ABOUT US

CHAA FOUNDERS

Evelyn Crouchley:  was born in Chile and raised in the United States. She is a graduate of the University of Washington in Political Science and has a second degree in Social Science. Her graduate studies are in Political Philosophy. She been a guest lecturer at the UW on issues such as the indigenous struggle, Pinochet case and on Human Rights issues in Chile. She has worked at the University of Washington Hospital as a social worker for several years. She is one of the founders of Centro Cultural Hispano Americano. She was the Assistant Director for a year, and had to resign to care of her beautiful baby girl.
 
F. Rafael Mendoza, Communications Administrator: He graduated as an Electro-Mechanical Engineer and is currently working for Intel Corporation. He was the President and co-founder of Asociación Club Ecuador (2001 to 2002); Advisory Board Member for two non profit organizations: Asociación Colombiana (2001-2002) and Cigarra (since 2002). He is one of the founders of Centro Cultural Hispano Americano. He is currently committed to promote the art and culture of Hispanic America. He has collaborated in musical showcases, art exhibits, Fiestas Patrias, Cinco de Mayo, Hispanic Seafair and Torchlight Parade celebrations.
 
M. Nélida Mendoza, Executive Director:  M.A. has 19 years' teaching experience; Coordinator for Spanish Scholarships and clubs. She has led a folkloric dance group in California. She is currently working with the Latin Community as a leader for three non-profit Latin American organizations, and helping the Hispanic community to be organized. She is one of the founders of Centro Cultural Hispano Americano. She was also a co-founder of a non profit organization, Asociacion Club Ecuador and a Member of its Advisory Board (2001-2002); Vice-President of Asociacion Colombiana (2001 – 2002); Board Member of Cigarra (since 2002). She is currently committed to promoting Hispanic American and local artists to be recognized for their talent as part of the mission of CCHA. She has collaborated in musical showcases, art exhibits, Fiestas Patrias, Cinco de Mayo, Hispanic Seafair celebrations, and was the Coordinator for Hispanic America participation at the Torchlight Parade in July 2004 (first time). She was the President and a dancer for Aires Folklóricos, a Colombian Folkloric group, and a dancer in Llactanchis, a Peruvian Folkloric group, both in the Bay Area in California. She is also a writer in Spanish poetry; a critic in Art and Literature, painter, and Researcher in Health issues.