Influential Woman · Artist Muralist Creative Experienced Manager Educator
Catalina Rubiano
Miami, FL
Her Story
About Catalina
I'm an artist and education manager at the Wynwood Walls Museum, where I've been working for over 4 years and 5 months. My main area is education - my job is about educating people about art and bringing community together. I'm an artist myself, so that's what I do the best. I combine what is art and passion about preserving the history of the neighborhood and the space where I work at. I'm originally from Colombia, and I work with different brands, from Red Bull to American Cancer Society, through art. I think it gives a powerful message and is able to inspire other people to brighten their days and give them hope. I especially love working with little kids that never heard before that art can be something that they can do or work at. I love to inspire people in that sense. I'm also part of an artist crew called Somos Artistas, which means we are the artists - we're Latin American artists coming to the United States and spreading the message.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Catalina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to community. I think it's important to have friends, family, and co-workers that support you, and that will take you so far. It's important to find community where you have the same interests, or people that truly believe in yourself. Having that support system around you makes all the difference in how far you can go.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is to never listen to people that have never tried, in any field. You have to listen to people that you aspire to be or that you admire. That's how you get far. Don't take advice from people who haven't walked the path themselves - seek out those who have actually done what you want to do and learn from them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Even though in the field that they're trying, they can see a lot of men working in that, it doesn't mean there's no room for them. We always shine, and we have different skills, and that can take us really far. Don't be discouraged by male-dominated spaces - women bring unique perspectives and abilities that are valuable and needed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is that in spray painting and murals, technology and time change all the time, so you have to always be open to learn something new. It's a challenge, but also it makes you gain new skills. You have to evolve and try new mediums, or be more open about opening your business on social media or talking to people. It's always changing, which I think is the best thing, because you will gain more skills. It's difficult, but it's a good thing - you have to keep up the pace and keep up with the times.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are being truthful to yourself - being yourself is what makes your art unique, without being afraid. The second thing is showing up for yourself, which means discipline. You have to try and try, even if you fail, until you make it. Nobody was born knowing things - it's about learning every day, step by step. Never stop learning and growing.
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