Our Team
meet
REGistration COORDinator lead
JADE BURCHET
VOLUNTEER COORD. LEAD
CLAIRE FRANCO
SM CONTENT PRODUCER
JC
SPONSORSHIP ASSISTANT
ARIEL OHNO
HEAD OF MARKETING
LOUDA PEÑA
MEDIA TEAM DIRECTOR
PERLA FARIAS
aRTIST COORDinator LEAD
mIRANDA hERNANDEZ
MUSICAL ARTIST RELATIONS MANAGER
EDWIN RIVERA
event production manager
cassandra BELSON
event operations manager
LATISHA HARDY
CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER
JAHAIRA FAJARDO
chief operations oFFICER
aNGELICA mEDINA
Angelica Medina is a Queer Chicanx dancer and professional therapist.
She is also the Co-Director of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA, In Lak’ech is a fusion of her passion for therapy and dance. After years of providing therapy services, she noticed that many of her clients and communities benefited from somatic forms of healing. This realization led her to explore dance as a non-verbal form of trauma release.
In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community.
Angelica Medina is a Queer Chicanx dancer and professional therapist.
She is also the Co-Director of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA, In Lak’ech is a fusion of her passion for therapy and dance. After years of providing therapy services, she noticed that many of her clients and communities benefited from somatic forms of healing. This realization led her to explore dance as a non-verbal form of trauma release.
In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community.
In December 2015 she and Jahaira Fajardo placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup. In 2018, they returned to to WLDC as pros and placed first in the Bachata Couple Pro Cabaret division.
In 2017, Angelica and Jahaira participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, they produced the first edition of the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival.
COO (CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER)
ANGELICA MEDINA
In December 2015 she and Jahaira Fajardo placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup. In 2018, they returned to to WLDC as pros and placed first in the Bachata Couple Pro Cabaret division.
In 2017, Angelica and Jahaira participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, they produced the first edition of the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival.
Angelica Medina is a Queer Chicanx dancer and professional therapist.
She is also the Co-Director of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA, In Lak’ech is a fusion of her passion for therapy and dance. After years of providing therapy services, she noticed that many of her clients and communities benefited from somatic forms of healing. This realization led her to explore dance as a non-verbal form of trauma release.
In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community.
In December 2015 she and Jahaira Fajardo placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup. In 2018, they returned to to WLDC as pros and placed first in the Bachata Couple Pro Cabaret division.
In 2017, Angelica and Jahaira participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, they produced the first edition of the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival.
COO (CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER)
ANGELICA MEDINA
Born and raised in NYC to Dominican parents, Jahaira holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology, and Masters of Public Health. She is also a highly regarded speaker and educator about Afro-Latin dance as a medium to understand history, social justice, and trauma healing.
Jahaira Fajardo is the co-director of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA. In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community. In December 2015 Jahaira and Angelica placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup.
Jahaira Fajardo is the co-director of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA. In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community.
Born and raised in NYC to Dominican parents, Jahaira holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology, and Masters of Public Health. She is also a highly regarded speaker and educator about Afro-Latin dance as a medium to understand history, social justice, and trauma healing.
In December 2015 Jahaira and Angelica placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup. Jahaira made history as the first Bachata female leader to become a World Champion. In 2018, they returned to to WLDC as pros and placed first in the Bachata Couple Pro Cabaret division.
In 2017, Jahaira and Angelica participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, In Lak’ech Dance Academy produced the first edition of the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival.
CxO (CHIEF experience OFFICER)
JAHAIRA FAJARDO
In 2017, Jahaira and Angelica participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, In Lak’ech Dance Academy produced the first edition of the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival.
Jahaira Fajardo is the co-director of In Lak’ech Dance Academy, in Oakland CA. In Lak´ech Dance Academy is the direct result of the passion Angelica & Jahaira share for Latin Dance and for their community.
Born and raised in NYC to Dominican parents, Jahaira holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology, and Masters of Public Health. She is also a highly regarded speaker and educator about Afro-Latin dance as a medium to understand history, social justice, and trauma healing.
In December 2015 Jahaira and Angelica placed 1st in the Latin Ladies Same Gender Division, at the World Latin Dance Cup. Jahaira made history as the first Bachata female leader to become a World Champion. In 2018, they returned to to WLDC as pros and placed first in the Bachata Couple Pro Cabaret division.
In 2017, Jahaira and Angelica participated and completed the Alex and Desiree Bachata Instructor Certification Course. They also had the honor to Direct The AnD WW ~Team SF Season One.
In 2018, In Lak’ech Dance Academy produced the first edition of the first ever Queer Latin Dance Festival.
CxO (CHIEF experience OFFICER)
JAHAIRA FAJARDO
Meet Latisha Hardy, the dynamic force behind Latisha Hardy Dance and Co. Armed with a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Psychology, Latisha seamlessly blends business acumen with a profound understanding of human behavior in her dance ventures. She's been immersed in the world of dance since the age of 3, exploring Jazz, ballet, and gymnastics.
Latisha's personal dance journey took a transformative turn in 2009 when she discovered Salsa during a challenging period in her life. This encounter not only became a source of joy and resilience for Latisha but also inspired her to share the transformative power of dance with others.
Meet Latisha Hardy, the dynamic force behind Latisha Hardy Dance and Co. Armed with a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Psychology, Latisha seamlessly blends business acumen with a profound understanding of human behavior in her dance ventures. She's been immersed in the world of dance since the age of 3, exploring Jazz, ballet, and gymnastics.
Latisha's personal dance journey took a transformative turn in 2009 when she discovered Salsa during a challenging period in her life. This encounter not only became a source of joy and resilience for Latisha but also inspired her to share the transformative power of dance with others.
Beyond the dance floor, Latisha brings extensive experience in organizing and running events. As a consultant, she guides fellow dancers and dance companies on efficient business practices, showcasing her commitment to the growth and success of the broader dance community.
operations Manager
latisha Hardy
Meet Latisha Hardy, the dynamic force behind Latisha Hardy Dance and Co. Armed with a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Psychology, Latisha seamlessly blends business acumen with a profound understanding of human behavior in her dance ventures. She's been immersed in the world of dance since the age of 3, exploring Jazz, ballet, and gymnastics.
Latisha's personal dance journey took a transformative turn in 2009 when she discovered Salsa during a challenging period in her life. This encounter not only became a source of joy and resilience for Latisha but also inspired her to share the transformative power of dance with others.
Beyond the dance floor, Latisha brings extensive experience in organizing and running events. As a consultant, she guides fellow dancers and dance companies on efficient business practices, showcasing her commitment to the growth and success of the broader dance community.
Beyond the dance floor, Latisha brings extensive experience in organizing and running events. As a consultant, she guides fellow dancers and dance companies on efficient business practices, showcasing her commitment to the growth and success of the broader dance community.
operations Manager
latisha Hardy
Cassandra Belson has been an event planner and coordinator for over ten years, focusing on social justice conferences, non-profit fundraisers, and political education events. Through their company, Charmed Occasions, Cassandra produces transformative events dedicated to changing hearts and minds, often specializing in LGBTQ+ weddings and political fundraisers. In addition to event planning, Cassandra has been a social justice organizer and trainer for racial, economic, and gender justice for over 15 years, co-founding multiple groups dedicated to educating, organizing and mobilizing people to fight unjust laws and build new opportunities.
event production Manager
cassandra
Edwin Rivera is a multi-talented artist known for his exceptional skills as a salsa dancer, choreographer, DJ, music producer, and festival director. Born and raised in a Latin American country, Edwin has been immersed in the rich culture of salsa music and dance since his childhood.
His passion for salsa dancing began at a young age, and he quickly became a natural on the dance floor. With dedication and hard work, he honed his skills and developed his own unique style. Edwin's talent and charisma soon caught the attention of the salsa community, and he began performing and competing in local and national events.
Edwin Rivera is a multi-talented artist known for his exceptional skills as a salsa dancer, choreographer, DJ, music producer, and festival director. Born and raised in a Latin American country, Edwin has been immersed in the rich culture of salsa music and dance since his childhood.
His passion for salsa dancing began at a young age, and he quickly became a natural on the dance floor. With dedication and hard work, he honed his skills and developed his own unique style. Edwin's talent and charisma soon caught the attention of the salsa community, and he began performing and competing in local and national events.
Over the years, Edwin has become a world-renowned salsa dancer and choreographer, sharing his passion and expertise with dancers and enthusiasts around the globe. He has performed and taught in numerous countries, and his performances have been featured in many prestigious events and festivals.
In addition to his success as a dancer, Edwin is also an accomplished DJ and music producer. He has produced numerous hit songs and albums, and his music has been played in clubs and festivals around the world. His unique blend of traditional salsa with modern beats has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim.
MUSICAL ARTIST RELATIONS MANAGER
EDWIN RIVERA
Over the years, Edwin has become a world-renowned salsa dancer and choreographer, sharing his passion and expertise with dancers and enthusiasts around the globe. He has performed and taught in numerous countries, and his performances have been featured in many prestigious events and festivals.
In addition to his success as a dancer, Edwin is also an accomplished DJ and music producer. He has produced numerous hit songs and albums, and his music has been played in clubs and festivals around the world. His unique blend of traditional salsa with modern beats has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim.
But Edwin's talents don't stop there. He is also a festival director, producing and directing some of the biggest and most successful Latin festivals in the world. Through his festivals, he has brought together thousands of people from all over the globe to celebrate the rich culture of Latin music, dance, and food.
Edwin Rivera is a true icon in the world of salsa music and dance, and his talents and contributions have earned him a well-deserved place in the history of Latin American culture. His passion for his craft and dedication to his art form have inspired countless dancers and musicians, and he continues to be an inspiration to all those who love salsa music and dance.
MUSICAL ARTIST RELATIONS MANAGER
EDWIN RIVERA
But Edwin's talents don't stop there. He is also a festival director, producing and directing some of the biggest and most successful Latin festivals in the world.
Through his festivals, he has brought together thousands of people from all over the globe to celebrate the rich culture of Latin music, dance, and food.
Edwin Rivera is a true icon in the world of salsa music and dance, and his talents and contributions have earned him a well-deserved place in the history of Latin American culture. His passion for his craft and dedication to his art form have inspired countless dancers and musicians, and he continues to be an inspiration to all those who love salsa music and dance.
But Edwin's talents don't stop there. He is also a festival director, producing and directing some of the biggest and most successful Latin festivals in the world. Through his festivals, he has brought together thousands of people from all over the globe to celebrate the rich culture of Latin music, dance, and food.
Edwin Rivera is a true icon in the world of salsa music and dance, and his talents and contributions have earned him a well-deserved place in the history of Latin American culture. His passion for his craft and dedication to his art form have inspired countless dancers and musicians, and he continues to be an inspiration to all those who love salsa music and dance.
MUSICAL ARTIST RELATIONS MANAGER
EDWIN RIVERA
Miranda Hernandez is the accomplished business owner behind Solutions By Miranda, a specialized administrative consulting firm catering to the unique needs of small businesses.
At Solutions By Miranda, Miranda leverages her expertise to address the administrative challenges that small businesses often face. Her proactive approach involves developing personalized strategies, implementing effective systems, and fostering a culture of organization that enhances overall efficiency. Miranda's dedication to her clients goes beyond mere consultancy; she actively collaborates with businesses, ensuring the seamless integration of solutions to optimize their workflow.
Miranda Hernandez is the accomplished business owner behind Solutions By Miranda, a specialized administrative consulting firm catering to the unique needs of small businesses.
At Solutions By Miranda, Miranda leverages her expertise to address the administrative challenges that small businesses often face. Her proactive approach involves developing personalized strategies, implementing effective systems, and fostering a culture of organization that enhances overall efficiency. Miranda's dedication to her clients goes beyond mere consultancy; she actively collaborates with businesses, ensuring the seamless integration of solutions to optimize their workflow.
Miranda's versatility extends beyond the business realm. In addition to her consultancy work, she plays a pivotal role at Latisha Hardy Dance & Co. Ltd. Here, Miranda takes charge of organizing events, hosting artists, managing team operations, and even extends her expertise to teach other instructors. This multifaceted involvement not only demonstrates Miranda's commitment to excellence in the dance community but also showcases her proficiency in team operations management.
ARTIST COORDINATOR LEAD
MIRANDA HERNANDEZ
Miranda's versatility extends beyond the business realm. In addition to her consultancy work, she plays a pivotal role at Latisha Hardy Dance & Co. Ltd. Here, Miranda takes charge of organizing events, hosting artists, managing team operations, and even extends her expertise to teach other instructors. This multifaceted involvement not only demonstrates Miranda's commitment to excellence in the dance community but also showcases her proficiency in team operations management.
Miranda Hernandez is the accomplished business owner behind Solutions By Miranda, a specialized administrative consulting firm catering to the unique needs of small businesses.
At Solutions By Miranda, Miranda leverages her expertise to address the administrative challenges that small businesses often face. Her proactive approach involves developing personalized strategies, implementing effective systems, and fostering a culture of organization that enhances overall efficiency. Miranda's dedication to her clients goes beyond mere consultancy; she actively collaborates with businesses, ensuring the seamless integration of solutions to optimize their workflow.
Miranda's versatility extends beyond the business realm. In addition to her consultancy work, she plays a pivotal role at Latisha Hardy Dance & Co. Ltd. Here, Miranda takes charge of organizing events, hosting artists, managing team operations, and even extends her expertise to teach other instructors. This multifaceted involvement not only demonstrates Miranda's commitment to excellence in the dance community but also showcases her proficiency in team operations management.
ARTIST COORDINATOR LEAD
MIRANDA HERNANDEZ
Perla Farias is a first-generation Xicana, photographer, and mother of four including twins, co-parenting with her partner in life in Arizona’s desert. She was born north of The Bay but calls Phoenix her home. Perla is an organizer and journalist at heart. She loves listening to people’s stories and building a culture of honesty and empathy. Her life’s work revolves around healing and connection. She is the co-founder of the Cihuapactli Collective, an organization that supports urban indigenous peoples from womb to tomb, helping her community access healing work rooted in ancestral knowledge. Perla is inspired by movement, color, emotion, and genuine connection. She loves to dance y convivir con la gente.
Perla Farias is a first-generation Xicana, photographer, and mother of four including twins, co-parenting with her partner in life in Arizona’s desert. She was born north of The Bay but calls Phoenix her home. Perla is an organizer and journalist at heart. She loves listening to people’s stories and building a culture of honesty and empathy. Her life’s work revolves around healing and connection. She is the co-founder of the Cihuapactli Collective, an organization that supports urban indigenous peoples from womb to tomb, helping her community access healing work rooted in ancestral knowledge. Perla is inspired by movement, color, emotion, and genuine connection. She loves to dance y convivir con la gente.
media tema coordinator
perla farias
Bio Part 2
Bio goes here
media tema coordinator
perla farias
Louda, a seasoned marketing executive with a passion for driving innovation and fostering inclusion. With 25 years of experience in marketing, Louda brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to their projects. Louda is deeply committed to promoting and integrating diversity and equity in the workplace. They work closely with organizations to ensure that diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of business at all levels, striving to create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. Louda provides mentorship to the LatinX community, helping young professionals in their career growth.
head of marketing
louda peña
Ariel (she/her) is originally from Seattle, WA and has been in the Bay Area for about 6 years. She currently works as a nursing leader in a pediatric intensive care unit in San Francisco. She took her first salsa and bachata classes with In Lak’ech dance academy last summer and immediately felt at home.
She joins the QALDF team as the sponsorships assistant coordinator and is looking forward to attending and possibly performing at her very first QALDF.
Sponsorship ASSISTANT
ARIEL OHNO
JC BU is a versatile creative professional known for his vibrant energy and dynamic skill set in social media management, videography, and content creation. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he excels in communicating ideas across diverse multicultural settings and brings enthusiasm to every interaction.
JC crafts and executes strategies across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, ect. - driving brand awareness and engagement. As a videographer, he captures compelling visuals and conducts interviews, blending meticulous planning with improvisation for high-quality footage.
Life motto: Good Day Every Day! #Abundance
SM CONTENT PRODUCER
JC
Claire is a passionate leader and force in this industry, leaning on her deep knowledge to strengthen volunteer processes, encourage connections and camaraderie in a safe space, and ensure ultimate support in all areas. She trained to be a professional dancer until the pandemic hit, inspiring her to switch gears and work in the hunger and homeless prevention industry.
Her dedication and grit lead the way to success and when she's not enriching volunteer relationships with QALDF, she's empowering future generations at her fulltime job, teaching dance classes to children and adults, and spending time with her loved ones in the Colorado sun!
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR LEAD
CLAIRE FRANCO
Jade (she/her) is delighted to rejoin QALDF as the Registration Coordinator. With over eight years of social dance experience, half of which were dedicated to training with In Lak'ech Dance, Jade considers it an honor to contribute even a small part to the Academy that has played a significant role in her dance journey.
Drawing from a decade of roles in hospitality, marketing, and event coordination, Jade is here to support and enhance your registration experience at the festival. Whether you have questions at the registration desk or catch her in the bachata room,