Doreen Ravenscroft

Doreen Ravenscroft is a visionary arts leader, community advocate, and the founder of the Waco Cultural Arts Fest, an organization she established in 2004 to celebrate, promote, and expand access to the arts throughout Central Texas. As Director, she has dedicated more than two decades to creating opportunities for artists, educators, and community members to experience the transformative power of the arts through free, inclusive programming. Under her leadership, the festival evolved into a year-round organization that championed arts education, cultural diversity, and public engagement, becoming a cornerstone of Waco's cultural landscape and attracting thousands of attendees annually.

In addition to founding the Waco Cultural Arts Fest, Doreen launched the Waco National Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, helping integrate public art into the city's downtown and creating lasting cultural landmarks. She has led numerous community initiatives, including educational outreach programs for local schools, public sculpture projects, and the development of the Doris Miller Memorial, honoring the heroic World War II Navy veteran. For more than 20 years, she has also organized a summer art camp serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to ensuring that the arts remain accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Doreen's leadership is defined by perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of the arts to strengthen communities. She is currently developing a community-based learning kitchen designed to teach baking and life skills while creating employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has embraced ambitious projects with determination, believing that meaningful change is achieved through collaboration, resilience, and a willingness to turn bold ideas into lasting community impact. Her legacy continues to inspire artists, educators, and civic leaders dedicated to enriching lives through culture, education, and service.