Graciela Femenia
Co-Director and Founder
Originally from Argentina, Graciela brings a unique blend of business leadership and artistic vision to Everlasting Experience. Her professional journey bridges two worlds: a successful career as a U.S. National Sales Manager in the wine industry and a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts.
In 2013, Graciela followed her passion for storytelling to Chile, where she trained in theater and quickly became an active part of the professional scene—first as an actress in various productions and later transitioning into producing plays that resonate with social and personal themes. Since relocating to Boston in 2018, Graciela has collaborated with companies dedicated to inclusivity, diversity, and social justice.
Graciela’s commitment to cross-cultural collaboration was best exemplified by An Everlasting Experience, an original live-streamed play that she developed, co-wrote, produced, and acted in. The production united artists from Argentina, Chile, and the United States to raise vital funds for the indigenous Wichi community in Argentina.
Beyond her leadership in the arts, Graciela is a dedicated educator who enjoys teaching Spanish and is the proud mother of two boys and a girl.
Aline Xavier de Araújo
Co-Director
Aline is a PhD Candidate in the Spanish and Portuguese Program at Indiana University. Her dissertation, titled “From Site-Specific to Immersive Performance: Space and Audience in Experimental Lusophone and Hispanic Theater,” investigates how contemporary Latin American performance groups reshape the relationship between performers and the audience through innovative spatial techniques.
Aline previously worked as Adjunct Faculty of Spanish at Indiana University Purdue Columbus and now serves as an Instructor of Spanish at Hampton University, where she founded and directs the Dual Language Immersion Program in addition to serving as the Director of Foreign Languages.
Her areas of expertise include Latin American performance, 21st-century Latin American literature, and task-based language teaching.
Anita Iverson-Comelo (more zoomed out image?)
Director of Programs
Anita is an accomplished educational leader with over 30 years of experience in the Oakland Unified School District, California, specializing in fostering equity and transforming instructional programs for English Language Learners (ELLs) and dual language students. As a champion for diverse and inclusive educational environments, she has successfully led initiatives that elevate academic achievement and enhance school climates.
Currently serving as the Multilingual Program Coordinator for the English Language Learner and Multilingual Achievement department since 2021, Anita provides professional development to eight Dual Language program schools, leads curriculum transitions, and manages grant reporting for state-funded programs. Her previous role as Principal of Bridges Academy at Melrose from 2015 to 2021 was marked by significant improvements in student outcomes, with increases in both ELA and Math scores and school-wide engagement in critical areas such as attendance and climate initiatives. She also secured close to $3 million in grant funding to support school-wide improvements and community programs.
Palmira Peña Salazar
Director of Development
Originally from Mexico City, Palmira grew up immersed in a vibrant culture of rich colors and magical traditions that continue to inspire her artistic vision today. While her passion for painting was sparked in middle school, she initially pursued a degree in Industrial Engineering, a background that adds a unique structural perspective to her creative process.
Her journey eventually led her to Florence, Italy, where she spent years furthering her education and honing her craft in the heart of the Renaissance.
Today, her artwork has been showcased in galleries throughout Mexico City, Lexington, and Concord, Massachusetts. Beyond her personal practice, she is a dedicated art educator at Maria Hastings Elementary School and offers private classes, where she finds joy in nurturing creativity and artistic expression in students of all ages
Jamie (last name?)
Theatre Educator
Jamie is a theatre educator and freelancer who loves nothing more than introducing kids to the wonderful world of theatre! In addition to her work with Everlasting Experience, she currently teaches Beginners and Freestyle Drama with Mel O'Drama. Jamie earned her BFA in Stage and Production Management from Emerson College and has spent much of her career in stage management. Jamie also works as a freelance electrician and stagehand, and enjoys teaching about what goes on behind the scenes. She has served as an after-school teacher, young actor coordinator, and youth supervisor for various productions and is dedicated to fostering kids' passion for the arts!
