Event set to greet center’s new leader
2/26/2013The Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center recently hired Juanita Duran as its new executive director.
A meet-and-greet for Ms. Duran will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, at 1225 Broadway. The event is open to the public.
Ms. Duran, who began Feb. 4, replaces Joe Balderas, who has been hired as the center’s garden & building administrator, a new position.
Board President Maria Rodriquez-Winter said Ms. Duran will be responsible for advancing the center’s mission: “enhancing Latino/Latina art and culture though education, cultural diversity, global awareness, stewardship, responsibility and social equity.”
Ms. Duran previously served as executive director of Toledo’s Believe Center, a nonprofit organization that provides sports and educational programs for Hispanic youths. She is co-founder of the center, which opened in May, 2012.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies at Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in social work at the University of Toledo.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to expand our culture and arts throughout the south side of Toledo,” Ms. Duran said.