Board of Directors
Cunamacué’s Board of Directors guides our vision and sustainability, ensuring that every artistic initiative creates a deep impact on our community and future generations.
President
Pierr Padilla
Pierr Padilla is a renowned Afro-Peruvian artist and educator. Descendant of the legendary Vásquez family and a versatile performer trained in dance, acting, and music, he has performed globally with icons like Victoria Santa Cruz and Jorge Drexler on Grammy-nominated productions. Pierr is dedicated to preserving and evolving Afro-Peruvian musical traditions through his work as a master cajonero.
"I believe that Cunamacué is a cultural bridge between Peru and the United States. It also connects tradition with a global performing arts language that, through modern dance and musical fusion, places Afro-Peruvian arts in a more universal dialogue."
Secretary
Lorena Roman
Lorena is an operations professional in the software industry. Throughout her life she's participated in dance and cultural events as a supporter or active contributor to bring performances to life. She's excited to be a Cunamacue board member, and bring opportunities to create community in the spaces of art, dance and culture.
"I believe that the revitalization of traditional Afro-Peruvian genres via Cunamacue's work serves as a bridge between generations and is a tool for cultural preservation and evolution."
Board Member
Miguel Becerra
Miguel Becerra currently serves as a Senior Administrative Analyst with the County of San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness, bringing experience across nonprofit and government sectors in various roles. Miguel holds a M.S.W. from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from UC Santa Barbara, where he focused on issues impacting the Afro-Peruvian population.
"As a cajon player originally from Peru and someone who is an avid fan of Afro-Peruvian music, I am passionate about Cunamacue’s mission of amplifying the history and culture of Afro-Peruvians through music and other art forms."
Board Member
Yaccaira Salvatierra
Born in Los Angeles, California, Yaccaira Salvatierra is Peruvian-Mexican American. She is a poet, translator, and dedicated educator teaching for over 20 years. Her debut collection, Sons of Salt (BOA, 2024) was deemed one of the "Best Books for Adults 2024" by the New York Public Library and winner of the Latino Book Award. She earned her BA at the University of California at Santa Cruz, an MA at San José State University, and an MFA at Randolph College. She was an organizer for the San Francisco International Flor y Canto Literary Festival and lives in Oakland, CA, where she teaches literacy and poetry to youth.
"I believe in Cunamacué because I've seen how they've been passionate and dedicated in sharing Afro-Peruvian dance and music to children and adults through schools or community events. I've seen the joy they add to people's lives."
Board Member
Greg Landau
Greg Landau is an award-winning music/video producer, educator and music historian with a doctorate from UC San Diego's prestigious School of Communication. Over the last 20 years, he has produced eight Grammy nominated CD's and among the over 100 CDs, numerous film sound tracks and videos. He currently teaches Art and Social Change at UC Santa Cruz and is active in producing music and film scores including several PBS documentaries and films for HBO and others.
"I believe that Cunamacué has contributed a lot to the promotion and education about Afro-Peruvian culture in the Bay Area."
Board Member
Carmen Roman
Carmen is the founder of Cunamacué and an award-winning filmmaker and educator. With an MFA in Dance, her Fulbright-supported work blends Afro-Peruvian tradition with modern movement. Her acclaimed documentary and choreography celebrate the African Diaspora, bridging cultures through performance and education.
"I believe music and dance are powerful languages of healing. They carry memory, resistance, and joy across generations, reminding us who we are and where we come from. At Cunamacué , we return to rhythm and movement as pathways back to connection, balance, and community especially necessary during these current times."