Staff, Leadership and Artists

"El Jardín de La 21na"

JULIA LOÍza gutiérrez-Rivera

Interim Executive Director

Contact: julia@lp21.org

Julia L. Gutiérrez-Rivera is a New York born and raised Puerto Rican, cultural worker and practitioner of Bomba and Plena expressions. As a teaching artist and performer, Julia has toured and presented her practice nationally and globally for over twenty years, as a member of several Bomba and Plena ensembles including LP21, and Redobles de Cultura. With an MS in Nonprofit Administration from Milano, the New School for Nonprofit Management and Urban Policy; her approach to arts administration is focused on building sustainability and enhancing cultural and community impact. She’s served on numerous grants panels, and has been featured on various panels centered on arts and administrative practice. Julia is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the NCTA, Community Engagement and Youth Enrichment coordinator for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and is a Board member for the Center for Traditional Music and Dance. Regarded as one of New York City’s premiere Bomba and Plena performers, dancers, and educators, Julia has continued to share her gift with LP21, teaching special Un Paso Alante: Master Class Clinics .

Ashleigh Hendrix

Operations and Development Manager

Contact: pleneros21@lp21.org

Passionate about public programs that invest in local communities, cultural arts and youth development, Ashleigh has worn many hats at Los Pleneros de la 21 since she began serving the organization in 2017. She combines a background in music performance and ethnomusicology studies with extensive experience in both corporate and non-profit settings, acting as a round-the-clock organizational representative, champion and promoter. Ashleigh has also enjoyed teaching music and language in diverse educational settings for nearly twenty years.

LeAna López

Program Manager

Contact: leana@lp21.org

LeAna López was born and raised in New York City in El Barrio/ Spanish Harlem. She has dedicated her years to Afro Cuban and Afro Puerto Rican music with a concentration on dancing and playing Bomba and Plena. She began with Los Pleneros de la 21 in 1997 where she was mentored by Nellie Tanco, Juan Gutierrez, Tito Matos, Juan Usera, The Cepeda family and Victor Velez to name a few. Since 2004 she has performed with several Bomba groups throughout the Tri-State area and is currently a member of Legacy Women, an all-women’s group who specializes in Afro Puerto Rican and Afro Dominican roots music. 

LeAna completed her studies from Hunter College in the Spring of 2018 with a B.A. in Africana and Puerto Rican/Latino studies, with a concentration in psychology. LeAna, also works for the New York City Department of Education as a teacher’s assistant for middle school children with special needs. She plans to attain a master’s degree in special education and continue pursuing her passion of Africana and Puerto Rican/Latino studies, dance, percussion and being an educator. LeAna is now a teaching instructor for Bomba and Plena Community Workshops and Bomba and Plena Adult Workshops.

Yadira Alejandro

Program Coordinator

Contact: programs@lp21.org

Yadira is a school educator who has supported and participated in LP21's community performance and education programs for many years. Having introduced hundreds of NYC students to Bomba and Plena through the organization's Cultural Arts Education for Students initiative, she and her family play essential roles in the Bomba and Plena Community Workshops (BPCW), contributing to the continuation of these traditions and bringing her extensive experience, passion and community spirit to the role of Programs Coordinator, where she continues to inspire and uplift the community.

Nelson “Mateo” González

Musical Director

Contact: mateo@lp21.org

Mateo was first taught Bomba and Plena by his grandfather, and master Plenero, Benny Ayala. He received a degree from the Harbor Conservatory, where he became an accomplished artist of all Latin percussive instruments, and is currently endorsed by Toca Percussion. Mateo has been with LP21 since he was a chamaco in Bomba and Plena Community Workshops. Now, he has become LP21’s leading drumming instructor for Bomba and Plena Adult Workshops.

Teaching Artists and Programs Support

Ensemble Familia

Juan J. Gutiérrez Rodríguez * Nelson "Mateo" González * Julia L. Gutiérrez-Rivera * Carlos Espada * Victor Pablo García Gaetán * Pablo Mayor * Donald Nicks * Juan Gerena * Raul Ríos * Ivan Renta * Paola Lebrón....y muchos más