Walker Point Center for the Arts named Marcela “Xela” Garcia as its new executive director.
Walker Point Center for the Arts is a Milwaukee community art center that supports youth arts programming.
Garcia was born in Guadalajara and grew up on Milwaukee’s Southside. She has more than ten years of experience in systems, program development, implementation and evaluation.
“To me, the arts have historically served as mechanism of survival, liberation and empowerment,” Garcia said. “I see WPCA leading crucial conversations and efforts in our communities. I’m looking forward to building upon the nearly 30-year legacy of the organization, strengthening partnerships and deepening impact within our communities.”
Garcia previously served as program director for board governance and leadership at Partners Advancing Values in Education (PAVE), where she lead governance and leadership programs for independent school systems in Milwaukee. She earned her BA in English Literature, Chican@/Latin@ Studies and American Indian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also holds a certification in Non-profit Leadership. An advocate of racial and gender equity, she serves on local and national arts, education and foundation boards.
