Maria Canela is a writer and artivist from the Dominican Republic, living in the United States since 2006. She currently serves as the Community Coordinator at NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and is the mother of two incredible kids, Hans and Nadia.
Canela has worked on numerous projects including Car wash workers Campaign, Make the Road NY, Queens, Brooklyn Housing Organizer NWBCCC, the Bronx. Canela is a longtime Queens Museum member, volunteer, and Dept. of Education worker, and has also worked for 3 years as Spanish Speaker Student Council Coordinator at Queens Museum. Canela participated in many actions that supports and help immigrants in New York, is an active member of Mujeres en Movimiento, a Queens-based organization promotes self-care for women and their families, offers free “bailoterapia” classes, health-related workshops and activities and practice Artivism (Art and Activism by Tania Bruguera). As a proud woman who knows how being part of the undocumented community in this country for nearly 5 years and the difference that have documents impacts people’s lives, she understands the needs of her community and helps women to empower themselves and show to the world their capacities and knowledge.