Laura Zárate serves as the Founding Executive Director of Arte Sana, a pioneering organization dedicated to addressing the needs of survivors of trauma, particularly within the Latinx community. With over three decades of experience in international and national program development, Laura has been instrumental in...
Laura Zárate serves as the Founding Executive Director of Arte Sana, a pioneering organization dedicated to addressing the needs of survivors of trauma, particularly within the Latinx community. With over three decades of experience in international and national program development, Laura has been instrumental in shaping Arte Sana's mission to empower individuals through education, advocacy, and the arts. Under her leadership, Arte Sana was recognized by the CDC in 2003 as a model program, highlighting its innovative approach to community engagement and survivor support.
One of Laura's key projects, the Existe Ayuda (Help Exists) National Outreach initiative, exemplifies her commitment to fostering collaboration among bilingual victim advocates across the United States. This project not only expanded the reach of support services but also established a robust network of resources for survivors, ensuring that they receive the assistance they need in their native language. Laura's expertise in bilingual communications and public speaking has allowed her to effectively present at various state and national conferences, as well as internationally in Mexico and Puerto Rico, sharing best practices and advocating for systemic change.
In addition to her role at Arte Sana, Laura co-coordinated three impactful survivor art exhibits in Austin and online, which provided a platform for healing and expression through creativity. Her dedication to the cause is further evidenced by her co-founding of the national Alianza Latina en contra la... (Alliance Against...), a testament to her leadership in the fight against violence and her commitment to community empowerment. With a strong background in grant writing, curriculum development, and volunteer management, Laura continues to drive Arte Sana's mission forward, ensuring that survivors are not only heard but also celebrated through their journeys of resilience and recovery.
