We had the good fortune of connecting with Juliana Forero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juliana, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
To this point, the most difficult decision I’ve made is to leave a comfortable job, and move my family across states back home to recoup and plan a way to move forward. I loved my job, the organization, the network and the arts scene in that community, but the situation proved that there were no growth opportunities for me there, I reached my glass-ceiling in that organization. So, with my family we looked at all my options and decided to focus on my well-being and our growing family, and we got packing! It was hard to move with a toddler and a four-month old baby, without any job on the horizon! It was an incredibly challenging year where I was an exhausted full-time mother and I felt lost career-wise. But eventually, opportunities started to appear, people started to know me and my work ethic, and all of the sudden after a couple of years working in the vibrant art scene here I founded my own company.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as an independent curator for the City of Pompano Beach. I manage the exhibition schedule for three cultural organizations managed by the City’s Cultural Affairs Department: Bailey Contemporary Arts, Ali Cultural Arts and the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. This opportunity grew gradually and allows me to partner with local curators and organizations, I’m able to work with the community and with the staff of the Cultural Department. As a professional, I’ve pretty much worked in all aspects of an arts non-profit organization, such as development and membership, leading education programs, and now curatorial and exhibitions. My education lists a Bachelor in Fine Arts, a Masters in Arts Administration, a Doctorate Degree in Art Education and certificates in Museum Studies, photography and graphic design. For my line of work, it is great to have the background as an artist, because I understand the challenges artists face when wanting to exhibit and share their work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We always go to Jaxsons for a nice ice-cream when someone visits, even returning visitors request it! We would start by the great cultural venues at Pompano Beach, Bailey Contemporary Arts, Ali Cultural Arts, and Pompano Beach Cultural Center. We also enjoy the Morikami Museum and the diffferent events they host throughout the year. An arts-lover visit would include the Perez Art Museum and the murals in Wynwood. There’s so much nature to be inspired also, so a visit to the Everglades (hopefully including the AiRIE), and Biscayne National Park would be included. And of course, the walk-board on Hollywood beach with the live music in the background.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been blessed to count with the support of my family, always. At an early age my parents infused with knowledge of what makes this life worthwhile and lead me to a path of gratitude and fulfillment. My grandmother showed me the sample of tenacity that I would need to make it in life. My sister, Felisa Prieto, has always encourage me to seek higher grounds. My husband has been a trooper who embraced my nomadic ways. He even read my doctoral dissertation and guided me through writing blocks and moments of research breakdown. My kids bring me full-circle to acknowledging the core of love and joy, they are the center of my wheel. Professionally, a lot of people have left a mark in my story, especially the folks in Houston who serve as friends and therapists. It’s been wonderful to see them grow professionally as we keep in touch; we all met at one point in life and now they are doing wonderful things! Cheers to Jessi Bowman, Jamie Robertson, Caroline Docwra and Joseph Roberts!

Website: http://nomadartprojects.com/

Image Credits
Juliana Forero, Felisa Prieto, Hyein Kim