Cultural Worker & Strategist, Caracol Collective

Natalia Neira Retamal is a cultural worker and strategist, co-creating a more just and joyful world with communities, artists, activists and allies seeking liberation. Natalia is based in Huichin, Ohlone Territory (Oakland, CA), with roots in the Andes and Wallmapu (Mapuche territory). She is the former Executive Director of La Peña Cultural Center where she grew the organization from 3 to 6 staff, established living wages, health insurance, increased vacation time and other important benefits to offer better work-life balance for employees. She was the former co-chair of Berkeley Cultural Trust’s (BCT) Equity & Inclusion Committee. Natalia is now currently focusing on community-driven projects where she will continue to advocate for equity and justice for the community.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA; Nate Edwards IV is a creative artist that produces art using different mediums and crafts. After spending a few years in college and the workforce, he embarked on his comedy career. With performances at Helium Comedy Club – Philadelphia, Flappers Comedy Club – Burbank, The Laugh Factory – LA, Broadway Comedy Club – NYC, The Stand – NYC and others, he’s quickly making a name for himself. He uses his real life experiences, such as growing up in the streets of North Philadelphia and attending college to paint a picture of life in America as a young black man; dealing with issues of race, politics, religion and others to deliver a well-rounded, smart and engaging show, that’s full of laughs and social commentary. In addition, he shot a film with award-winning Armenian artist Melik Ohanian which was shown at the 14th annual Biennale De Lyon in France from Sept. 2017 – Jan. 2018, worked with Erin Ko, a Native-American VR artist at the 6th annual Spring/Break Art Show in NYC, shot a short film with director, Tim Offor; which was recently selected to be apart of The Yonkers Film Festival, Queens World FIlm Festival 2018 and Gasparilla Film Festival 2018. In conclusion, he also does theater, performing a James Baldwin play, “Blues for Mr. Charlie ” at the NYS Association of Black & Puerto Rican Legislators 46th Annual Conference with French-playwright Manu Vaintino.

Discipline: Multidisciplinary

Starting his musical journey in freshman year of high school was not exactly the earliest start for some, but it is just enough to change a life. Nathaniel Dafrad was a Tri-M Music alumnus who studied as a percussionist under Max Ronquillo Jr. for two years and then self-studied. He obtained knowledge from every performance he participated in, from the GATE Theatre Production’s Cinderella to the Guam Territorial Band’s anniversary concerts.

He took to the stage and rose to new heights well within his high school career, beginning with his first off-island tour to Saipan back in 2018 while representing Okkodo High School in multiple band exchanges, and extending to his first introduction to the Summa Cum Laude Music Festival in Vienna 2024 where he would represent the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra and the Guam Territorial Band. Dafrad aims to share the joy and wondrous journey of music by aiding in any musical project on the island.

Discipline: Interdisciplinary

Art Education Coordinator, Kodiak Arts Council