Board of Directors
Board of Directors 2025-2026
Executive Committee:
Luis Monteagudo, President
Retired;
Former Vice President, Community Relations, 2-1-1 San Diego
Luis Monteagudo joins the Board of Directors with an extensive and successful career in communications and journalism. Most recently he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for County Supervisor Greg Cox. In that role, he was introduced to 2-1-1 San Diego during the 2007 wildfires and later briefly served as Vice President of Community Relations for 2-1-1, where he worked closely with leadership and staff on projects, events, and initiatives to help the organization grow and thrive. During his service with Supervisor Cox and the County of San Diego, Monteagudo earned experience in crisis communications and emergency operations, having served as a public information officer during the 2007 regional wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Monteagudo enjoyed a distinguished journalism career that included serving as a staff writer at the San Diego Union-Tribune and its Spanish-language newspaper, Enlace, and as an editor at USA Today. He is active in the community, previously serving as director of an annual multicultural high school journalism workshop, serving as a judge for the annual Kensington-Normal Heights Friends of the Library Student Essay Contest, and serving as a member of the San Diego Padres Hispanic Community Advisory Council.
Christina Rounds, Vice President
Realtor and Property Manager, Encore Reality, Inc.
With 14+ years in San Diego real estate, Christina is a seasoned professional. From bank-owned properties to property management and sales, her true calling emerged. In property management, she excelled in problem-solving and fostering tenant-landlord relationships, driven by protecting clients’ assets. In sales, guiding buyers through San Diego’s home-owning complexities is her pride. Her approach centers on strong connections, open communication, and meeting client needs. Beyond real estate, she’s deeply involved in community service, serving on boards of non-profits and organizing drives. Christina’s diverse experiences and commitment empower exceptional client experiences, making a positive community impact.
Paul Espinosa, Treasurer
President & CEO, Espinosa Productions
Paul Espinosa is an award-winning filmmaker who has worked at the intersection of social justice and Latino history for over 40 years. He is a California-based, New Mexican-raised filmmaker who uses the power of media to recover stories about unsung heroes whose lives inspire us. Before founding Espinosa Productions in 1996, Paul served as Senior Producer and Executive Producer with PBS stations KPBS-San Diego and KERA-Dallas. His work has been supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Humanities, PBS, the Ford Foundation, ITVS, Latino Public Broadcasting, the U.S.-Mexico Fund for Culture and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Paul’s films capture the transformative energy of the men and women of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands examining topics like: key events in the contentious history between Mexico and the U.S. (The Lemon Grove Incident, The Hunt for Pancho Villa and The U.S.-Mexican War: 1846-1848); the productive intersection of art, music and civil rights (Singing Our Way to Freedom, Ballad of an Unsung Hero and 1492 Revisited); and the struggles of both documented and undocumented Mexican immigrant families (…and the earth did not swallow him, In the Shadow of the Law and Uneasy Neighbors). With over 15 national broadcasts on PBS, Paul’s films have screened at festivals around the world and have won many awards including eight Emmys. He holds a B.A. from Brown University and a Ph.D. from Stanford University and is Professor Emeritus in the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University. Paul was a Founding Board Member of the Media Arts Center of San Diego where he has served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. He previously served on the Boards of the National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture (NAMAC), the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers, the California Council for the Humanities, the Arizona Latino Arts & Culture Consortium, and the Arizona Humanities Council.
Michael Caro, Secretary
San Diego Regional Manager, Assistance for Veterans;
Cox Communications
Michael Caro first learned about Media Arts Center San Diego while working for a national print publication in Hollywood. The San Diego Latino Film Festival was his first exposure to MACSD and he’s been a proponent of the festival and MACSD’s Teens Producer Project ever since. Mike was a New York transplant in Los Angeles, who first came to San Diego while in the Navy in 1977. He went to boot camp at the now Liberty Station grounds. Since then he’s pursued a career in I.T. and technical support. Mike has lived in San Diego for 20 years and has worked at Cox Communications for twenty years. Mike has also sat on the Cox Charities Advisory Board where he has championed the Teens Producer Project and helped elevate MACSD’s profile in his corporate arena. He continues to bring to spotlight issues and organizations that help lift up those with whom they interact. A Veteran of the US Navy and the California Air National Guard, Mike Caro is the San Diego Regional Manager of Assistance for Veterans (AFV) a nonprofit whose mission is to deliver food to needy veterans thus replicating efforts of the Los Angeles team of AFV.
Members-At-Large:
Alex Montoya
A-MOtivational Communications, Founder Chief Motivation Officer, COO
Development Coordinator, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
Alex is the Development Coordinator at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in San Diego. He is also a thought leader who has written nine books – including a children’s one about inclusion. His Alex Montoya Foundation provides education on immigrants and people with disabilities. All of this has come after a successful corporate career with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego Padres. Alex earned his Bachelor Degree at the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s from the University of San Francisco. He also has a Personal Development Certification from Harvard, where he has spoken. He has also spoken at Google, NASA, and the Denver Broncos.
Robert Barquero, Finance Committee Member
Robert Barquero is a finance professional and community advocate who believes in the power of storytelling and creative expression to connect people. His relationship with the Media Arts Center San Diego began while studying at San Diego State University, where he first attended the San Diego Latino Film Festival—an experience that deepened his appreciation for culture, film, and community-driven art. As a member of MACSD’s Finance Committee, Robert supports the organization’s mission by helping strengthen financial systems and ensure long-term sustainability for its programs. He’s passionate about empowering local voices and fostering collaboration through art and media. Outside of his community work, Robert enjoys golfing and spending time with his family. His favorite film is There Will Be Blood, which he admires for its powerful storytelling and exploration of ambition and integrity.
Cynthia Morales
Producer, Choreographer, Leader in Arts Education
Cynthia Morales served as an arts educator for forty years in public and private schools teaching and mentoring students in K-12 and university settings. She is a recipient of National Arts Teacher’s Fellowship and Prime Teacher Travel Grant to present art educational work in Japan. She has worked as a performer, choreographer, director, administrator, producer and teacher in South America, Japan, New York City, Los Angeles and San Diego. Morales achieved a BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School where she was mentored by legendary dance artists. The MA in Dance Education from UCLA, included founding and directing Music, Movement and Media Arts Project, an arts outreach that offered diverse dance styles, music education, theater and animation film to underserved elementary school students in Los Angeles. As an arts administrator, Morales produced many years of original and classic dance repertoire in concert and dance film for generations of young, underserved artists and their communities. She has also served as a producer for arts festivals including UCLA’S first Mexican Arts symposium. Morales’ performance credits include working as a featured dancer with New York’s Ballet Hispanico, Ballet Metropolitano of Caracas in Venezuela, in classic modern repertory works, creating original choreographies for regional theater, musical theater, concert work and as an actress in commercial TV and film. Morales is blessed to enjoy professional and creative collaborations with fellow artists and with her immediate and extended family of artists and educators. Cynthia Morales cherishes creative collaborations that enrich all involved with dynamic and profound impact.
Ruben Morfin
International Client Advisor, Vice President, Morgan Stanley
Ruben Morfin will say he is a fronterizo, having lived, studied and worked on both sides of the US/Mexico border in California, which he calls home. Volunteering with MACSD is part of his life-long interest in community improvement – and to pay back for all he has received. Morfin completed high school in both the US and in Mexico, and graduated from the University of California (UCSD, BA, Urban Studies), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Master’s in City Planning); and the Ecole Nationale des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC, International MBA) – with complementary coursework in Harvard University and other institutions. Morfin has 30+ years of direct managerial experience in business, non-profits, and government; in industries including finance, services, manufacturing, engineering, construction, higher ed., and social services – with Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Rain Bird International, MIT, the City of Boston, United Way, Budget Rent-a-Car, Union Pacific Railroad, among others. Morfin’s diverse experience, and passion for cross-pollination and knowledge-sharing led also to engagements as Management Consultant (J. Bergman & Associates) and Leadership Coach (CoreStrata Management Consulting, in alliance with the University of San Diego). At present, Morfin is an International Client Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
Carmen Contreras
Community Engagement Manager, MAAC
Carmen Contreras earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). While attending CSUSM, she actively contributed to campus outreach programs that promoted higher education. After graduating in 2010, Carmen continued her mission to advocate for post-secondary education through her work at Palomar College. During her time there, she transitioned into a role at a local credit union, where she merged her passion for education and financial literacy, teaching students the value of saving while motivating them to pursue higher learning. With over a decade of experience serving her community, Carmen has held various leadership roles. She is a founding member of Rotary Route 78 (established in 2013), where she served as Treasurer for one term. Carmen has been a committed board member of North County Community Services since 2018, currently serving as Vice President. She also serves on the boards of North County Human Resources San Diego, Media Arts Center San Diego and most recently joined the San Diego Women’s Affordable Housing Network board. In her current role as Community Engagement Manager at MAAC, Carmen is responsible for building partnerships that provide vital resources to the families MAAC serves. Known for her dedication, integrity, and exceptional work ethic, Carmen is deeply committed to her community, consistently going above and beyond in all her endeavors. Carmen resides in North County with her sons, Raymond and Enrique, who are her greatest inspiration.
Diana Bustos
Community Advocate and Project Manager
Diana Bustos is a seasoned community leader and project manager with extensive experience in affordable housing, construction, and nonprofit management. She has a strong track record of managing teams, securing funding, and overseeing impactful projects that serve diverse communities. Diana is passionate about using her skills to foster creativity, innovation, and positive change, aligning perfectly with the mission of Media Arts Center San Diego. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Professional Certificate in Project Management from SDSU Global Campus. Diana is actively engaged in the industry, serving on the Women’s Affordable Housing Network Sponsorship Committee and the Urban Land Institute San Diego-Tijuana NEXT Committee, where she focuses on supporting the next generation of leaders in the built environment. Diana resides in the coastal North County region of San Diego. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending quality time with her partner and toddler son, and connecting with close friends.
Bertha Hernández
Retired; Administrative Coordinator, Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies, San Diego State University
Bertha Hernández describes herself as a tranfronteriza, born in Tijuana, Baja California. She was raised on both sides of the San Diego-Tijuana border region, where she lives, works, and plays in this unique and dynamic area of the world.Hernández has a joint M.A. in Transborder Public Administration and Governance (San Diego State University [SDSU] and Universidad Autónoma de Baja California [UABC]); B.A. in Journalism and B.A. in Mexican American Studies (SDSU); and a Certificate in Translation Studies (SDSU). After more than 40 years at SDSU, Bertha retired in December 2023. Her most recent position was as the coordinator of SDSU’s Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies. During her tenure, she worked closely with three consecutive chairs: Drs. Norma Iglesias Prieto, María Ibarra, and Victoria González-Rivera. For more than 22 years, she was the administrative coordinator and associate editor at SDSU’s Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias (IRSC), under the direction of renowned scholar Dr. Paul Ganster. She organized international conferences; served as liaison to universities and other institutions in Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and other countries; and traveled extensively along the U.S.-Mexican border region, the Southwest, and southern Mexico for field research and other related meetings. She was the campus advisor for SDSU’s Ballet Folklórico Xochipilli for six years, up until her retirement. In 2018, Dr. Adela de la Torre recognized Bertha with the Presidential Staff Excellence Award in Community Service. Although retired, Bertha continues to be a member of SDSU’s Department of Africana Studies planning committee of the MLK, Jr., Annual Luncheon, in which she has served several years. She recently joined the San Diego Media Arts Center’s Board of Directors; is a member of the Board of Directors of the Imperial Beach Community Clinic; and is former president of the Balboa
Park’s House of Mexico.
Kamaal Martin
Co-Founder, Art Power Equity
Kamaal’s passions are plants, arts & culture, building community and uplifting our region’s creative economy. Prior to co-founding cultural enterprise ART POWER EQUITY in 2020; his unique skill set and network come from a professional journey including roles as: Vice President of Networks and Initiatives (Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties), Director of Advocacy (California Charter School Association), Adjunct Faculty/Political Science (San Diego Community College District), Government Relations Specialist (San Diego County Regional Airport Authority) and multiple positions in state government ranging from Field Director, Special Assistant to the Speaker and District Director (California State Assembly). A graduate of the University of Oregon, B.A. (History), M.A. (International Studies), Kamaal currently serves as a mayoral appointee to the City of San Diego’s Arts and Culture commission, is a member of the California Arts Council’s Creative Economy Workgroup and the Advisory Board of Vanguard Culture. He has served on numerous non-profit boards and advisory groups including: Project New Village, Somali Youth United and the San Diego NAACP. He currently lives in Lemon Grove, CA, with his partner and daughters.
Guido Oliva
oliva.fabila@gmail.com
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Assistant Director of Development
At the intersection of scientific advancement, community engagement, and philanthropy, Guido Oliva is making a lasting impact. As Assistant Director of Development at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at UC San Diego, he plays a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking research that influences various aspects of everyday life—from the food chain to medicine, cosmetics, and environmental studies. At SIO, Guido collaborates with some of the world’s leading scientists and helps secure funding for their critical work. Additionally, he works closely with Birch Aquarium at Scripps, a public showcase of the institution’s research, making oceanography more accessible to the community. His role also includes managing affinity donor groups, strengthening connections between SIO and those passionate about its mission. Although his original plan was to pursue marine biology, Guido pivoted to political science with an emphasis on political communication at San Diego State University (SDSU). His academic journey opened doors to impactful experiences, including an internship at the office of Governor Gray Davis, which gave him firsthand exposure to local government and nonprofit work. Guido’s career has spanned various industries, from Hispanic marketing and public relations to nonprofit advocacy. His ability to navigate cultural nuances allowed him to work with major consumer brands while also engaging in meaningful social and environmental justice initiatives. His commitment to community-driven efforts led him to a binational environmental justice organization, where he worked on cross-border issues affecting the region. This experience reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration beyond national boundaries. A strong advocate for mentorship, Guido has consistently found ways to support young professionals. His nearly 10-year tenure at KPBS, San Diego’s PBS and NPR affiliate, included supervising and guiding students, many of whom he still keeps in touch with today. His dedication to mentorship continued when he transitioned to UC San Diego’s Advancement team, where he worked with fundraising data and strategic planning. His career took another turn when he was presented with the opportunity to rebrand and establish the marketing department for the San Diego County Library system in early 2020. Just as the team was taking shape, the pandemic hit, posing unprecedented challenges. Despite the difficulties, Guido and his team developed innovative ways to provide essential library resources to the community during lockdown. His contributions to the library’s brand continue to have a lasting impact. In a twist of fate, Guido’s journey came full circle when he joined Scripps Institution of Oceanography—bringing him back to the field that first inspired him over 30 years ago. Today, he is deeply engaged in supporting SIO’s mission and ensuring that the next generation of scientists has the resources to continue pioneering discoveries. Guido lives in La Mesa with his wife and their two beloved Great Pyrenees dogs, Mac and Minka. Beyond his work at SIO, he remains actively involved in the community, serving as a board member for the San Diego Media Arts Center—helping organize the Latino Film Festival.
Jose Orozco
Attorney, Orozco Law Firm
Jose@orozcolawfirm.com
Jose Orozco is a passionate advocate for underrepresented communities and a dedicated member of the media arts landscape. With 13 years of experience as an attorney and the founder of Orozco Law Firm in San Diego. Jose has committed his career to championing the rights of those often overlooked in society. In addition to his legal work, Jose is deeply involved in mentorship, particularly with foster youth. He believes in the transformative power of education and creative expression and has worked tirelessly to provide guidance and support to young people navigating challenging circumstances. Through His mentorship, He has empowered many to find their voice and pursue their passions. Jose Orozco is also an active participant in the media arts community, having acted in small-scale movies that highlight diverse narratives and perspectives. This involvement has not only enriched his understanding of the arts but also reinforced his commitment to promoting inclusivity and representation in media. As a member of the governing board of Media Arts Center San Diego Jose aims to leverage his legal expertise and advocacy background to further the center’s mission of education, exhibition, and creation of media arts for minority groups. He is passionate about creating platforms that amplify diverse voices and foster creativity within underserved communities. Jose holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in Philosophy and a major in Political Science. Jose also holds Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law and is excited to contribute his vision and expertise to the Media Arts Center San Diego ensuring that it remains a vital resource for education and innovation in the media arts. In his free time, Jose enjoys attending film festivals, traveling, dining out, spending time with his family and firmly believes in the power of media arts to inspire change and build community.