OUR TEAM

She/Her/Ella

Mónica Félix has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago with specializations in German and Russian literature and a B.A. in German and Linguistics from Lawrence University. She began her career in public humanities with her role as the Museum Director of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center in Chicago. To support new programming for diverse audiences, she formed partnerships with fellow Alliance organizations to plan an International Game Night, secured funding for genealogy resources, and greatly expanded the museum internship program to draw students from across Chicagoland.

Her nonprofit leadership experience continued when she stepped into the role of Chief Administrative Officer of the American Comparative Literature Association (ACLA), the principal learned society in the United States for scholars whose work involves several literatures and cultures. As the ACLA’s first CAO, she oversaw multi-year planning of the organization’s 3,000-attendee annual meeting, implemented strategic planning, founded a development committee, established a new digital infrastructure, and overhauled the membership management structure.

With the Alliance’s dedicated Board of Directors and staff, she is helping to bring about the next generation of professional development programs, knowledge exchanges between centers, and impactful programming.

He/Him

Michael Scott has dedicated his career to helping create pathways to cultural arts education, practice, and implementation that are accessible for people of all ages, backgrounds, and creative endeavors. He holds an M.M. in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. in Music Business and Marketing from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. As a nonprofit arts administrator who has an unrelenting drive to serve the community, Michael focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations throughout Chicago. In his previous role as Director of Education, Performing Arts, and Family Engagement for the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), Michael oversaw PRAA’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, Somos Uno; PRAA’s community music school for youth – the Latin Music Project Center; and in-school/after school music enrichment programs at 12-15 Chicago Public Schools partner sites — which served over 1,500 students and families annually. Michael continues to strive for cross-cultural program equity in the humanities for youth, adults, and families throughout Chicago.

Michael maintains an active teaching, adjudicating, and performance schedule where he continues to explore and study many styles of music — offering his students the opportunity to discover the rich history, heritage, and social diversity of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. His commitment to helping improve the quality of programing, as well as his involvement with many other educational endeavors, has continued to have a meaningful impact within the community. It is with this that Michael brings his unique set of experiences and background to the Chicago Cultural Alliance team — helping contribute to CCA’s commitment to connecting, promoting, and supporting Chicago’s centers of cultural heritage.

She/Her

Pooja Das is an enthusiastic Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist with a mission to drive positive change in cross-cultural workplaces. She holds 4 master’s degrees in the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, M.A. In Education and English from Gauhati University and another M.A. in Education from Indira Gandhi National Institute of Open Schooling, India. Fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence, she brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to optimize business strategies. A fast and willing learner, Pooja aims to provide evidence-based solutions in marketing, consulting, DEI, leadership, and HR. Transitioning from teaching, her adaptability makes her a versatile asset in the ever-evolving landscape of organizational dynamics. Her background in developmental psychology, acquired during her teaching tenure, equips her with a profound understanding of individual growth. This lens guides her in nurturing and developing employees to their full potential.

Believing in “Sharing is Caring,” Pooja has volunteered for various organizations, fostering a culture of shared success. Now, as an I/O Psychologist, she brings this ethos to the corporate world, promoting mutual support and community-driven progress. Specifically interested in Marketing, Consulting, DEI, Leadership, and HR-related areas, her expertise lies in research-based approaches. She leverages assessments, surveys, and data-driven methodologies to inform strategic decision-making. Excited about applying her diverse experience, Pooja addresses employee needs, aligning them with organizational goals. Her goal is to facilitate a harmonious synergy between individuals and business objectives, contributing to overall success and growth.