Cultura Es Todo
MAS Cultura is a non-profit organization working within and for the Latino community. We celebrate and advance our cultura by empowering and advocating for Latino art, artists, and ideas.
We are a bridge between Austin’s Latino artists and the resources they need to thrive.
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MUSIC.
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ART.
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SOUL.
Our mission is to ensure Latino communities have access to cultural programming and resources that inspire and educate.
By providing culturally enriched events, creating opportunities for Latino artists, and advocating for better policies and representation within local cultural programs, MAS Cultura ensures that our vibrant Latino culture remains a cornerstone of Austin.
We believe in the power and the importance of working with underserved neighborhoods.
We strive to bring people together and help them remember and celebrate their shared experiences, traditions, identities, struggles, and aspirations.
MAS Cultura is not just giving artists a seat at the table.
We are coming together and building the table. Our vision is of an Austin that not only supports and honors its Latino community, but celebrates their impact on the history and culture of our city.
A Message from our Founder
Growing up in Austin as the daughter of a single immigrant mother, I deeply understood the challenges of navigating between both my Mexican and Texas heritages. At an early age, I discovered an appreciation of art in helping bridge those divides, and the vitality of culture within often underserved communities.
I founded MAS Cultura out of an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage I grew up with in Austin, and a desire to ensure it remains essential as the city grows. We want to expand opportunities for black and brown artists and continue to celebrate the culture of these historic communities and their contributions to Austin. I hope you’ll join in advancing the Cultura in Central Texas and beyond.
Monica Maldonado
Our Team
Monica Maldonado
Monica Maldonado established MAS Cultura in the summer of June 2021. Raised in South Austin by a single immigrant mother, her inspiration is fueled by early childhood struggles. Both as an Austin Native and with 20+ years in multi-family property management she understands the inevitable change that comes with growth. Both her personal struggle and understanding of gentrification drives her passion for culture preservation. She believes that culture preservation and celebration of Latino culture begins with accessibility and representation.
Monica’s first project was curated in 2019, a pop art event showcasing photography of Austin’s Lowriders. Throughout 2020 and 2021 she has organized murals, initiated events/programming, and volunteered in areas identified as underserved. Monica also has been a strong supporter of emerging and underrepresented Latino artists. She currently sits on the Cap Metro Art Committee, a participating member of the working group for the City of Austin Cultural Arts funding program, and a past juror for the AIPP (Art in Public Places) Dove Springs Health Facility. She was recently named a 2022 DivInc Champion of Change Rising Star Nominee .
Laura Torres
Laura Torres is a 25 year educational professional and currently the Job Placement Manager for Transfr. She has served as part of the Nuestra Palabra Educator Outreach team for the Edward James Olmos Latino Book and Family Festival and is a founding member of the Librotraficante Caravan: social justice through literacy, intellectual freedom, and performance protest.
She is a 20 year volunteer for the National Hispanic Institute and is currently a Board Trustee. Additionally, she serves on the Austin YWCA, the Austin Bat Cave, the Training Kitchen, and MAS Cultura boards. Laura has served as a Puente Mentor and has been recognized by various organizations for her work: 2013 MANA Outstanding Houston Area Educator, 2009 Baytown Sun’s-Unsung Hero, 2008 National Hispanic Alumni of the year, and 2000 Educator of Year-Nuestra Palabra.
Samuel Franco
Trained as a civil engineer, Samuel has worked as an infrastructure professional for almost two decades. He is currently the president and founder of Infravest Strategies, a consulting firm that specializes in the delivery of infrastructure utilizing the public-private partnership process.
He serves on several boards and commissions for the CIty of Austin, including the Design Commission, Urban Transportation Commission, and is the Chair of the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board. In these roles he helps draft and implement policies that affect the day to day lives of city residents. Samuel has also served on the board of several grassroots, non-profit organizations which help shape the future growth and livability of the city through policy recommendations and organizing.
His policy interest areas are infrastructure, technology, healthcare, worker’s rights, affordable housing, the arts, and music. In his free time, he enjoys running, two-stepping, and rubbing his dogs belly.
Jamal Wilburn
Jamal’s career has spanned finance, media, theater, entrepreneurship, and technology. What ties it all together is a passion for how creative thinking and communication unfold in a business context. Nothing is more exciting to him than helping others find their voice.
Jamal is focused on business development at JDI, where he gets to reframe the questions that founding teams are facing. Risk takers spark Jamal’s curiosity; uncovering their drivers, goals, and emotions is his favorite part of the job.
Jamal studied International Business and Finance at Howard University, and Finance and Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to JDI, Jamal’s experience at boutique investment management firms William Blair & Company and Dimensional Fund Advisors gave him an appreciation for the value of good advice.
Outside the office, Jamal is often reading the Economist, working on his deadlift, or watching Netflix. And chilling.
On this page: top photo by Melanie Dearco; bottom photo by Jay Ybarra