Board of Directors

Samuel H. Duarte is a co-founder of the organization and currently serves as President of the Board for Corazón del Pueblo. He is the Director of the non-profit, the Little House by the Park in Guadalupe. Projects he has spearheaded include the yearly Guadalupe Reading Festival, the Guadalupe Mural Project, 100,000 Poets for Change Santa Maria, and the community anthology, Small Town, Big Dreams. He has over twenty years experience working in immigrant communities as a GED and ESL instructor and as an advocate for language access, affordable housing, and immigrant rights. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Texas El Paso and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Fresno.

Adrienne Allebe is a Corazon Board member, artist, educator, world traveler and advocate for equity and social justice.  She grew up on the central coast and has spent the last 16 years making art and teaching at Cuesta College, Cal Poly, and most recently, Allan Hancock College, where she is an Associate Professor of Art.  Adrienne earned an AA at Cuesta College, a BA in Painting from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MFA in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach.  As a first-generation college student and community college art professor, she believes in the power of universal access to education to reduce inequity.  Adrienne is an active member of the central coast’s artistic community, participating in events and community outreach whenever possible.  She joined the Corazon Del Pueblo board because she truly believes that increased access to arts education, creative outlets and creative expression is crucial for societal well-being and will make the world a better place. 

Elizabeth Cortez is a Corazón board member. She is an educator, community advocate, and long-time Santa Maria resident. She has taught middle and high school students for over twelve years, including in the greater Los Angeles area. Elizabeth is a founding member of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Ethnic & Gender Studies Committee and an advocate for an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement. She has a Bachelor's degree in Chicana/o Studies and Sociology, and a Master of Education from UCLA.

Linda Ramírez was born and raised in the Santa Maria Valley. She is an artist and advocate for civil and political rights. She earned her Bachelor of Sciences and Nursing and now serves her community. 

Maria G. Garcia is an educator who loves cultures and languages.  She has worked with multilingual learners in middle and high school and is currently teaching Spanish at the middle school level in Santa Maria, CA.  In past roles, she has been an advisor to Girl’s Club- to use the arts to help boost confidence and provide mentorship opportunities for younger students.  She developed ballet folkloricos at two sites and enjoys dancing and music.  She enjoys reading and family engagement and is very grateful to be joining the Corazon del Pueblo familia!

Robert firmly believes in the transformative power of the arts; to inspire and create opportunities for all members of our community to express their unique creativity. Supporting opportunities for community members to engage with the arts for over 40 years, he has learned the important role the arts play in raising culture awareness, representation, diversity, and inclusivity.  Robert is committed to championing exposure and engagement with the arts for all.   

Andy Watson is a longtime community leader advocating for social justice and arts education in the schools.  He currently teaches theater at the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.   Andy believes the arts are a powerful tool to teach collaboration and empathy, and help spotlight untold stories from diverse cultures.