Inspiring Conversations with Mariela Moscoso of Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariela Moscoso

Hi Mariela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Mariela Moscoso’s story is all about embracing creativity and charting her own path. Growing up in Puerto Rico, art wasn’t just something she did—it was a way to communicate and connect, especially when words fell short. That need to express herself differently, to push boundaries, led her all over the world. From studying in Washington, DC and Italy to teaching English in Japan, Mariela found herself constantly learning, not just about the cultures she was in, but about how art has this raw power to break down walls.

When she moved to New York City, it felt like the perfect place to fully dive into what she was most passionate about—bringing art to people who didn’t always have the resources. She left the corporate world to pursue a Masters in Arts Education. This led her to teach in Brooklyn and Queens, where students from all backgrounds, often facing tough circumstances, found a voice through her classes. Her love for art wasn’t just about pretty pictures, it was about making kids reflect, feel seen and heard. She helped them use creativity to make a purpose for their world.

But it was always more than just teaching. She became more deeply involved in advocacy work when she later worked in Indiana with the Latino community, and later at Monroe Harding in Nashville, providing foster kids with essential resources. Every step she took reinforced her belief that art and cultural expression can change lives, not in some abstract way, but in real, tangible moments of growth and self-expression.

Now, as the Executive Director of YEAH!, Mariela’s all about breaking down even more barriers. She’s helping to make sure that music and arts education is accessible to everyone, no matter their background. She wants YEAH! to be a place where kids aren’t just learning to play instruments or sing songs—they’re learning about themselves, appreciating each other, and navigating the world with creativity and life skills that multiply from participating in the artistic process.

Her vision isn’t about fitting into a mold or following a traditional path. It’s about challenging the norms to build a stronger diverse community, through the powerful impact of music and arts education. She is working to make sure that everyone has access to a supportive community where they are treated with dignity and have consistent experiences with the life-changing power of the arts. Mariela’s story is one of exploration, passion, and a commitment to using creativity as a force for good.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road, but those challenges have shaped who I am happy to be today. One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the complexities of identity. As a Latina who doesn’t “look” like what people expect, I’ve often had to deal with assumptions—people thinking I’m not Puerto Rican because I don’t fit the stereotype or because I speak near perfect English. It’s this strange tension of not being “Latina enough” for some, while also being seen as “too different” in spaces that are less diverse. That experience can be really isolating, especially when you’re in places outside of NYC, where communities aren’t as close-knit as they are back home in Puerto Rico.

Living in places with fewer diverse communities meant that I often had to create my own sense of belonging. The cultural differences—whether it’s in personality, traditions, or just the way people form relationships—can make it hard to feel at home. In Puerto Rico, community is everything, but in other places, it’s not always the same. You don’t have that same bond with your neighbors or even colleagues, and that’s been a challenge, especially as a working mother trying to balance raising kids and finding that village of support. Raising my kids while affording to live in NYC was hard enough on its own, but doing that in places where you don’t feel as connected only adds to the challenge.

Another struggle I’ve faced is the constant pull between working just to make a living versus working with a purpose. I’ve always felt this deep need to contribute to something bigger than myself, to make a positive impact on the world. But in the process, there are times when you feel the pressure of just making ends meet, of balancing financial realities with wanting to make a difference. It’s hard to find a balance between the two, especially when you feel like the world around you is pushing you towards focusing on profit over purpose.

But despite all of that, these experiences have also pushed me to be more intentional. It’s made me focus on building spaces—whether through art, education, or advocacy—where people from all walks of life feel like they can belong. It’s helped me see the importance of working for something meaningful and the value of creating communities, even when it feels like the odds are against you. At the end of the day, all of these experiences have fueled my desire to make sure that others don’t have to fight as hard to find that sense of belonging or purpose. That’s a big part of why I’m here at YEAH!, trying to ensure that everyone has an “arts window” to see and reach a place where they feel valued, curious, creative and can express themselves freely.

We’ve been impressed with Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Please refer to previous responses.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my focus is on several important priorities. First and foremost are my kids—making sure I’m there for them as they grow and navigate their own lives. In terms of my role at YEAH! I’m looking forward to building out our board with individuals who are not only passionate about our mission but also members of the communities we seek to serve with the ability to work hard to help us move us forward. It’s not just about sustaining what we have; we need to expand our reach and develop programs that inspire creativity and strengthen community.

We’re also prioritizing raising the funds necessary to sustain and grow our programs, provide scholarships, and ensure our registration fees remain affordable. This will allow more young people to access our services and help us expand the impact we’re having on the community. It’s a lot of work, but it’s the kind of work that fuels many, who like me, know we’re making a real difference.

Pricing:

• 1 week of summer day camp = $450
• 1 workshop class = $40

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yeahrocks.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeahrocks_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeahr0cks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yeahrocks