Organic Growth
Board member Patricia Federico, a healer, is offering a blessing to Marlena.
By: Marlena Robbins
January 2019 will mark my 5th year working with the Cultural Coalition, Inc., as their Assistant Director and Grants Writer.
In 2014, I had recently graduated with my Bachelor’s from Arizona State University. I remember sitting in my sorority sister, Zarina’s room talking about my need for a job. She had mentioned that her mom was looking for an assistant and I became interested. We interviewed right then and there in their Arizona Room and I started working the next week. I didn’t know what I was in for but appreciated their interesting family and knew I would be in a good space.
Carmen started by teaching me the process of how to apply for and write a grant. We worked on a small desk together, side by side on two computers with a space heater at our feet to keep us warm. Carmen and Zarco often fed me during those first years and taught me how to eat healthy. Their endless knowledge of Indigenous foods encrypted with new herbs and spices woke my taste buds up for the better and ultimately decolonized my colon. They taught me the importance of our wellbeing and that our work should reflect our passions. I often say Carmen and Zarco are my second parents, because like for many others, they have opened up their home for young artists, like myself, to find friendship, comfort and creativity.
Cultural Coalition board includes artists and community members.
Over the years I have remained committed to the evolution of Cultural Coalition as it has remained conducive to my creative growth and experiences. While new opportunities continue to present themselves by way of new positions with other organizations, I have yet to find the creative support system, flexibility and organic growth that CulCoa offers.
Fast forward five years later as I sit here typing this story in our new office surrounded by paintings of Frida, sculptured masks and calacas; reflecting on our growth as an organization and my growth as an Indigenous woman and mother. The skills gained from writing grants helped me apply for, write and secure scholarships to cover my Master’s in Indigenous Rights and Social Justice.
The world of arts and culture nonprofits remains an elusive mission designed to foster imagination, unity and integrity. Within a grassroots organization, we wear many hats, often overlapping on projects to make sure skills are being collectively exercised and most importantly, ideas are being heard. Our work is a reflection of our values and will continue to influence future generations to come.