MEET OUR BOARD
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Marisol is a proud Afro-Boricua / Afro-Latina, honoring her culture and traditions in Minnesota through her Bomba drumming, singing and her work as a community leader, cultural bearer of the CULTURAL BORICUA, and board chair of the BORIKEN CULTURAL CENTER in Minnesota. Marisol is also a BUSH Leadership Fellow, serving primarily in the public sector as an experienced leader, trainer and consultant.
Kenneth Ortiz Scott, Sr. Business Process Improvement Program Manager at Medtronic. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Operations and Supply Chain Management. Certified as a Lean Black Belt Professional (LBB) and Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM). Dedicated to change management processes, individual and team development, systems applications, and streamlining to improve performance. He also serves in Medtronic’s Diversity Networks and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as a C0-Chair leader in Hispanic Latino Network (HLN) and as a Leader Liaison in Medtronic Young Professionals (MYP).
A native of Toa Baja (Levittown) Puerto Rico, Kenneth loves working at BORIKEN CULTURAL CENTER since 2021.
Roberto Clemente, the first Latin American superstar in Major League Baseball, said “If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this earth.” The work he can accomplish provides pathways for others, recognition of Puerto Rican culture, traditions, and awareness to the Minnesota community.
Kenneth Ortiz Scott enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor activities, and Baseball.
Additionally, Tabatha was born in the Bronx (New York) but grew up in Arecibo (Puerto Rico), contributing to her research interest in the diasporic experience. She served as a research fellow in 2022 at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, developing a StoryMap project titled “Becoming SotaRicans: The development of diaspora, community, and support” where she conducted an analysis of artifacts to better understand Puerto Rican migration to Minnesota.
MEET OUR TEAM
Yari Serrano is an Elementary School Teacher with Spring Lake Park School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education (K–6). Yari is a Master Gardener through RCMG, a community leader who coordinates multicultural events, and the owner and graphic designer of Arcee’s Graphics. Originally from Levittown, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, she has been a dedicated member since 2021, combining her passion for education, creativity, and community service to make a positive impact.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Freelance Percussionist, Twin Cities Latin Band and BORIKEN Performing Group. Percussionist Teacher for kids and teenagers. Currently working as a Mental Health Support Specialist at Minneapolis Public Schools. From Peñuelas, Puerto Rico.
Percussionist of Malamanya Band and BORIKEN Performing Group. Percussionist Instructor for kids and youth at BORIKEN Cultural Center.
Ninchai is a proud Afro-Boricua (Nigerican) BOMBA dancer and instructor. She is part of the BORIKEN Performing group and also represents the tradition and culture of Puerto Rico in everything she does as a professional actor, singer and dancer. Ninchai incorporates BOMBA drumming and song to theater pieces and shows she is part of and provides BOMBA workshops to students within various community groups.
Yahaira is a BOMBA & PLENA Afro-Boricua instructor, dancer, performer and singer. Yahaira started performing at the young age of three (3) years old, participating in community events, local theaters and other concert venues. She has more than 15 years of experience honoring the traditions and culture of Puerto Rico and is part of the BORIKEN Performing group. Yahaira is also recognized as a local artist, actor and theater director, participating in local productions, musicals and concerts.
Jahde is a welder with two AAS in Welding and Robotic & Laser Welding. She is a member of the BORIKEN Performing Group and a hockey player for the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association, Women’s Division. Native from Levittown, Puerto Rico.
“Beth” I am an actress and I have dedicated myself to the performing arts, especially typical Puerto Rican dance. BORIKEN Performing Group Lead. Dance Instructor of Bomba and Plena at BORIKEN Cultural Center.
Manager, Contact Center Operations, Allina Health. Zumba Instructor with over 15 years of experience. Dance Instructor of Bomba and Plena at BORIKEN Cultural Center.
Art teacher and Minnesota local artist.
Abigail is known for her creative work using recycled materials. She is the founder of Celeste Recycle Treasure, a handmade crafts business. Abigail has showcased her art at various fairs across Minnesota.