Leadership
President: Gonzalo Maluenda
Gonzalo is a Chilean-born music enthusiast who has been playing music since he was 15, with a special love for folk music from both North and Latin America. He has lived in the United States for over 30 years and enjoys learning from people of different cultures. Gonzalo values unity and inclusion, regardless of background, and currently serves as an HR Director for a company in the Lexington area. He believes that the Music of the Americas Festival Corporation, by creating free, family-oriented concerts in the Kentucky and Ohio area, “will bring a sense of unity to our community and appreciation for other cultures — all expressed through the beautiful simplicity of music and dance.”
Secretary: Andrew Sund
Andrew is a strong believer in the value of cultural diversity. Through his life he has lived in Latin-America, Africa, and the United States. He has had a successful academic career as a professor and administrator, including the presidency of two universities. His education includes degrees in Philosophy, History and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy. However, he has always been passionate about music. Particularly, he loves learning about culturally representative music. As he approaches retirement, he welcomes the opportunity to spend more time on his passions.
Treasurer: Sheryl Sorterup
Sherrie Sorterup is a combination of Scottish Canadian and Danish New Englander. Raised in Connecticut, she has been singing and playing instruments since elementary school. Sherrie’s passion for music and different cultures has led her to many musical genres and activities, but when she began learning Latin dance, she knew she had finally found her passion. She knows no culture whose music and dance does not light a fire in her. For her, nothing can be more beautiful than being able to bring together different types of music from across our country and our world and sharing it freely with our community. Sherrie is currently an English teacher to immigrant children from all over the world at a school in Northern Kentucky and wants nothing less than joy, peace, and a happiness for everyone.
About Us
- The organization is guided by a board of caring, community-minded individuals who bring deep experience in education, human relations, and music. Their commitment to nurturing people and culture shapes every aspect of MAFCo’s work. In its operations, MAFCo also fosters collaboration by partnering with local nonprofits—such as youth music education programs or media training organizations—giving them meaningful roles in the festival, from performing on stage to supporting technical production.
Organizational Values
Cultural Awareness & Exchange
- Emphasizing the rich musical traditions of North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean
- Encouraging understanding of different countries’ histories, customs, and arts
Education & Engagement
- Festivals are not just performances, but interactive, with MCs sharing facts, Q&A, games
- Goal is deeper learning, not passive entertainment
Inclusivity & Accessibility
- Free public admission, family-friendly, alcohol-free, open to all
- Collaboration with nonprofits to broaden participation
Community Empowerment & Partnership
- Enabling others to showcase their work
- Building community ties via cultural events
