Our Directors

Juan de Dios – Director

Juan de Dios Soto is Executive Director and co-founder of Tradición Peruana Cultural Center, The longest continuous running Peruvian organization in the United States. Soto is a multidisciplinary artist, community organizer, and teaching artist. Raised in an Afro-Latino household in Lima, Peru, he became aware of the history and legacy of his ancestor’s impact in music and art globally. Since 1990 Soto has performed and exhibited in the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally.

Lydia Soto – Co-Director and Choreographer

Lydia is a choreographer, dancer, and co-founder of the Tradicion Peruana Cultural Center. She grew up in Lima, Peru. Lydia Soto has taught and performed Afro-Peruvian dance since came to the United States in 1993. Lydia comes from a very talented family. She started dancing in Peru from a very early age in schools, colleges, and communities. Today Lydia is the choreographer-director of Jaranon y Bochinche dance performance company.

Board of Directors

  • Vanessa Angeldones

    Grant Writer & Adminstrator

  • Naaman Black

    Operations

  • Solange

    Social Media Promotions

Staff Members

  • Tafara

    Tutoring and Dance Instructor

  • Katie Meza

    Graphic Designer

  • Guillermo

    Community Relations and Grant Writer

  • Sady

    Media Coordinator