Our Story
The Santelices Foundation is dedicated to advancing equity, cultural representation, and artistic excellence through global arts initiatives. We believe that the performing arts are a vital force for connection, empowerment, and social impact. Our work centers on creating inclusive opportunities for artists—particularly emerging vocalists—to develop their craft, engage with diverse cultural traditions, and lead with purpose.
Founded on principles of service, education, and cross-cultural exchange, the Santelices Foundation reflects a lifelong commitment to using the arts as a vehicle for transformation. Our initiatives are grounded in the belief that meaningful change arises when creativity is nurtured, community is prioritized, and access is expanded.
Our signature program, the Colchagua Vocal Institute, brings together promising singers from across the Americas for intensive training, mentorship, and cultural immersion in central Chile. By offering high-caliber instruction alongside meaningful intercultural dialogue, the program fosters both technical excellence and global citizenship. It is one of several ways we invest in the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.
The Santelices Foundation operates through the collective expertise and generosity of artists, educators, and changemakers who share a unified vision: to uplift diverse voices and strengthen communities through the power of the arts. Whether through education, performance, or outreach, our mission remains clear—to build a more connected, creative, and inclusive world.
We invite you to join us in shaping this vision. Together, we are cultivating legacy—one artist, one voice, one community at a time.
Meet The Team
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Founder & President
Tenor, educator, and stage director Dr. José Miguel Santelices brings a lifelong commitment to music, service, and cultural connection. A graduate of UWC Costa Rica and holder of a doctorate in voice performance, José Miguel founded the Santelices Foundation to bridge gaps in access, uplift Hispanic heritage, and empower artists across borders. His leadership is grounded in both artistic excellence and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
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Treasurer
Šejla Palić is a Lead Data Analyst in the retirement industry with a deep passion for the arts and community engagement. For the past five years, she has been an active member of the Young Affiliates of The Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, supporting fundraising efforts and helping expand artist programming. A lifelong lover of classical music since first hearing Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in middle school, Šejla is a dedicated supporter of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as a seasonal ticket holder. Her commitment to the arts also includes three years of volunteer work with the Winston-Salem Movie Festival. Šejla believes that art is the soul of the world and is proud to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to advancing the mission of the musical nonprofit. She has also been closely connected to this mission through her longtime friendship with José Miguel Santelices, whom she met during her first week of college. Her support and work for the Santelices Foundation reflect the authentic life she strives to lead, rooted in creativity, community, and purpose.
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Secretary
As a bassoonist, past Rotaract President, and current student at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Jack Gambassi brings artistic insights and leadership experience to the foundation. He is committed to “service above self,” the motto of the Salt Lake Rotaract Club (where he met José Miguel Santelices). Diverse international experiences and an educational background in the social sciences and humanities prepare Jack to further the foundation’s mission of access, empowerment, and legacy.
WHY WE DO IT
Because art isn’t optional. It’s essential.
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Because art isn’t optional. It’s essential. •
We believe that talent is everywhere—but opportunity is not.
We believe that representation matters, and that young artists deserve to see themselves in the world they dream of shaping.
We believe that culture should be celebrated—not erased.
We do this work to empower, to honor, and to build.
Because the world needs more artists who know who they are and what they stand for.
We believe that education should be expansive, human, and rooted in purpose.
We believe that connection—between people, places, and generations—is the heart of a lasting artistic legacy.
Make an impact today
Help us create a world where culture is honored, education is accessible, and every voice is empowered to rise.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
Contact us
For inquiries about our programs, partnerships, or ways to support our mission, please fill out the form below or email us directly. We look forward to connecting with you.