CreArte Latino appoints Cinthia Peña as full-time managing director
- Development Web
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
CreArte Latino Cultural Center announces the promotion of Cinthia Peña to the position of full-time managing director. Peña has been part of the organization since 2018, beginning as a volunteer contributing marketing expertise. She was appointed part-time director of marketing in 2022 and now assumes expanded responsibility as a full-time member of the leadership team. This transition is supported by a recent Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation grant awarded through CreArte Latino’s multi-year “Strengthening Our Cultural Tapestry” initiative, designed to build long-term staffing, internal systems, and organizational infrastructure.
Peña’s commitment and proactive approach have supported the organization’s continued development. In her new role, she will oversee daily operations and financial management, ensuring that systems, policies, and resources align with CreArte Latino Cultural Center’s mission and artistic priorities. Her responsibilities include managing budgets, contracts, and administrative functions, as well as supporting fundraising efforts and external partnerships.
“Cinthia is the ideal managing director for our organization,” said Carolina Franco, founder and artistic director of CreArte Latino Cultural Center. “She doesn’t just understand our mission; she lives it. Her passion for fostering a united, multicultural community is evident in everything she does. With Cinthia on board full-time, I’m confident we will reach new levels of impact. On a personal level, having Cinthia in this role allows me to move forward with initiatives I couldn’t take on before, and that is tremendously exciting.”
Franco added that she is deeply grateful to the Barancik Foundation for “the support that made this possible. Their investment in committed team members is essential to building a stronger organizational structure and carrying out more effective plans.”
“It’s a privilege to continue serving CreArte in a leadership role, and I am excited to work alongside Carolina to create programs that celebrate our culture, nurture creativity, and expand opportunities for the Latino and Hispanic community we proudly serve,” said Peña. “It is an honor to witness CreArte Latino’s evolution and to see how deeply this space is needed and valued.”
Peña brings a diverse professional background to her leadership role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising and completed an internship with designer Lela Rose in New York City, where she supported marketing and sales initiatives. She later worked in private branding and apparel manufacturing, developing and launching apparel lines for nationally recognized retailers. In recent years, she has focused on the nonprofit sector, serving community organizations as a consultant, social media manager, and media coordinator.
Her work centers on strengthening nonprofit visibility, storytelling, and community engagement. Peña is especially committed to celebrating cultural heritage, inspiring creativity, and expanding access to the arts and education.
Sarasota Scene | January 26, 2026 | Sarasota