Meet Our Team
After 13 years of operating as a fully volunteer-run organization, 2024 marked a transformative chapter for the Centro Cultural de la Raza. For the first time, we welcomed a dedicated team of staff to help nurture our growth, strengthen our infrastructure, expand our programming, and steward the stories and sacred space that make our community.
Executive Director
Ana Hernandez
She/Her/ Ella
Ana Hernández comes to the Centro Cultural de la Raza with nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofits across various sectors. With expertise in addressing gender, immigration, and labor justice, Ana is a dedicated advocate and fighter for our diverse communities. We are thrilled to have Ana Hernández join us as Executive Director at the Centro Cultural de la Raza!
Operations Manager
Karla Reyes
She/Her/Ella
Karla Reyes brings a rich background in education and cultural work to El Centro Cultural de la Raza. As Operations Manager, she plays a vital role in coordinating gallery scheduling, events, and community practice spaces. Karla also teaches Ethnic Studies at Modesto Junior College, where she shares her passion for social justice, culture, and identity with the next generation of scholars. With academic training in Media, Culture, and Communication, as well as Latin American and Latino Studies, Karla specializes in Latin American and Chicana feminisms. Her work is rooted in the belief that education and the arts are powerful tools for community empowerment. We are honored to have Karla Reyes on our team at El Centro Cultural de la Raza!
Events Coordinator
Vitta Oliveri
She/Her/Ella
Vitta is the Events Coordinator at Centro Cultural de la Raza, where she oversees communications, marketing, and event planning. She holds a degree in Journalism from San Francisco State University and brings years of experience working with arts-focused nonprofit organizations. Currently enrolled in a Museum Studies program, Vitta considers herself a behind-the-scenes artist who thrives in collaborative, creative environments. Originally from Tijuana and San Diego, her life was shaped by the cultural richness and complexity of the border region. Vitta is deeply passionate about the transformative power of art to heal, connect, and uplift communities.
While having paid staff has helped us grow in new ways, the heart of Centro remains rooted in community care. From the volunteers who tend our garden and compost site, to those who support events, care for the space, and run La Tiendita, Centro continues to be a primarily volunteer-led, community-powered organization. We are deeply grateful to every person who gives their time, energy, and love to keep our space vibrant and thriving.
Volunteer Cynthia Hernandez at Tiendita, February 2025
Artist Shayne Oseguera painting the Centro entrance, November 2024
High School student interns Sayaetzy and Flor inside Tiendita 2025
Compost volunteers from L to R: Eliana Alize, Metztli Pavia, Xochitl Ozomatli Vazquez, November 2024