Silvia (ella  + she/her) is interested in the intersections between public health, culture and leisure, and social justice, she graduated with a Master of Arts Management in hopes to work with organizations that address these social issues holistically.

She has previous experience in theater production and acting, gallery management, and harm reduction public health across states of New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Even though culture and arts had been redefined as constantly as her migration throughout the Americas, a sole thing remains: the passion and curiosity to discover the world through other people’s eyes. Silvia will be joining the AMS team from January 20, 2026 to Friday April 10, 2026.

What drew you to the arts? 

When I was a kid, I found solace in children’s books. Then, growing up, that morphed into curiosity and a need to learn more about other cultures, learn other ways of telling stories and experiencing life, learn more about myself and my surroundings, and learn more about how we create reality. Recently, I’ve used the arts to connect with the multitudes within me and to empathize with others’ feelings. There is no one reason I want to be in touch with arts and culture, but I am excited to see how my interest will keep morphing!

What drew you to  Arts Administration? 

During my last semester in college, as part of a special Museology class, we visited the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. As we toured the museum and talked with the director, curator, and art restorers, I caught a glimpse of what could have been my perfect job and workplace. I want to use, nurture, and develop as many skills as I can to promote, support, and make the arts happen for as many people as possible.

What is your focus within Arts Administration?

As an “arts administrator in the rough,” I am still learning about the multitude of perspectives from which it can be approached, and how much more important it is to do so at their intersections. Currently, I am using policy lenses to learn more about its impact on inequality, poverty, stigma, leisure, and happiness.

How do you incorporate EDIA into your work life? 

Just as curiosity has led me to the arts, it has also shown me the diversity of perspectives and needs in each person. I strive to be mindful of myself, the space I live in, and the impact of my actions. I understand that there is a lot that I do not know, so instead of assuming, I am choosing to use my curiosity to learn more; that way, less-heard voices get amplified, underrepresented minorities find their place in cultural spaces, and society grows happier and healthier.

What do you do in your spare time? 

You’ll see me crocheting on public transportation while listening to a podcast or an audiobook, putting together the 3rd Colombian Academic Diaspora Symposium happening in Pittsburgh in May, or trying to absorb all the horror manga offered by the local library!