About ACLA

ACLA is a non-profit organization founded right here in Acadiana to connect its citizens with Latino culture. Through dancing, music, food and more- we celebrate the happy union between Cajun and Latino heritage. We host many events throughout the year focused on celebrating family values, friendship, and cultural diversity. Our goal is to foster a sense of community through lively discussion and participation in Spanish immersion and cultural opportunities.

Mission Statement

ACLA is an association at the service of the Acadiana community in general and its Latin American members in particular. Its objective is to promote among its members and families a mutual support and the fundamental values of this community: God, Country, family and friends. To promote and preserve our cultural heritage including our music, the arts, the dances and the food. With the purpose of promoting a better understanding among the people of Louisiana.

Our Team

ACLA is driven by a dedicated team of passionate individuals committed to preserving and promoting Latino culture in Acadiana. Our team comprises diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared love for Latino heritage and a desire to build bridges within our community. We are proud to serve as stewards of this vibrant culture and work tirelessly to create enriching experiences for all.

Luis Mora

Chairman

Provides organizational vision and strategic direction as co-founder of ACLA. Oversee Board governance and long-term mission alignment. Chairs Board meetings. Serves as primary organizational ambassador to

the Lafayette community and regional cultural institutions.

Elaine Mora

Chairman

Co-chairs Board governance alongside Luis Mora. Oversee community relationship management and organizational culture. Supports volunteer coordination and community partnership development. Provides continuity of organizational values and mission.

Andrea Schulze Ingram

President

Chief executive officer of the Board. Presides over all Board meetings and leads organizational strategy. Responsible for grant writing, grant management, and financial oversight. Leads development and execution of ACLA's annual Strategic Action Plan. Primary signatory on organizational agreements and grant applications. External representative to funders and strategic partners.

Alberto Padron

Vice President & Festival

Project Manager

Second-in-command of the Board. Assumes Presidential duties in the President's absence. Serves as operational Project Manager for the Latin Acadiana Music Festival — responsible for all production logistics including artist contracting, sound and technical production, vendor coordination, stage management, and volunteer scheduling.

Gabriela Rio Hernandez

Education Development

Director

Leads ACLA's educational programming strategy. Spanish immersion school partnerships to LPSS schools. Primary liaison between ACLA and the Spanish immersion school community at Live Oak Elementary and

Charles Burke Elementary. Manage an coordinate all education initiatives.

Maria V. Bracamonte

Secretary of the Board

Responsible for all official Board documentation — recording, maintaining, and distributing minutes of all Board meetings. Maintains official records of Board resolutions, votes, and governance decisions. Ensures compliance with organizational bylaws. Supports grant reporting and organizational documentation requirements.

Genesis Garber

Member at Large

(Community Relations

Director)

Leads all community outreach and external relations for ACLA and the Latin Acadiana Music Festival. Manages the Community Tent at the festival. Develops and executes grassroots outreach campaigns. Manages relationships with LEDA, and other strategic community partners. Oversees community organization enrollment.

Diana Araujo

Treasurer

Manages all financial accounts, records, and transactions of the organization. Prepares and presents financial reports at each monthly Board meeting. Oversees annual budget preparation in collaboration with the President. Ensures compliance with all financial reporting requirements including IRS 990 filings and grant financial reporting obligations.

Shantell Dugas, FNP-C

Institutional Relationships

Director

Develops and manages ACLA's relationships with institutional partners including healthcare organizations, civic institutions, and corporations. Leads identification and cultivation of new organizational partnerships.

Supports sponsorship development.