Our Mission
The Art Spread empowers artists who experience adversity by providing mentorship, resources, and a platform to share their stories through art. Through our online gallery we cultivate financial stability and creative growth while making art accessible to promote wellness.
Our curated online workshops and in-person exhibitions transform lives and build a supportive environment where healthy creative outlets thrive.
Our Vision
To inspire every artist to achieve their goals, provide access to the arts for every community, and bring awareness to every art piece telling a story of adversity.
Board of Directors
Rawan Ita-Diaz
Co-Founder | President
Master of Architecture & Design
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Lawrence Technological Uni., MI
Rawan Ita-Diaz oversees all content at The Art Spread, guiding artists to success and leading the team with passion.
Born in Iraq, Rawan and her family escaped as refugees, seeking safety and a new beginning. After a life-changing accident in which she was struck by a car as a pedestrian, Rawan turned to art as a form of therapy while navigating chronic pain and mobility challenges.
In 2017, Rawan created Project TheraPaint to find purpose and later started The Art Spread, combining her professional skills and personal experiences to inspire and uplift artists communities.
Nadin Said
Co-Founder | Treasurer
Juris Doctor, Law
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
University of Denver
Cal Poly Pomona, CA
Nadin Said oversees community events and fundraising efforts for The Art Spread. As an immigrant and refugee into the United States, she experienced poverty, language barriers, and the impact of war on mental health. Determined to create positive change, she became a litigation attorney and has since served on multiple boards while in law school and post-graduation.
Passionate about art, culture, law, and business, she brings her leadership and dedication to every project.
Marina Braff, MS, LMFT
Board Member
Master of Science in
Counseling Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies
Cal Lutheran University, CA
UCLA, CA
Marina is passionate about supporting individuals in the community and is proud to be a part of an organization that is helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and increase access and awareness of art and the profound benefits it provides for one’s well-being.
Marina is an Adjunct Professor for Pepperdine University and is the Clinical Director for Villages of California. Marina has provided counseling for children and adolescents in a variety of settings including schools, non-profit organizations, and private practice for over ten years.
Mateo Diaz
Board Member
Master of Architecture & Design
Master of Urban Planning
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Lawrence Technological Uni., MI
Mateo is dedicated to The Art Spread’s inclusive mission for everyone experiencing physical challenges and more. He values the work The Art Spread does to amplify the voices of the unheard and marginalized.
Prakhar Gupta
Board Member
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Cal Poly Pomona, CA
Prakhar is a goal-oriented leader who recognizes the significant impact The Art Spread has on its community. Prakhar helps secure the tools necessary for The Art Spread to continue transforming communities.
Our Team
Sandra Bayoud
Project Manager
Bachelor of Science in Finance
CSU Fullerton, CA
Sandra’s passion for art is built around creativity. From a young age, she found a brush to canvas a mesmerizing encounter. She carries the passion for creativity into her writing and love for live music.
Sandra researches and advises on current market trends and best practices to grow The Art Spread’s mission and audience.
Tanya Palacios
Event Volunteer
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
CSU Longbeach, CA
Tanya is a Los Angeles native, first generation college graduate. Tanya cultivates relationships with artists, businesses, and other organizations to expand The Art Spread’s network. Tanya is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.
Alexandra Houston
Events Registration Coordinator
Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology, International Relations, Gender Studies
Uni. of Cape Town, South Africa
Alex earned an Honours degree in Justice and Transformation from the University of Cape Town’s Politics Department. Her travels have deepened her appreciation for art’s cultural impact, aligning with The Art Spread’s mission. With expertise in human behavior and social causes, she ensures guests feel welcomed and informed at every event.
Malena Yako
Content Creator
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Macomb Community College, MI
Malena studied Veterinary Medicine and currently cares for animals at an emergency animal hospital. Her love for living things goes beyond animals, as she is also dedicated to serving people in her community.
Malena’s passion for The Art Spread’s mission is displayed in her efforts to spread the message through content creation.
Rafael (Frankie) Cruz
Grant Advisor
Frankie is a first generation college graduate from University of Detroit Mercy. He has extensive experience as a professional mentor and has successfully secured grants for his department.
Frankie guides and advises on grant applications and logistics for The Art Spread’s grant opportunities.
Rebecca Street
Grant Editor
Master of Arts in English
University of Alabama
Rebecca is a freelance copy editor and transcriptionist, with degrees in Psychology and English Literature. She enjoys working in Language Arts to explore human behavior and philosophy.
Rebecca edits and reviews The Art Spread’s grant applications to ensure clear and focused content.
Natasha Navarra
Resident Blog Writer
Natasha is a New York Native, Writer, Op-Ed Contributor, and Guest Writer based in San Diego, California. Her work has been published in Psych Central, the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Uptown and Downtown News, MSN, the Cat Magazine, Catworld, and more. At The Art Spread, Natasha writes blog content for artists, collectors, and art lovers alike.
Press & Publications
Our stories are featured locally and internationally. View our features in magazines, articles, and publications!
