Paola is a Puerto Rican born “nuyorican” who grew up on the shores of Long Island and moved to Rochester for school. From participating in a multitude of Latinx parades and events, volunteering and the arts have always been a huge part of her life. During her time at RIT she was part of a multitude of programs and groups including the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the RIT Orchestra. After graduating with a Bachelor in Exhibition Design and Management from the Institute of Technology she works full-time at SPOON, an exhibition, and events company. When she is not planning events you can find her playing violin, sewing or crafting with her fiance and dog.
Evelyn D'Agostino
18 posts
Founder & Treasurer
Evelyn D’Agostino is the Founder & Treasurer of Grupo Cultural Latinos En Rochester. She was born in Panama in the town of Arraiján. In 2006 Evelyn brought her drive and Passion to Western New York.
A graduate of the Catholic University Santa Maria La Antigua of Panama; Evelyn serves as one of the Xerox Corporation International Logistics Analysts for Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, she is a board member of HAPA (Hispanic association for professional advancement) at Xerox in the Rochester Chapter.
She has held many board positions with well-established and accomplished organizations such as UNICEF as a member of the Advisory Board, Amnesty International, Rochester La Voz News Paper, and The Memorial Art Gallery Latino and Hispanic Family Day Planning Committee. Ms. D’Agostino is a proud mother of two children, a wife, and she is often seen as a mentor to others. Her dedication to the organizations she serves has not only inspired her audience but has managed to help create an awareness of Latin American folklore while integrating the culture and diversity of others.
Natalia is an Afro-Dominican who grew up on Long Island. Much of her childhood was spent around Latin culture, as her family was heavily involved in Latin film, entertainment and music industries. Being a 2nd generation American, she holds close family roots to the Dominican Republic and enjoys celebrating her heritage with family and community members. She moved to Rochester, NY in the summer of 2021 and felt like home when joining this organization. She resides in the South Wedge accompanied by her 3-year-old child, husband, and their Australian Cattle dog.
Artistic Director
Carlos Chediak, a graduate of Miami Dade College Associates of Arts in Business administration, Certified in Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Kids, and Strong Nation. Serves as Senior Program Specialist, Zumba, fitness and choreographer instructor for Luis S. Wolf JCC of Greater Rochester, CEO and Founder of Modern Watertown LLC, and Artistic Director Of Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester.
Born in La Habana, Cuba, and raised in Cuenca, Spain with more than 16 years in the show business world. Ever since I was a child I had a passion for the Arts, music, and entertainment. My artistic career started as an artistic director and producer assistant in 2006 for Miami Globo Theater. Since 2018 Carlos has been an instructor for Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Kids, and Strong Nation for the YMCA and JCC in northern NY and Rochester. Carlos of Latinx identity loves to help the community in preserving, protecting, promoting, and honoring Hispanic culture.
Carlos is a proud husband and mentor to others. His new dedication to the organizations she serves has not only inspired his audience but has managed to help create an awareness of Latin American culture while integrating the culture and diversity of others.