Executive Director: Lori Gramling

 President: Jon Jacobs (Retired Pastor)

"I am a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. I served 3 parishes during my career (Charlotte, Mich., Flint Mich. and Milwaukee, WI.) My last parish call spanned 27 years to Ascension Lutheran Church on the south side of Milwaukee. I serve on the Board of La Familia de Arte because of a deep love for the arts, the south side of Milwaukee and the mission of La Familia. Building strong, beautiful and, vibrant neighborhoods have always been a passion of mine. La Familia does this through a clear mission and purpose to empower people with a creative desire to learn, share and create beautiful art. La Familia does this with respect and grace working with the power of human diversity found in the neighborhoods of our city."

 Vice President: Keyona Walker, PhD (Psychologist)

"I believe that communities thrive when individuals are able to use their gifts and talents to accomplish a collective goal. I also think that it is important for people to see themselves reflected in their communities, which creates a sense of ownership and pride. La Familia does all of this and more! I love being a part of an organization whose heart is focused on community building and empowerment. I see it as a gift to be a part of this organization and I look forward to its continued growth and impact."

 Treasurer: Chris Gramling (Chief Financial Officer, CPA)

"I like this program because it is a continuation of the previous program which is working to make our neighborhood and neighbors better and stronger."

 Secretary: Jean Berens (Retired Art Teacher & Nurse)

"I am a retired art teacher and nurse. I spent most of my career working in the neighborhood of La Familia de Arte. I have lived on Milwaukee's south side for over 25 years. I appreciate the rich cultural diversity of our community. I received a degree in Art Education/Art Therapy from Alverno College after being an LPN for over a decade. I sought to promote healing and creativity through art in a variety of ways. Serving on the La Familia board allows me to continue this dream by supporting our artists and our community. Together we grow, we create, we heal and we spread love, joy and peace."

 Francisco Enriquez (Pediatrician)

I agreed to serve on the board…"Because it offers hope to the young kids in our neighborhood."

 Jim Gramling (Retired Municipal Court Judge)

"I believe in the significant value that community-based nonprofits bring to a city, and La Familia does that and more."

 Joan Jacobs (Retired Nonprofit Management Consulting Business Owner)

"Pre-retirement I had my own business as a nonprofit management consultant. I focused on planning (program and strategic), fund, budget, and board development, and program evaluation. I'm on the Board because I am passionate about its mission, its neighborhood and intergenerational focus, and the beauty of the art that LaFamilia artists create - that grace our community in such a significant way."

 Ramona Johnson (Psychotherapist)

"I am excited to see a grassroots, community arts program continue to organically grow to fit the needs of the greater Milwaukee community."

 Guisselle Lizano Castillo (Bilingual Psychotherapist, MA, LPC)

"I am glad to be serving on La Familia's Board because being part of a dedicated group creates positive energy. This allows me to be an active part of the positive influence we can give to families and youth."

 Alejandra Mueller (Marketing & Programs Coordinator – Latino Arts)

"Growing up, the arts were a large part of my life and the support I had from my teachers and family helped me flourish as an individual. La Familia de Arte is doing the same for the youth in the community and their families. It gives me joy and hope to see the families in the studio, beautifying and building their community."

Tyna Rule (Chief Impact Officer - Rule Enterprises, LLC)

"Most of my working time is spent between two daily activities with Rule Enterprises LLC and Champion Home Health Care LLC. There are many reasons that i enjoy serving as a board member with the La Familla organization one of which is the mission along with the youth and adult participants who help to beautify and transform Milwaukee neighborhoods through community art projects. I also serve with a group of fellow board members dedicated to the success and growth of La Familla while embracing diversity and inclusion. Lori’s strong leadership is evident in her ability to inspire the La Familla artists to also explore artist development opportunities in entrepreneurship, team building and self confidence."

 Ana Simpson (Director, Community and Economic Development – WHEDA)

"My “why” La Familia” is two-fold…a personal connection and my passion for grass root organizations that impact a community. My son was involved with La Familia when he was younger and that was a positive experience that left an imprint in his life. The work of La Familia has evolved over time from working primarily with youth to a cradle to retirement approach that involves the family in its entirety. La Familia is exposing families to new experiences, together – hence the name. As a child who grew up in the inner city, I first-hand have seen the impact it makes in a child’s life when exposed to the arts, to experiences and to people who live outside their immediate surroundings. As a mom, I’ve carried this responsibility in the way I’ve raised my children and as a member of our society I whole-heartedly believe in a holistic approach to healthy communities that includes but is not limited to family, the arts and experiences overall. I’m proud to play even a small role in aiding in not only the success but the growth of La Familia!"