About
Our History
In the winter of 1975, a group of Cuban friends in Boston who shared similar Cuban histories, culture, and background, decided with pride to formalize their frequent contact and social activities and create an organization that would reflect their traditions, language, literature, political and patriotic identities. The formal non-profit organization was incorporated in Massachusetts in February of 1975 under the name Centro Cultural Cubano.
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Today, more than 40 years later, the organization is alive and flourishing. Throughout the years, the organization has invited public figures who identify and support Cuban issues. Whether it is through “tertulias” (social gatherings) formal year end celebrations, dinners and other social and cultural events, the organization has strived to maintain the traditions of a community which, while becoming citizens of the country that adopted it, feels also in its heart the nostalgic dream of a free Cuba “Por Todos y Para Todos” (For All and for the benefit of All) as our Cuban Patriot and martyr, José Martí, would predicate.
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Our Vision
The Centro Cultural’s vision is to foster Cuban cultural awareness by hosting social, cultural, charitable, and educational events in line with core CCC values.
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To increase membership, establish new resource bases, talents, and ideas to maximize the CCC’s effectiveness as a viable and long-lasting institution.
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To give support and incorporate a younger generation in the CCC to ensure longevity.
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To support educational initiatives of deserving students via educational scholarship.
Our Board
Lazaro O. Lopez
President
lazlopez215@gmail.com
Lazaro Orlando Lopez Jr. (Laz) is the son of Cuban and Colombian immigrants, a first generation American. Lazaro Orlando Lopez Sr. was born in Santa Clara, Cuba. Ana Rosa Viasus Lopez was born in Tunja, Colombia.
Lazaro Lopez (Laz) is Vice President Engineering & Construction Tillman Fiber Co. LLC. Laz received a Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication with a concentration in Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management both from Northeastern University.
Lopez is active in civic and charitable organizations serving on boards of the Latino Legacy Fund at The Boston Foundation, English for New Bostonians and a Trustee at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.
Alberto Vassallo
Vice President
A proud native of Habana, Cuba, who fled Cuba in 1965 at the age of 24 years old, Alberto Vasallo, Jr. is considered one of New England's most recognized and respected pioneers in the Latino community. A true trailblazer in many fields, Vasallo is most readily renowned as an industry leader in the Latino media and entertainment worlds.
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As founder and publisher of El Mundo Newspaper, the area's oldest and most established Latino publication, Vasallo also has had an extensive and accomplished career in Spanish-language radio and as a large-scale entertainment promoter. For nearly 30 years (from 1972-2001) he headed Radiolandia programming which ushered into the Boston market not only the tropical radio format in Spanish but also the talk-radio, open-mike format with the morning drive time show "La Hora del Café." He also served as a correspondent for the Voice of America in the ‘70s. He has been a contributing member of many Latino non-profits including La Alianza Hispana, IBA, and Concilio Hispano. He currently serves as Vice President of The Cuban Cultural Center Board of Directors, after being President from 2009 to 2020.
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Vasallo's business career spanning over 4 decades in Boston has forged an indelible legacy in the Latino small business community as entrepreneurs with a vision well ahead of their time. His accomplishments have been recognized locally and nationally as his name and lifework have become synonymous with the city of Boston.
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To name just a few of his 117 accolades, in 2015, he was a recipient of the Trailblazer Award from the Boston Business Journal Leaders in Diversity Awards. Also, the City of Cambridge honored him by naming a square in his name. One of the most distinguished and cherished awards bestowed on Mr. Vasallo has been the national Outstanding Americans by Choice award. He holds an Honorary Degree in Humanities from Cambridge College.
He officially retired in 2012 but continues to be an active community member, making a difference and providing support to preserve the history and cultural roots of the Cuban people.
Alberto B. Calvo
Vocale
Alberto is a native of Cuba, born in Havana, and emigrated to the United States in 1964 after the Castro revolution. In Boston he reunited with his parents and family, and met and married Bertha Murray, from Victoria de las Tunas Cuba in 1971. In 1976, he joined the Centro Cultural Cubano, along with other Cuban American families.
Alberto attended Northeastern University and M.I.T., where he received engineering degrees. After a 35-year career in the aerospace industry, Alberto joined the family business, Stop and Compare Supermarkets, with stores in Chelsea and Lynn. Today, the Calvo’s daughter Vivian and son-in-law Marc are operating the Company.
Alberto is involved in civic activities serving as Vice President and Vice Treasurer to the Centro. He also serves as Treasurer of the Hispanic-American Institute and serves on the Board of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, English for New Bostonians, and La Vida Scholars.
Roxana Vasallo Perry
Treasurer
Roxana is a first-generation American, born to parents who immigrated from Cuba and Costa Rica. Growing up in Boston, she developed a strong work ethic and a keen interest in finance from an early age. While pursuing her degree in Accounting at Boston College, Roxana also dedicated her time to working in the family business, gaining invaluable practical experience in addition to her academic studies. Her exceptional test scores and achievements earned her a full academic scholarship, highlighting her dedication and commitment to excellence.
After graduating, Roxana embarked on a successful career in accounting, specializing in tax. Her passion for supporting Latino women has been a driving force throughout her professional journey. Roxana recognizes the importance of empowering and uplifting underrepresented voices, particularly in fields lacking diversity. Through mentorship, advocacy, and community involvement, she strives to create opportunities for others and promote inclusivity in the corporate world.
Beyond her career, Roxana remains deeply engaged in various philanthropic activities. She actively volunteers with organizations such as the Big Sister Association, where she mentors young girls, providing guidance and support in their personal and academic development. Additionally, she remains committed to the Girl Scouts and actively contributes to fundraising efforts for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, advocating for research and awareness of the disease.
Roxana finds solace in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling in her leisure time. She channels her passion for these pursuits into raising funds for multiple sclerosis research, combining her love for adventure with her dedication to making a positive impact.
Roxana is also an avid reader, constantly seeking knowledge and inspiration from diverse literary works. As a food enthusiast, she enjoys exploring different cuisines and discovering the stories behind the flavors. Traveling is another passion, allowing her to immerse herself in different cultures and broaden her understanding of the world.
Roxana's story is a remarkable inspiration for young women, emphasizing the transformative power of education, hard work, and pursuing one's passions. In addition, through her unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society, she exemplifies the importance of embracing diversity and empowering marginalized communities.
Miriam Gorriaran
Secretary
Miriam (Salabert) Gorriaran was born in Habana, Cuba. She escaped the Castro regime in 1961 under Operation Peter Pan. She moved to Rhode Island in 1963. Miriam holds a BA in Psychology and a master’s degree in Comparative Literature.
Presently, Miriam is a retired Spanish professor. She has taught in various institutions, like the University of Rhode Island, Providence College, and Rhode Island College. During her career, she was elected President of the RI Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and served in this position for four years.
In 2003, the Rhode Island Foreign Language Association selected her as the Rhode Island Foreign Language Teacher of the Year for her contributions to the teaching and learning of a foreign language.
Miriam has been a member of the Centro Cultural Cubano for many years. She was elected in 2015 to the Board of Directors as secretary and has held this position until the present time. She now lives in Boston.
