Announcing Our New Executive Director: Marisol Alvarado
We’re so happy to let our community know: our search for a new Executive Director is over—please join us in welcoming Marisol Alvarado to ARTS!
Marisol is already bringing her heart and energy to ARTS. As she puts it, “I am excited and very honored to join ARTS and work with a team that is dedicated to providing arts education focused on design thinking, cultural equity, and healing-centered engagement to youth in South Bay.”
Marisol steps into this role following Olimpia Vázquez Ojeda, who served as Interim Executive Director after Lucy Eagleson’s departure in February. With 26 years of experience working with youth and families in both San Diego and New York City, Marisol has a passion for building strong, supportive programs. Most recently, she led the Monarch School Project’s programs as the Chief Programs Officer and VP of Programs for unhoused children and families. She’s deeply committed to equity and community, and she’s eager to keep ARTS moving forward. In her words, “I look forward to building on the organization's strong foundation and legacy, strengthening and expanding our community partnerships, and guiding our next chapter of growth and impact.”
“I look forward to building on the organization’s strong foundation and legacy, strengthening and expanding our community partnerships, and guiding our next chapter of growth and impact.”
People describe Marisol as a relationship-builder and a visionary who truly cares about making a difference. She’s helped organizations grow through big changes and challenges, and her experience in bringing people together is exactly what ARTS needs right now. Marisol has been cheering for ARTS since 2007, when the team brought arts programming to Monarch School students at Liberty Station. She remembers: “What impressed me then is reflected in the work I see today—a willingness and drive to create space for youth to create, express, and influence their community, driven by leaders and educators who believe deeply in the power of creativity to shape brighter futures.”
As ARTS celebrates 25 years of creativity, community, and the next generation of courageous leaders, we’re looking ahead to the next 25. We’re launching a campaign to raise $150,000 to support the programs, people, and spaces that help young artists grow, express themselves, and feel a true sense of belonging. When you invest in ARTS, you’re helping create spaces where young people can discover who they are, share their voices freely, and build meaningful connections through creativity.
Click here to support the next generation of young artists.
We couldn’t be happier to have Marisol joining our ARTS family. Her energy and experience are exactly what we need as we head into a new season of creativity and community. Let’s give her a warm welcome and get ready for what’s next!