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.

Puerto Rican artist based in Chicago whose murals and sculptures highlight resilience, family, and cultural identity. His work includes the “Seeds from Our Past” mural in Humboldt Park, and he continues to mentor youth through PRAA and other initiatives. His art serves as both a personal archive and a community legacy. Reynaldo also leads the Bazar Art Studio class at PRAA.