Originally from Spain, Marta Keller-Hernandez holds Degrees in Tourism and Humanities, a Masters in Social Media Marketing from the University of Alicante (Spain), and a Graduate Certificate in Culture and Heritage Site Management from Centennial College. In Toronto, Marta has worked with a wide range of arts and culture organizations such as Black Artists’ Networks Dialogue, Latin American Canadian Art Projects and Sur Gallery, Heritage Toronto, and Art Starts. Also, Marta is the co-founder of Paralia Newcomer Arts Network, the recipient of the Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship grant in the capacity of mentor and a Toronto Arts Council 2018 Leaders Lab fellow.

Kim is an artist, arts manager and advocate across the GTA for the past 20 years. She holds a BFA from OCAD University and has pursued continuing education through Toronto Metropolitan University in Non-profit Management. Throughout her career she has worked for award winning organizations such as Lakeshore Arts, Art Starts and the Living Arts Centre. Kim strongly believes in mentorship, volunteering, and advocacy and has held positions at Humber College’s VADA Program Advisory Committee and with Arts Vote Toronto. In addition, she is also an accomplished community engaged artist having programmed and facilitated exhibitions, festivals and workshops for groups large and small. As an artist she is a mixed media printmaker formerly with the inPrint Collective and has showcased her work in galleries and taken part in residencies across Ontario.

Jackie has a long and rich history volunteering and working with Mural Routes.  From database management to website design to assisting at the first mural symposia, she has been involved with the organization for many years. After working as a Project and Account manager at a busy marketing firm, Jackie was the first to hold the position of Executive Director of Mural Routes (from 2003-2005).  She took a break to have her two children and pursue a career as a Nutritionist but always remained involved with Mural Routes.  As someone who is passionate about the arts and community – Jackie is thrilled to be working with Mural Routes as the Tech Lead & MR Circle Coordinator. Jackie studied Business Administration and Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University and is an Honours Graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

Through his artistic journey Rob Matejka has embraced art as a medium for positive social intervention and is enjoying animating the communities and people he works with – making art accessible to all through workshops, mentoring, and adding to the growing outdoor public gallery. Rob has been an arts educator and mentor for Mural Routes for over 10 years, and has worked freelance with The City of Toronto, Toronto school boards, Toronto Public Libraries, and arts organizations across the city such as VIBE Arts, Lakeshore Arts, and Arts Etobicoke. Rob enjoys using murals to create spaces we enter and experience physically – while coordinating large scale projects engaging large numbers of community members to beautify communities and build community pride.

Introduced to the magic of theatre and the arts at a young age, Kira is an arts manager who is drawn to storytelling in all its myriad forms. Combining her background in Drama from the University of Toronto with a certification in Finance and Accounting from Toronto Metropolitan University, Kira is currently the Executive Director at b current Performing Arts. Her leadership involves overseeing operational and financial aspects while actively seeking continuous learning through research and courses. Kira’s diverse skills, experience as a Black woman in the arts sector, and hidden talents like classical singing and baking, all contribute to her unique perspective. She envisions inclusive environments and believes in the power of representation and diversity for healthier workplaces.

Omar Hopkinson (b. 1977) is an award winning contemporary artist who currently specializes in large scale painting with a concentration on abstract forms and abstract impressionism. His artwork focuses on self reflection and tells the story of the black experience through colour, symbolism and imagery. Hopkinson is a widely celebrated artist who was classically trained at the prestigious Ontario College of Art and Design and early career is versed in the live art and mural space. Omar uses his creative career as a conduit to amplify the voices of the unheard, and while he still invests in this studio practice, he ensures to connect his creativity to communities that he serves. He has held professional appointments on Arts Milton Board of Directors, The Town Milton’s Culture Planning Committee, and is also a Creative Strategist with The Noir Experience (A collective showcasing under represented chefs providing high end dining experiences). Omar is a seasoned leader, who also leads a North American team at an industry leading tech company and is a husband and father of 3.

Cecília is an arts manager, fundraiser, community organizer, and multidisciplinary emerging artist based in Tkaronto. Originally from Brazil, Cecília holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Arts Management. She has built a diverse portfolio working and volunteering in the Canadian arts sector at multiple organizations, including CONOSER, Queen Gallery, Regent Park Film Festival, Airsa, Hot Docs, North York Arts, and others. Currently, Cecília is the Operations Advisor at the Community Arts Guild and a Fundraising Consultant at Forward Avenue. She has experience in multiple areas in the sector, including programming, volunteer management, arts facilitation, and fundraising. Throughout her career, Cecília has had the immense privilege of participating in organizations and projects that have helped build communities through the arts. She is excited to be a part of the Mural Routes Board and continue to contribute to creating a thriving arts sector.