The team.
yelimara Concepcion Santos r-dmt- Director, Master teaching artist, Clinical Dance movement Therapist
Yelimara is a multifaceted artist, dancer, mover, bombera, artivist, and mother who is dedicated to building healthy communities both locally and globally. Born in Puerto Rico, Yelimara has traveled the world to bring socio-emotional healing and Afro-Caribbean culture to underserved populations.
Yelimara earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico before moving to New York City, where she has called home for over 15 years. She completed her master's degree in Dance Movement Therapy at Pratt Institute and channels her deep roots in Afro-Caribbean folkloric traditions into her work with mental health therapy, arts pedagogy, and contemporary arts performances.
Yelimara's talents and collaborations have been sought after by prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Triple S Health Insurance, Yale University, Los Pleneros De La 21, and many more. Her work continues to move and inspire people and communities from Puerto Rico to other parts of the world.
In her role as an artivist, Yelimara uses her art as a tool for activism, striving to raise awareness and inspire change. As a mother, she is deeply committed to creating a better world for future generations, and as a bombera, she honors her cultural roots by using drumming and dance to connect with and heal others.
Overall, Yelimara is a passionate and talented artist who uses her gifts to promote healing, connection, and social change.
Mic Pacheco Musician, Poet, filmmaker and educator
Michael Pacheco is a multi-talented musician, educator, and activist hailing from the vibrant El Barrio community in Harlem. As a composer, poet, and co-administrator of the Welfare Poets, Michael has graced stages and led workshops across the United States and Europe, connecting with the global art and activism community.
Michael's work is driven by a passion for uplifting marginalized communities and shining a light on social justice issues such as police brutality, the prison industrial complex, homelessness, Puerto Rican colonial status, and the ongoing global refugee crisis. For more than 16 years, Michael has brought the rich cultural heritage of Afro Puerto Rican traditions to venues, music festivals, and schools around the world.
Michael's expertise extends beyond performance to encompass cultural and educational workshops and classes for a diverse range of audiences, from primary and high school students to university and continuing education learners. In 2014, Michael joined Afro Inspira, where he has helped develop and adapt programming to align with the organization's vision. With a focus on social integrity, digital presence, and technical readiness, Michael draws on a fusion of digital and folkloric art disciplines to achieve the goals of Afro Inspira.
Michael is a tireless advocate for social justice and a skilled artist and educator who has made a lasting impact on communities around the world.