Monument Lab is excited to announce the addition of Michelle Angela Ortiz and Samala to the Board of Directors. They will support the work to change the status quo of how monuments are made, preserved, and interpreted by contributing to a society defined by joy, regeneration, and repair. 

"We are thrilled to welcome our new board members to the Monument Lab,” says Tiffany Tavarez, Board Chair. “In their own ways, they each embody Monument Lab's values, vision, and commitment to reimagining the monument landscape. We are continually excited and honored to work with such a brilliant and compassionate group of civic leaders.”

• Michelle Angela Ortiz is a visual artist, skilled muralist, community arts educator, and filmmaker who uses her art to represent people and communities whose histories are often lost or co-opted.
• Samala is currently the Head of Community & Culture at Unshackled Ventures, a pre-seed venture firm working to amplify immigrant entrepreneurs, as well as the Founder & Resident DJ of the West Coast's longest running 90s night.

“Monuments say so much about who and what we choose to remember, as well as how we collectively understand people, events, and the roles they play in history,” says Samala. “What an honor and privilege to join in that work as a member of the Monument Lab Board of Directors.”

"I have watched Monument Lab bloom since 2015 and have had the honor of working with the exceptional team on several projects in the past. As a new board member, I am excited to offer my perspective as an artist and to be a part of the continued growth of the organization," says Ortiz.

The two new board members will be serving alongside seven other directors including, Tiffany Tavarez (Board Chair); Monica O. Montgomery (Vice Chair); Stephan Nicoleau (Treasurer), Lola Bakare (Secretary); Ellery Roberts Biddle, Amari Johnson,  and Kirk Savage. 

Learn more about the Monument Lab Board of Directors.