About the speaker: Alex Villafuerte (he/him) is the Executive Director of Pacific Arts Movement, home of the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF), now in its 26th year as one of the largest showcases of Asian and Asian American cinema in North America. A Filipino American executive with nearly a decade of nonprofit and community leadership, Alex has advanced cultural equity through film, coalition-building, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Since becoming Executive Director in 2023, Alex has overseen the organization’s 25th anniversary celebrations, launched new community access programs such as free tickets for high school-aged youth and younger, and deepened partnerships across Southern California’s arts and cultural sectors. Under his leadership, Pac Arts continues to present hundreds of films annually, nurture the next generation of filmmakers through Reel Voices, and bring global stories to local audiences. Beyond Pac Arts, Alex is co-chair and a founding member of the San Diego API Coalition, convening more than 50 AA & NHPI-serving organizations to foster collaboration and capacity-building across the region. His career has included leadership roles with San Diego Pride, the Asian Business Association San Diego, and NQAPIA, where he has championed intersectional communities and amplified underrepresented voices. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Diversionary Theatre and on the Trustee Advisory Council for the San Diego Community College District. Born in Oʻahu and raised in San Diego, Alex is a proud graduate of Morse High School and San Diego State University, where he earned a B.A. in Economics. CreativeMornings | San Diego on Facebook / Instagram
