Dear Colleagues and Partners,
I am pleased to welcome Samuel Guerrero as the new Associate Director of UW-Madison’s Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI).
Sam brings a creative, student-centered approach to this key leadership role. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Born and raised on the South Side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sam was also a participant in the Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) program as an undergraduate student.
During his time at UW–Madison, Sam served as President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, where he organized college students from across the state to advocate for teachers’ rights. As a teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools, he continued that commitment through his work as a co-advisor for Youth Empowerment in the Struggle (YES). There, he drew on his background in graffiti art to support high school students in advocating for improved food conditions in their schools.
These experiences reflect the ways Sam’s work has long connected academics, arts, and activism, the core pillars that guide OMAI’s mission.
“I have always aspired to find a professional role that blends my passions for supporting students, graffiti art, and working toward social justice,” said Mr. Guerrero. “The experiences I have accumulated as an educator, assistant principal, and artist make me feel at home with OMAI.”
Sam’s first day was June 15, 2026. Please join me in welcoming him to OMAI and UW–Madison.
Sincerely,
Sofía Snow
Director, Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives
Division of Teaching and Learning
University of Wisconsin-Madison