GENERAL MANAGER-

Kudaja Navarrete believes in the strength of a community when its people feel supported,connected, and able to grow alongside one another. As an immigrant living in Detroit, she learned to navigate local resources and felt the quiet weight many families carry, especially when facing language barriers, limited support, and systems not built with their communities in mind. These experiences continue to guide her toward work that grows with the community,shaped by its needs and rooted in the hope of what it can become.

Kudaja’s path has moved through community organizations, bustling retail floors, small businesses, and lively team environments. In each place, she became the person who helped things come together. She brought order to busy spaces, clarity to communication, and simple systems that eased the work of others. These moments taught her how to keep programs steady, approachable, and welcoming, and she now brings those same strengths directly to the community. The care she once offered behind the scenes now helps ensure that community members can access programs that feel reliable, warm, and centered on their needs.

Shaped by her lived experience, Kudaja holds a deep belief in the quiet strength of young people and the ways they help shape what comes next. As General Manager at Living Arts, she is committed to helping youth and community stay connected to the arts in ways that nurture growth and a sense of belonging. She believes that access to the arts helps young people build confidence and find the grounding they need to shape their own future.