Carlos Hernandez-Falcón

Carlos Hernandez-Falcón founded Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) in 1996 and led PRAA as the Executive Director for nearly three decades. In 2024, he transitioned to the role of Senior Advisor. Carlos holds a Master's in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University. In 2012, Carlos completed PRAA’s $2.5 million capital campaign drive and established an expanded Puerto Rican/Latino cultural center in the Avondale community of Chicago.

Carlos continues to provide key leadership and produces PRAA’s annual Emmy award-winning National Cuatro Festival; implements its one-of-a-kind national Latin Music Project; directs El Archivo, an archival program documenting the historical migration contribution of the Puerto Rican community in the Midwest; and PRAA’s cutting-edge exhibition and studio arts programs, among others. Most recently, under Carlos’ leadership, PRAA was a recipient of the Chicago Cultural Treasures award.

Additionally, PRAA has established a reputation for extending its regional arts program outreach and collaboration with other Latino and non-Latino communities. Carlos has developed inclusive programs which has led PRAA to become known as a unique, culturally specific organization that promotes diversity while maintaining its mission and core values.Carlos’ past experiences include working for McCormick Tribune Foundation as a Program Intern Officer, Director of Economic Development for the City of Chicago Treasurer’s Office, and Director of the National Museum of Mexican Art. He has also served in the past as a consultant for non-profit community development projects.

Carlos has participated in numerous community boards and committees, among them: The Chicago Community Loan Fund, Bickerdike Redevelopment, Chicago Cultural Alliance, State Treasurer Latino Affairs Advisory Board, and Northern Trust Bank Community Advisory Board. Carlos also served as a board member of the Chicago Arts and Business Council, a member of Ravinia’s Festival, and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association advisory committees. Carlos is a Northwestern University Kellogg Executive Scholar and, in 2007, completed Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Training Program for Nonprofit Leaders in the Arts.In 2015, Carlos was appointed by the Mayor of Chicago to be a member of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Carlos is currently a board member of Enrich Chicago, a founding board member of Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, and a member of the UIC Latino Advisory Committee. He is a past recipient of the Chicago Community Trust Experienced Leader Fellowship, which provided him the opportunity to build his knowledge and credibility through first-hand cultural connections with an active network of Caribbean cultural leaders and artists that encompasses the diaspora.

Other accomplishments have included providing leadership that lead to developing five prominent exhibitions, among them; the nationally recognized Smithsonian traveling exhibitions entitled “Beyond Baseball, The Life of Roberto Clemente;” “American Sabor, The Contribution of Latin Museum in America from 1940s to present;” Arnaldo Roche at the Chicago Cultural Center, Coming Home; PRAA’s first traveling exhibition entitled “Loiza in Chicago” which highlighted the contribution of African cultural in Puerto Rican cultural through traditional masks, customs and music; and most recently “Faces of Puerto Rican Migration,” Carlos’ cultural and community service has been recognized by Rincon Family Service “Community Care Award,” National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators “National Culture & Arts Awards,” Aspira of Illinois, “Community Service Award,” Network of Hispanic Administrators in Education “Community Partnership Award,” Centro de Estudios Avanzado de Puerto Rico y el Caribe “40th Anniversary Award,” among others.