Education
August 2016
Ph.D. in Philosophy-Cultural Studies, Spanish & Latin-American Literatures, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
July 2009
July 1993
M.A. Global/International Studies, Florida International University, Miami, FL
B.A. International Relations. Instituto Superior de Relaciones Internacionales. Havana, Cuba
Oct 2024
RILE Fall Research & Training Conference on Ethnic Studies, Sandford University, CA
July 2024
AP African American Studies Summer Institute, Marin by the Bay, Dominican University, San Rafael, CA
June 2009
Summer Institute for Latino Public Policy. George Washington University, Washington D.C.
Fiction Writing Workshop: “La escritura del yo.” Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
2017
2010
Graduate Certificate in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching. University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
1980's
Classical Music and Piano. Manuel Saumell Conservatory of Music, Havana, Cuba.
Professional Experience
2011-
Published Author & Independent Scholar
Authored "Cuban Fusion: The Transnational Cuban Alternative Music Scene" (Palgrave Macmillan, April 2024).
Published over 30 articles, interviews, and art reviews in leading journals and platforms.
Founded and managed "Cubanidadinbetween" blog. Created, produced, co-produced and hosted two podcasts, "Miami Alternativo" and "Word Culture," focusing on migrant, Afro-descendant, and female creatives.
2021-2025
Ethnic Studies & Spanish Teacher
Oakland School for the Arts, Oakland, CA (Aug 2023 - Present)
The Branson School, Marin County, CA (Jul 2021 - Jun 2023)
Designed and taught courses in Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Studies Honors, AP Spanish, and Spanish Honors, focusing on the history of underrepresented communities, social movements, and DEIB principles.
Developed interdisciplinary projects combining social justice themes with creative artistic expressions.
Created and taught lectures on Cuban history & co-designed and co-taugh an inmersive class on female & non binary Afro-descendant creative voices, and served as faculty advisor for women of color affinity group.
Co-managed a 5-week international bilingual intercultural exchange program.
2011-2021
Content & Event Producer
Wynwood Art District, Miami, FL
Founded @alafiacreativeentertainment YouTube channel
Hosted, produced and co-produced two bilingual podcasts: Miami Alternativo with Artistnator and Word Culture-Cultura de la Palabra (50+ episodes), interviewing internationally acclaimed artists and local creatives, like Consuelo Castañeda, Leslie Cartaya, Sandra Ramos, Antonio Hart, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ivan Melón Lewis, Adonis González, Pavel Urquiza, Carlos Cano, Andrew Yeomason (Spam All Stars) & Steve Roitstein (Palo!).
Produced and co-produced music concerts for Cuban artists like Yusa, Descemer Bueno & Cubiche, Habana Abierta, Telmary, Sol+La Tribu, Philbert Armenteros & Los Herederos
2016-2019
Adjunct Faculty
Barry University, Miami, FL
Taught Spanish to undergraduate students in the Department of English and Foreign Languages
Taught "Modernism, Postmodernism and the Global Perspective in the Humanistic Tradition" to professional students
2016-2018
Visiting Assistant Professor
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Designed and taught courses on Latin American literatures, cultures, and Spanish language, focusing on critical analysis of cultural texts.
Developed curriculum for diverse topics including Cuban music, nationalism, gender studies, and literary genres.
Instructed undergraduate, heritage, professional and law students, enhancing critical thinking, writing, and conversational skills in Spanish and English.
Served as a guest lecturer, presenting research on Cuban music, Afro-Cuban music, Cuban diaspora, and Cuban literature at institutions like Princeton, Brown, University of Miami, Hofstra, Florida International University, and West Indies University.
2007-2018
P.R., Media Relations & Consultant
Miami, FL
Assisted in promoting cultural events, including the MDC Museum of Art and Design's performance series and UniFrance's French Cinema Exhibition at the Miami International Film Festival.
Collaborated with local institutions like FUNDarte and Miami Light Project on programming, production, media relations, and marketing for Cuban music festivals and performances.
2010-2016
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Taught Spanish language courses at all levels to diverse student groups, including undergraduates, heritage learners, law and professional students.
Developed curriculum integrating language learning with cultural and literary studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections and critical thinking.
Organized and moderated academic panels on Cuban arts, music, and transnationalism at various institutions.
Participated in scholarly discussions on Cuban studies, film, and music at universities and cultural venues across Florida.
1996-2003
International Negotiator & Former Diplomat
United Nations, New York
Led negotiations in key UN committees and lobbying groups, including the General Assembly, the Fifth Committee, Committee for Program and Coordination, the Committee of Contributions and the Group of 77.
Contributed to negotiations that approved $2.2 billion budget program reforms, adoption of UN Millennium Goals, and streamlining of management, HR, and financial policies.
Negotiated decisions on habitat, international trade, and financial sanctions, producing official statements, comprehensive analytical reports and policy recommendations.
Navigated complex multicultural environments to facilitate agreement on yearly U.N. decisions.