(Photo courtesy of Walker’s Point Center for the Arts)

Walker’s Point Center for the Arts is proud to introduce our new Executive Director Ana Melo, who started on August 10. Ana grew up in the Walker’s Point neighborhood and has strong ties to the community. She is a bilingual community leader passionate about the arts, youth engagement and nonprofit sustainability.

Ana received a Master’s of Education in Teaching, Learning and Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and holds an undergraduate degree in Interior Design and Fine Arts from Mount Mary University. She is currently enrolled in the Non-Profit Leadership & Management Certificate Program at UW Parkside. Ana is also a proud graduate of the Latino Non-Profit Leadership Program, Class IX.

Prior to becoming the executive director of WPCA, Ana served as the executive director of John XXIII Educational Center in Racine, WI. Her previous work also includes teaching at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Journey House Family Learning Center. Additionally, Ana is extremely involved in the community, serving as past president of the LULAC Latinas Council #330, director of communications for the Milwaukee Latino Carnival and as co-chair for the 2014 PALM (Promoting Academics for Latino Milwaukee) Committee.

With ties to the Walker’s Point neighborhood and her vast experience in education, arts and community, Ana fits perfectly with WPCA’s mission and what the organization represents. She will continue to lead the organization in the commitment of providing quality, accessible arts education and art experiences to everyone.

“I’m honored to serve such a prestigious organization and a community near and dear to my heart,” said Ana. “My vision is to continue to build upon the strong presence of the organization and to create new partnerships that align with our mission in bringing arts to youth, families and artists in the neighborhood of Walker’s Point and throughout the City of Milwaukee.”

Her immediate goals include increasing the organization’s visibility, affirming and expanding partnerships, and organizing fundraising and community engaging events. She also plans to increase staffing capabilities and expand sources of funding, including individual donors and corporate partnerships, to further enhance programming.