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About Me
A 'Curated Collection of My Professional Pathway'
Welcome!
I'm Luis Cortes, a passionate nonprofit professional dedicated to advancing resources, amplifying cultural representation, fostering inclusion, and enhancing visibility in the museum and nonprofit industry. For over a decade, I've been committed to making nonprofit organizations accessible and meaningful to all by concentrating on merging development and marketing strategies to maximize reach and impact, efficiently allocate resources, and ensure long-term sustainability. My approach integrates high-level strategy with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the organizations I work with not only achieve their goals but also thrive in the public eye.
My career trajectory has been shaped by various leadership roles, where I combined strategic vision with careful execution, enabling the organizations I support to thrive. As the Head of Development at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC), I introduced a new signature annual fundraiser to strategically boost revenue. I also secured vital funding from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and restructured MOSAC’s development and membership programs, positioning the museum for long-term growth.
As the Director of the Office of the President at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), I played a pivotal role in the museum's evolution. I spearheaded MOLAA's diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) initiative, transforming it into a more empathetic and inclusive space. This work not only enhanced MOLAA’s eligibility for state and federal grants but also led to a 10-year reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2022. My fundraising solutions were instrumental in securing a $10 million budget allocation from the California State government for MOLAA's expansion project and Capital Campaign.
I’ve helped raise more than $38 million in fundraising revenue throughout my career. My tenure as the Associate Director of Advancement at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) was particularly impactful—I managed the Capital Campaign and raised over $20 million, driving substantial program expansion and community outreach.
However, my work extends beyond fundraising—I’m also deeply passionate about marketing. During my tenure at FWMSH, I spearheaded the museum’s reopening campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic, strategically enhancing its visibility and social media presence while growing membership despite the challenging climate.
Equally important to my work is my commitment to cultural representation. At FWMSH, I founded the Heritage Gallery, a unique exhibition space celebrating diverse cultures and communities. I’ve curated several notable exhibitions that highlight marginalized and underrepresented voices, including “Dia de Los Muertos,” “Hispanic Heritage,” “Opal Lee,” and “Changemakers: Local Women, Global Impact.” These exhibitions played a pivotal role in fostering a deeper sense of belonging and led to increased museum visitorship, reflecting the importance of inclusive storytelling.
Currently, I serve as the Chief Development and External Affairs Officer at the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, I’ve embraced a new field after witnessing the critical needs within the LGBTQ+ community. In this role, I oversee the Center’s development strategy, external relations, marketing, and fundraising efforts to support programs that empower and uplift Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ population.
My mission is to help organizations not only achieve their goals but to thrive as catalysts for lasting change. By securing critical resources, fostering inclusive environments, and amplifying underrepresented voices, I empower organizations to transform their communities. I remain deeply committed to driving sustainable growth and meaningful impact, ensuring that every project I touch leaves a legacy of positive change.
Please feel free to contact me to learn more!
Site Content
DEAI
Development & Fundraising
Development & Fundraising
This comprehensive strategy embedded DEAI principles into the museum's framework, fostering an environment that embraces diverse voices and actively confronts systemic inequalities.
Development & Fundraising
Development & Fundraising
Development & Fundraising
Development isn't just about raising funds—it's about building relationships.
Explore my past projects and strategies used for acquiring funds, building lasting partnerships, and fostering an environment of growth.
Marketing
Development & Fundraising
Curatorial & Exhibit Design
Strong marketing strategies have the power to amplify a museum's reach and standing. My approach emphasizes more than just visibility; it fosters meaningful connections. Every campaign, project, and initiative aims to make museums more engaging and impactful, one story at a time.
Curatorial & Exhibit Design
Publications & Other Services
Curatorial & Exhibit Design
Emphasizing diverse stories through curation and exhibit design, I create spaces that inspire, educate, and resonate with global communities. This section highlights my curatorial and exhibit design projects and dedication to shaping inclusive and transformative museum experiences.
Publications & Other Services
Publications & Other Services
Publications & Other Services
Here, you'll find an array of services, from crafting compelling publications, grants, and precise English-Spanish translations to providing lectures and consultations on development, DEAI, and cultural sensitivity issues.
Blog & Articles
Publications & Other Services
Publications & Other Services
A brief selection of written works. I share thoughts, experiences, and insights on the world of museums, nonprofits, and cultural inclusivity.
This section includes in-depth articles on museum development and DEAI strategies, as well as lighthearted blogs on the art of marketing and lessons learned in my professional career.