CreArte Latino Cultural Center Names Cinthia Peña Full-Time Managing Director
Barancik Foundation Grant Fuels Growth and Long-Term Vision
CreArte Latino Cultural Center just named Cinthia Peña its new full-time managing director, a move made possible by a grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, part of CreArte Latino’s multi-year “Strengthening Our Cultural Tapestry” initiative. The funding strengthens not only staffing but the organization’s internal systems and infrastructure, setting a foundation for long-term growth.
Peña’s journey with CreArte began in 2018 as a volunteer lending her marketing skills. She stepped into the role of part-time director of marketing in 2022 and now joins the leadership team full-time. Her dedication and energy have shaped CreArte’s progress, and in this new role, she’ll take charge of daily operations and financial management. She’ll oversee budgets, contracts, and administrative work, and play a key role in fundraising and building external partnerships—always keeping the organization’s mission and artistic goals front and center.
“Cinthia is exactly the leader we need,” said Carolina Franco, founder and artistic director. “She doesn’t just talk about our mission—she lives it. You see her passion for building a united, multicultural community in everything she does. With Cinthia on board full-time, I know we’ll reach new heights. On a personal note, having her in this role frees me to pursue projects I’ve dreamed about, and that’s incredibly exciting.”
Franco also expressed gratitude to the Barancik Foundation. “Their support made this possible. Investing in dedicated team members is crucial for a stronger organization and smarter planning.”
Peña called the promotion a privilege. “I’m excited to work with Carolina to create programs that truly celebrate our culture, spark creativity, and expand opportunities for the Latino and Hispanic community we serve,” she said. “Watching CreArte Latino grow, and seeing how much this space matters, is a real honor.”
Peña brings a wide range of experience to the job. She holds a bachelor’s in fashion design and merchandising and interned in New York City with designer Lela Rose, where she worked on marketing and sales. She’s developed apparel lines for big-name retailers and, more recently, devoted her talents to the nonprofit world as a consultant, social media manager, and media coordinator. Her work has always focused on strengthening nonprofit storytelling, visibility, and community involvement. Peña is especially passionate about celebrating cultural heritage, fueling creativity, and making the arts and education more accessible.
About CreArte Latino Cultural Center
Since its founding in 2012, CreArte Latino has served as a creative hub for the Latino and Hispanic community in Sarasota and Manatee counties. In 2017, the organization became a nonprofit and adopted the name CreArte Latino Cultural Center, reflecting its commitment to fostering bilingual cultural exchange between Latinos/Hispanics and the wider community.
CreArte offers a rich mix of arts and educational programs, like theater productions, book clubs, dance, theater, and music workshops. The center also provides Spanish and English classes and works closely with local artists, other organizations, and playwrights from Spain and Latin America. All of this helps weave a stronger, more unified cultural fabric in the community. Find out more at www.creartelatino.org or follow CreArte Latino on Facebook and Instagram.
