Raffaella Falchi Macias is the executive director of Youth Art Exchange, taking the reins in 2020. She has been at YAX for over 17 years as a faculty artist, director of programs, and most recently deputy director. She is an educator, designer and choreographer and holds a B.A. in psychology from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Architecture from California College of the Arts. She is an architectural designer with an emphasis on social design. She received a fellowship from CCA and worked with the Manguinhos favela community in Rio de Janeiro under the Brazilian architect Jorge Mario Jauregui and his Favela/Barrio project. She has spent over a decade working at the intersection of arts and youth development as an educator teaching architecture and dance to public high school students. She is also the founder and artistic director of Sambaxé dance company, and is a world dance faculty member for almost 2 decades at ODC in San Francisco. She is quadrilingual, speaking Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

raffaella@youthartexchange.org

KT Seibert (they/she/he) is a queer, trans visual artist, community arts organizer, and the current Center Director at Youth Art Exchange. A long-time resident of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, KT brings over a decade of experience in public arts programming and public art installations. 

They are the co-founder of Moth Belly Gallery, an artist-run space uplifting underrepresented Bay Area artists through exhibitions, events, and media. Since 2021, the gallery has curated over 40 shows, featured hundreds of local artists, revived the Tenderloin and Lower Polk First Thursday Art Walk, and hosted public programs like figure drawing nights, all-ages shows, and artist talks.

As a practicing artist, KT’s work can be found across San Francisco in both indoor and outdoor spaces, including public murals and collaborative installations on the JFK Promenade, in Nob Hill, and the Outer Richmond. They bring a strong foundation in arts administration, with a B.A. in Art History from UCLA and a professional background in art handling, grant writing, and community-based arts programming. 

Alfie has a new role as the facilities manager at YAX.

Alfie Macias is an accomplished artist and educator who has dedicated his career to fostering youth development and empowerment through music. With over 15 years of experience as a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Artist in Residency, Alfie has made a profound impact on the lives of countless young individuals.

For 12 years, Alfie served as the Co-Musical Director of Loco Bloco, a renowned youth performance group based in San Francisco's Mission District. Loco Bloco has gained recognition both nationally and internationally, captivating audiences with their vibrant and culturally rich performances. Alfie's dedication to working with at-risk youth from underserved communities is reflected in his collaborations with San Francisco and San Mateo incarcerated youth through his music mentorship programs.

In addition to his work with Loco Bloco, Alfie has spent 15 years as a Music Instructor at Youth Art Exchange, imparting his knowledge and passion to aspiring young artists. As a visionary, he has created the Traditional Percussion Internship in collaboration with SFJAZZ and Youth Art Exchange, providing invaluable opportunities for budding musicians to explore their craft and the musical traditions of the African Diaspora. Notably, Alfie's youth performances and social justice initiatives were featured in the closing of Harry Belafonte's Documentary film, "Sing Your Song," showcasing his ability to blend artistic expression with important societal issues.

Alfie's exceptional musical talents extend beyond performance and instruction. After leaving Loco Bloco in 2010, Alfie Macias currently holds the role of Musical Director for Sambaxé, a Brazilian Dance Company that was crowned champions of San Francisco Carnaval in both 2022 and 2023. Through his leadership, Sambaxé has become a symbol of excellence, captivating audiences with their infectious rhythms and captivating choreography.

Continuing his commitment to youth development, Alfie is currently spearheading the creation of a Youth Recording and Multi-Media Studio at the Le Fénix community housing project for Youth Art Exchange. This project aims to provide young artists with a professional and supportive environment to explore their creative talents, fostering their growth and self-expression.

Alfie Macias exemplifies the transformative power of music and its ability to shape lives. Through his extensive experience as an artist, educator, and advocate for social change, he has consistently demonstrated his unwavering dedication to empowering young individuals and fostering a sense of community through the arts. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the San Francisco cultural arts scene and beyond.

alfie@youthartexchange.org

Daeveon Elijah Emery is a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer from Oakland, CA. As Community Programs Associate at Youth Art Exchange, Daeveon supports the planning and coordination of youth programs, public events, and creative partnerships. They bring a background in leadership and development, hospitality, and youth engagement, with a passion for cultivating welcoming, inclusive spaces where young people and communities can connect through the arts.

Outside of YAX, Daeveon creates and performs music as Elijah Gold, blending bossa nova, hip-hop, and R&B to explore themes of love, growth, and self-expression. He’s also a chai tea lover, vinyl collector, and dedicated storyteller.