Puerto Rican Alliance Welcomes Dr. Ignacio Lopez

Celebrating Dr. Ignacio Lopez: Our New Executive Director

Nearly 30 years ago, Carlos Hernandez founded the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) in the basement of his home in Chicago. What once was a dream to celebrate the culture and arts of Puerto Rico became a reality. Now, 30 years later, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is an Emmy award-winning music, arts, and cultural organization that inspires audiences and educates youth on Puerto Rican cultural traditions and arts.

After many years of dedicated leadership, Carlos Hernandez is "passing the cuatro" on and stepping into a new chapter in his life and role with the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. We are excited to announce that the board of directors has appointed Ignacio Lopez, Ed.D., as the new Executive Director of PRAA.

Dr. Lopez brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience to PRAA. He is recognized for his leadership and community engagement efforts, having served as a former teacher and community college president with the City Colleges of Chicago. Most recently, he was the Deputy Provost at National Louis University. In addition to his extensive leadership experience, Dr. Lopez is also an accomplished author, having published several works on educational leadership and community engagement.

"We are thrilled that Ignacio is joining PRAA as its new executive director. For a number of years Ignacio was an active PRAA board member and also served as board chair. The board has full confidence in his leadership to continue to elevate the prestige and growth of PRAA," said Dr. Sylvia Mojica Castillo, Board Chair of The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance.

Please join us in celebrating and welcoming Dr. Ignacio Lopez as our new Executive Director!

Learn more about Ignacio Lopez, Ed.D. on our team page or visit www.linkedin.com/in/ignaciolopezedd