Meet Yolanda Gutierrez | CEO, Multidisciplinary Artist, Writer, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea for FEXAM Cultural Center emerged from a deep awareness of the cultural, artistic, and human needs of our community. For years, I witnessed local and international artists searching for spaces where their voices could flourish with authenticity—spaces rooted in respect, creativity, collaboration, and cultural identity. At the same time, I saw communities longing for opportunities to connect through meaningful artistic experiences that reflect their stories, heritage, and aspirations.

My thought process began with a simple but urgent question: What would happen if we created a space where art, culture, and community were not separate worlds, but one unified ecosystem? From that question grew a vision of a nonprofit platform capable of elevating artists, empowering learners, strengthening cultural ties, and providing a home for interdisciplinary creativity—music, theater, literature, visual arts, film, dance, spirituality, culinary traditions, and more.

FEXAM was founded to fill a gap: the need for an organization that not only produces events, but nurtures artistic development, encourages experimentation, fosters cross-cultural dialogue, and builds sustainable networks across Arizona, Mexico, and the world. I wanted to create an institution rooted in generosity, collaboration, and long-term cultural impact—one that would offer artists the support they often lack, and communities the access they deserve.

Ultimately, the thought process behind FEXAM Cultural Center was guided by a belief that art transforms people, and people transform communities. By building a space where creativity is accessible, celebrated, and connected to cultural identity, we contribute to a stronger, compassionate, and vibrant society.

What should our readers know about your business?
FEXAM Cultural Center is a multidisciplinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and community connection through the arts. What sets us apart is our holistic approach: we host events—we cultivate relationships, develop artists, and create platforms where diverse cultural expressions can flourish with authenticity and purpose. Our programs span music, theater, literature, visual arts, photography, film, wellness, spirituality, and community education, forming an artistic ecosystem that reflects the richness of Arizona’s multicultural landscape and our ties to Mexico, Latin America, and Europe.

What I’m most proud of is the genuine sense of belonging that people feel when they walk into FEXAM. Artists tell us, “I feel at home” or “Here, my voice matters.” That, to me, is the greatest success. We have built a space where emerging and established artists collaborate, experiment, and grow—where creativity becomes a bridge between cultures, generations, and life experiences.

Getting to where we are today has been transformational. Building a nonprofit from the ground up requires vision, persistence, and countless hours of work—often invisible work. We faced challenges such as limited resources, the need for sustainable funding, and the complexity of coordinating multidisciplinary programs. But every challenge also opened a door. We learned to lean on community partnerships, to innovate with what we had, and to believe deeply in the long-term impact of culture as a form of public service.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is about creating opportunities for others to shine. FEXAM exists because of a team of passionate collaborators who bring their expertise, heart, and creativity to every project. Another lesson: growth takes time. When you center your mission on authenticity and patience, your foundation becomes stronger and far more meaningful.

What I want the world to know about FEXAM is that we are building more than an art center—we are building a cultural movement rooted in generosity, collaboration, and human connection. Our brand is about celebrating diversity, honoring heritage, and empowering people to express themselves freely. We believe art is a transformative force, a necessity. It heals, educates, unites, and elevates the human spirit.

Our story is one of perseverance, creativity, and community. And we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to Arizona, I’d take them on a journey through the landscapes and artistic heartbeats that define this place.

Day 1 – Roosevelt Row
We’d wander murals like open-air poems, step into small galleries glowing with desert light, and end the night listening to music under the Phoenix sky.

Day 2 – Phoenix Art Museum & ASU
A morning among masterpieces, an afternoon walking ASU’s vibrant campus—where ideas move like sparks and creativity seems endless.

Day 3 – Camelback Mountain & Scottsdale
At sunrise, we’d climb Camelback as the valley blushes awake. The day would close among Old Town galleries and Native art, where stories live in every brushstroke.

Day 4 – Sedona
Red rocks rising like ancient guardians. A hike to Cathedral Rock, a quiet moment at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Sedona always shifts something inside you.

Day 5 – Saguaro Lake & Tempe Nights
A tranquil morning by the water, surrounded by Saguaros standing like wise elders. Evening brings Tempe—music, laughter, and the energy of students dreaming aloud.

Day 6 – Grand Canyon
A pilgrimage to the canyon’s edge. No photo prepares you for that first breath when the Earth opens and reminds you how small and miraculous we are.

Day 7 – South Mountain & Tonopah
A final sunrise over South Mountain, then a drive west toward Tonopah, where the desert stretches into eternity. We’d close the journey at Coyoacan Café & Bakery, honoring Phoenix’s Mexican and European, border-born flavors.

Why these places?
Because Arizona is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. A landscape that heals. A canvas for artists. A refuge for dreamers. A place where the horizon invites you to reinvent yourself. I’d want my friend to experience not just the sights, but the spirit of this land.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—my journey would not be possible without the support and inspiration of many people and communities who have shaped my path. First and foremost, I want to recognize the incredible team at FEXAM Cultural Center: Felipe Morales: Director – Audiovisual Production Multiplatform Logistics, Patricia Loya: Director – Administrative & Public Affairs, Daniel Vargas Minerbi: Director: Culture & Community, and Alejandra Rosarossa: Director – Institutional Relations. Their dedication, creativity, and belief in the transformative power of the arts continue to propel our mission forward every day. From our volunteers and collaborators to the artists who trust us with their work, each person has contributed to building a space grounded in authenticity, generosity, and cultural connection.

I also owe a deep gratitude to Yolyland, whose leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to community have been a constant source of strength. Her ability to dream boldly and work tirelessly has inspired me to push beyond my own limits.

Beyond FEXAM, I want to acknowledge the mentors, educators, and artistic communities across Arizona, Mexico, and abroad who have influenced my thinking and nurtured my growth. Books, music, and the stories of migrants, artists, and cultural workers have shaped my understanding of why art matters and why spaces like ours must exist.

And finally, I dedicate this shoutout to the communities we serve—families, students, artists, writers, musicians, and newcomers who bring their talents, their resilience, and their dreams to our shared table. They are the true heartbeat behind everything we do. Their trust and participation remind me every day that art is not only a practice, but a way of building a more compassionate and connected world.

Website: https://fexamcc.org/nosotros

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fexammedia/ https://www.instagram.com/fexamcultural/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fexammedia https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560781949192

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fexammedia7834/featured

Other: http://www.peregrinosysusletras.net/

Image Credits
All images are property of FEXAM Cultural Center, Inc.