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Armen Álvarez, PhD, MDY
Associate Director

Armen Álvarez, Ph.D., MDY, has been appointed as the first Associate Director of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. In this new role, Dr. Álvarez will oversee, develop, direct, and sustain all aspects of educational programs, dissemination, and cultural knowledge related to the Puerto Rican experience in the nation. Dr. Álvarez's background and experience in education, diplomacy, and educational foundations align well with PRAA’s mission and values of preserving Puerto Rican culture, including maintaining traditions, oral history, archives, arts, and educational opportunities in arts programs. 

Dr. Álvarez received a Ph.D. in Educational Foundation and Administration from Illinois State University, completed her MDY in Diplomacy at Norwich University, and earned a BSBA in Economics and Finance from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. Her extensive experience in academia spans over 15 years and includes program development, non-profit administration, faculty roles, academic research, and storytelling. 

Dr. Álvarez stated, "Since I first came to Chicago in 2005, the Puerto Rican diaspora welcomed me and my family with open arms. It is my pleasure to serve in this role for the Puerto Rican community wherever we may be. This is a pivotal time for Puerto Rican identity, and I am delighted to contribute." 

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