Meet The Passionate People Behind Our Purpose

Dr. Ignacio López is a prominent educational leader and community advocate. He has built a distinguished career in both K-12 and higher education, marked by a steadfast commitment to equity, community engagement, culturally responsive teaching, and the promotion of Puerto Rican arts.

Carlos Hernandez-Falcón founded the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) in 1996, serving as Executive Director for nearly 30 years before becoming Senior Advisor. He led a $2.5 million capital campaign, created distinctive cultural programs, produced the Emmy-winning National Cuatro Festival, and earned numerous awards recognizing PRAA’s cultural excellence and community impact.

Nancy Ward, is a seasoned fundraising professional who brings new capacities in individual giving to PRAA and a breadth of experience with arts and Latinx organizations.

Jose Luis Illanes, Somos Uno Project Director, has over 40 years of experience in education and community service, including roles such as teacher, program coordinator, assistant principal, and principal in Chicago Public Schools. He holds multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Jorge Felix, artist, curator, and arts administrator from Puerto Rico, has lived in Chicago since 1993. One of the founding members of Chicago Cultural Alliance, he is known for cross-cultural arts integration, community activism, and award-winning set design.

Adrian, a Chicago native with a master’s in Business Design & Innovation – Sports Management, is a growing marketing professional passionate about fostering culture, creativity, and community.

Zabdiel Santiago, Music Education Manager & Instructor, is a Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico graduate with advanced studies in music education and piano performance. With over 20 years of teaching and directing ensembles, he now leads PRAA’s Latin Music Project, overseeing curriculum, school programming, and inspiring award-winning young musicians.

Alejandro Salazar is a drummer and educator who promotes love, peace, and unity through music. Rooted in Afro-Cuban and Black American traditions, he blends cultural knowledge with performance excellence.

José, a graduate of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico in Jazz and Caribbean performance, is an award-winning educator and performer. He has taught extensively, toured internationally, and collaborated with renowned artists.

Educator with a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist and a Bilingual Endorsement. She has taught in Chicago Public Schools, supervised student teachers at National Louis University, and currently teaches 3rd grade while serving on the instructional leadership team in District 68. Claudia also leads the Little Genius class at PRAA.

Benjamin Laboy Ruiz, cuatrista and composer from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, is an award-winning musician celebrated for advancing Puerto Rican folk music worldwide. A graduate of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and ESMUC in Barcelona, he has performed internationally, composed acclaimed works, and collaborated with renowned orchestras, ensembles, and artists.

Christine Abigaíl Meinders is an emerging interdisciplinary artist born and raised in Chicago working primarily in ceramics and fiber art.

Chicago-born photographer, cultural broadcaster, and creative producer, Qurissy uses portraiture and storytelling to center Black and Puerto Rican diasporic life.

Irica Baurer has extensive experience as both a performer and teacher. Ms. Baurer is currently a music educator with Chicago Public Schools. She has been on faculty at Merit School of Music as well as Sherwood School of Music Columbia College. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music Education.

Patricia Perez is a Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist whose primary practice centers on oil painting, with additional work in mixed media, sewing, drawing, and murals.

Yaemaris Santana is a guitarist from Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, who discovered her passion for music at an early age, inspired by her family and the island’s rich musical heritage. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Popular Music at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, where her primary instrument is the electric guitar.