MDC Appoints New Executive Director Of Cultural Affairs

María Carla Chicuén was selected as the executive director of cultural affairs at Miami Dade College on Jan 17.

“I could not feel more honored,” Chicuén said. “[This is] a department that is cherished in our community.”

Chicuén will oversee the College’s cultural programs like the Film Festival, Miami Book Fair, Freedom Tower, Koubek Center, Live Arts Miami and the Museum of Art & Design. She will also collaborate with departments across MDC’s eight campuses to promote cultural events in the community. 

Prior to her current role, Chicuén served as the founding executive director of CasaCuba—a cultural center at Florida International University aiming to preserve and promote Cuban Culture.  

The 34-year-old previously worked at MDC from 2015 to 2018 assisting with special projects in the Office of the College President. Prior to that, she served a stint as a consultant for the World and Inter-American Development Banks. 

Chicuén earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Harvard University in 2010. A year later, she earned a master’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economic and Political Science.