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

Andrea Nicolette Gonzales was born in Fort Worth, TX and moved to the Bay Area to attend The San Francisco Art Institute where she earned a MFA in 2014. While in graduate school she was a recipient of the Murphy and Cadogan Art Award and after graduation received a studio fellowship through SFAI. Shortly after graduation from San Francisco Art Institute in 2014 she founded a photography department at Mission High School. In 2018 she placed 2nd at The World Body Painting Festival in the installation art category. She was a 2022-23 San Francisco Arts Commission recipient and created a series of photographs honoring Latinx educators in SFUSD. Her work is currently on display at the deYoung Museum for the deYoung Open. She paints directly on the skin, clothes and objects to question notions of embodiment, connections between an individuals’ body, personal identity, imposed identity and social acceptability. Andrea is passionate about teaching art to San Francisco youth and is deeply honored to be part of the YAX team.

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