de Cuba to dancers/students in need.
Fundraising and bringing the renowned folkloric dance company Ban Rarrá, from Havana to perform and teach a series of classes. The directors Isaias Rojas Ramirez and Yaselis Sanchez were longtime mentors, teachers I trained with and friends. Dance Mission Theater in December 2016.
Receiving The City and County of San Francisco Certificate of Honor from the mayor. “For two decades, the CubaCaribe Festival has played a vital role in preserving and presenting the vibrant cultural and artistic tradition of the Caribbean and its diaspora, enriching the cultural fabric of our city.” ODC Theater, April 2026.