Celina Benavidez announced as Interim Executive Director for the Latino Cultural Arts Center

Celina Benavidez has been appointed as Interim Executive Director for the Latino Cultural Arts Center (LCAC). The LCAC is located between the historical neighborhoods of Sun Valley and La Alma Park. The new 11,000-square-foot Latino Cultural Center will showcase the contributions and legacy of the Latino and Indigenous community, mentoring students to become creative business owners and welcoming future community leaders. LCAC is building a media production department. LCAC ARTE+Wellness program workshops are well attended and have helped families heal. LCAC art exhibits, student art shows, murals, and music performances.

Ms. Benavidez has a long history of leadership and public service.

As a former Colorado state legislator, Ms. Benavidez is the author of the Displaced Aurarian Bill and the creator and passage of the first U.S. public-citizen anti-stalking bill. 

During her career, Ms. Benavidez was appointed Senior Executive for Administration and Human Resources at the Colorado Department of Transportation. She created workforce training programs. She was responsible for breaking barriers for minorities, women, and small businesses across the U.S. 

She chaired the National Association of Transportation Officials Subcommittee on Civil Rights and holds a leadership position with the Western Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.

 A native of Denver, Ms. Benavidez received a degree in business from the University of Albuquerque. Later, as a Gates Fellow, she graduated from the John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University.