enfoque: Building Community Through Shared Leadership with Latinx Choral Project

Join the Latinx Choral Project for a conversation exploring how community arts organizations can move beyond traditional hierarchical structures and embrace leadership models rooted in shared responsibility, belonging, and collective care. Inspired by Latine cultural traditions of mutual aid and community stewardship, the Latinx Choral Project is developing a values-based organizational framework centered on Casitas—small leadership circles that guide key areas such as membership, communications, outreach, operations, fundraising, and artistic vision. What happens when community members become co-creators rather than passive participants? How can organizations cultivate leadership at every level? What structures support both artistic excellence and authentic community engagement? Through dialogue, storytelling, and reflection, attendees will explore questions about power, participation, and decision-making, and imagine new possibilities for building arts organizations that are more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the communities they serve.

Based in Portland, the Latinx Choral Project is a Latine-led community choir dedicated to building belonging through song. Founded by Lynn Mendoza-Khan, who received a 2026-2027 Milagro Artist Fund grant to support essential program costs for he group, so that the organization can continue to share the rich musical traditions, cultures, and stories of Latin America while creating meaningful connections across generations and communities. Through performances, educational programs, and collaborative artistic experiences, the Latinx Choral Project amplifies underrepresented voices and increases access to choral music. Singers of all backgrounds are welcome to participate in a joyful, inclusive environment where cultural pride, artistic excellence, and community care come together to inspire, heal, and unite.

Running time: 2 hours
Age recommendation: All ages