Open Tuesday-Thursday 10am - 5pm, Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm
Meet the Staff
BILLY OCASIO
President & Chief Executive Officer
Creating the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture has been a true labor of love by many on our Staff, Board of Directors, and Trustees. After putting up the world’s largest monuments to a flag, the Puerto Rican Flags on Division Street on January 6, 1995, I wanted to develop a museum that we could call our own. Collectively, we have worked on this vision for over 22 years, from its inception to our grand opening. Creating the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture was not easy, but in 2000 we raised sufficient funds to begin the renovation of the historic Humboldt Park Stables.
For the past nine years as the President and CEO, I have been dedicated to innovation in the arts, building partnerships, securing equitable funding and resources, and creating an inspirational space that is welcoming to all who want to learn about Puerto Rican history, art and culture. I hope our Museum encourages our next generation to celebrate and keep our Puerto Rican arts, culture, and traditions alive; to continue to ‘plantar bandera’ wherever they are.
Our Museum is in excellent hands with a talented and committed staff and Board of Directors that are dedicated to taking our National Puerto Rican Museum to the next level.
Mike Ramirez
Director of Finance
I have worked for the museum for the past 10 years and it’s been exciting to be at the ground level of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture’s history. I have been able to watch and participate in building the foundation of this great institution, and am proud to be part of this team as we grow and engage more people.
Yesica Ortiz
Director of Operations and Events
I’m honored to have witnessed the growth of the museum these past 8 years and how the museum and staff continue to evolve and enrich this wonderful community. I look forward to supporting our continuous updates and expansion; we are providing more opportunities for our visitors to explore our rich Puerto Rican arts and culture.
Alyssa Corrigan
Director of Research and Development
Starting at the National Puerto Rican Museum in 2017 marks an important shift in my understanding of what it means to be Puerto Rican as I continue to dig deep and connect more with my roots than ever before. What I enjoy most about working for the Museum is striking up conversations with visitors, who come from all over, to talk about our Puerto Rican heritage and share family migration stories. Being in this position, every day I am witness to a collective eagerness to tell our stories: to be heard, seen, and loved.
Elías Carmona-Rivera
Manager of Visitor Experience
One of the best experiences is to see our visitors making a connection with Puerto Rico. You realize that the work we do in museums can unite communities and create spaces for reflection and dialogue about important contemporary issues. I am also the resident photographer and enjoy capturing our historical events for all to enjoy. I’ve been working at the Museum for one year and look forward to creating more intentional visitor experiences.
Veronica Ocasio
Director of Education & Programming
As a founding member in 2000, I’m excited to be officially employed at the Museum as of July 2022. One of my favorite things is planning educational workshops and materials that encourage our visitors to appreciate the many contributions made by Puerto Ricans in the diaspora and on our Island. I also enjoy creating “ah-ha!” moments for our guests as they learn about our incredible story, artists, culture, and community. I’m excited to be part of this great team and to continue enhancing our programming.
Anaís Cezanné Caro
Curator and Director of Exhibitions
Museums should be spaces built to serve their communities. Yet, many do not. Because of this, I love curating exhibitions that are accessible and represent some aspect of the Puerto Rican community’s collective culture and history. Creating moments where people see themselves, their experiences, and their interests reflected back at them on the walls of a museum is what makes my job worthwhile. As the newest member of the team, as of July 2022, I’m grateful for this opportunity.
Ignaik Cruz Perez
Lead Docent
Art and history have always been great fascinations of mine and by working in the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture as the Lead Docent I get to educate visitors about the deep meanings present in the wonderful exhibits that are always available to the public. I love the fact that I get to interact with our guests on a daily basis and give them a tour they’ll be sure to remember. I also enjoy working alongside our Curator to further inform myself and others about our rich history. I am beyond grateful to be working for a cultural institution that inspires people to delve more deeply into Puerto Rican art history and cultural identity.
Hours
Tuesday-Friday 10am – 5pm
Friday 10am -4pm
Saturday 10am – 2pm
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