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Alejandra Duque
Founder and Director
Alejandra Duque is currently completing her degree in Drama & Theatre Arts at Columbia University. She is passionate about creating new and transcendent theatre that is relevant and personal, connecting to communities and providing them with a forum and art form that allows them to express both their needs and vigor. She has been teaching children and adults of all ages for 8 years and is currently a teaching artist for both Manhattan New Music Project’s Blank Page to Stage Program in P.S. 24k and Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility’s afterschool program PAZ from A to Z. She is also an emerging stage manager and has worked in productions alongside Austin Pendleton, Kristin Linklater, Melanie Joseph, and the Columbia University School of the Arts, among others. She thanks God above all for blessing her with the gift of doing what she loves and with an incredible group of fellow workers, friends and family members that have been her backbone all these years. Thank you. John 15:8..
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Milena Luna
Creative Director
Milena Luna, many times depicted as a jack of all trades, is an arts enthusiast, passionate about education and serving the community. Her love of music and dance led her to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Musical Enterprises at Baruch College which landed her a position assisting the VP of Promotions at SONY’s Verity Records. After almost a year she left her position at the record label to work for Ekklesia New York Church, a local church located in Astoria, Queens. As Office Manager for the past five years she has worn many hats and spearheaded several creative projects for the church and local community. She also volunteers at Ekklesia New York leading the worship dance team where she teaches dance to people of all ages. Making a difference in her community and seeing people changed is a reward in itself for Milena. Besides her philanthropic endeavors Milena loves living in NYC, enjoys spending time with her loved ones, spontaneous adventures, meeting new people and exploring all that NYC has to offer.
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Janette Valenzo Venegas
Curriculum Development and Research
Janette Valenzo is native from sunny Los Angeles and currently in her second year at New York University completing her BFA Degree in Drama. She is studying the art of acting through the Stella Adler Studio and hopes to also receive two minors in Applied Theatre and Law & Society. Janette is involved with several community programs on her campus, such as Project OutReach, Alternative Breaks, and an intern at GO Project via the NYU Civic Team. She is currently stage managing for the Shakespeare in the Square's production of Macbeth. None of this would be possible if it wasn't for the West and East Coast support of her eccentric friends, her beautiful family, and above all, the love of God.
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Mariel Cepeda
Community Liaison/SEL Specialist
Mariel Cepeda- Mariel is a teacher, activist, and gifted oral historian with a zeal for life. Her enthusiastic and fun personality accompanied by her progressive thinking, creativity, passion for change, and quick wit, are some of the characteristics that help her strive in all of her endeavors. Currently, she works as a teacher and facilitator for Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, a non-profit organization. Her lessons are focused on teaching social responsibility and bringing self-awareness through Conflict Resolution/Social Emotional Learning strategies. Before this, she worked in the Fashion industry for five years. Mariel will be enrolling in Goddard College this upcoming fall to complete her BA in Individualized Studies. On her “free time” Mariel enjoys volunteers at RestoreNYC- an organization fighting against human trafficking, cooking and entertaining for friends, and restaurant hopping. Currently, she resides in a hip Long Island City neighborhood in NY, which she absolutely loves! In a nutshell, Mariel is what you call a multi- hyphenated hustler.
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Wes Guity
Marketing Director
Aside from running his own company and training for his first Half-Marathon, Wes is an avid foodie who thrives on working with creative individuals who want to make their mark in the world. His company, GuityCo., has made it a priority to incorporate entrepreneurial social responsibility across each of its subsidiaries. He received his B.S. in Political Science at the State University at Brockport. Wes is also a New Yorker and a Salsero.
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Carlos Gomez
Finance Director
Carlos Gomez is a polyglot, adventurer, businessman, teacher, and has been known to be needlessly erudite on occasion. He is passionate about alternative energy, health reform, education reform, piano, conflict resolution, and foreign cultures. Carlos currently works as a teaching assistant in the Thesis Course for undergraduate students at the Florida International University Honors College. He is also completing a dual degree in Finance and International Business. In an effort to gain first hand experience with foreign cultures Carlos has studied at international universities in Beijing and Rotterdam for a combined 16 months. In his spare time he serves as an academic advisor, as a consultant to non-profit organizations, and mentors student organizations. He has been known to disappear to other countries for months at a time, and always enjoys a good laugh.
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Tanya J. Rios
Administration Assistant
Tanya J. Rios wears many hats throughout her life being a mother of two beautiful kids; Juan and Scarlett. She is currently working in her community; for a Non-Profit Organization in Sunset Park Brooklyn. Tanya is most passionate about helping out with families and their children. You can always find her engaging students in activities or just plane of fun and games. She is a hard worker, and believes that if we teach our children the techniques that they will need in life, we would have a better future.
