Donor Highlight: Vania Laguerre
Bakehouse is honored to feature Vania Laguerre, Local Market Executive with Bank of America. This past year, Bakehouse was among 18 distinguished global institutions to be awarded a Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Art Conservation Project grant, which is allowing us to preserve a public mural by the late artist Purvis Young, located on our east-facing façade. Stay tuned for its completion this Spring!
Last fall, Bank of America also very generously sponsored the Futures | Visions | Visionaries Fundraiser honoring the City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King and the Jorge M. Perez Family for their generous contributions to Bakehouse.
In her role at Bank of America, Vania leads and executes the firm’s broad strategic vision and philanthropic engagement in Miami. She is a graduate of Florida International University, with a double major in Finance and International Business.
Vania believes in giving back and mentors young individuals, both professionally and personally, as they grow to become impactful contributors to their communities. She is engaged broadly in various efforts around Diversity and Inclusion within the Bank of America organization and across the community at large. Her passion for the arts is translated through her support of emerging artists, helping to showcase their talent and art through various channels. The Bakehouse community is so grateful to be the beneficiary of her support and philanthropy.
Recently, Bakehouse caught up with Vania to pose a few questions to her.
Why is it important to support artists and the organizations that serve them?
It is imperative that organizations support the arts and artists. Artists are foundational to the success of any community.
What inspires you about Bakehouse?
I am inspired by the organization’s focus on emerging artists, as that supports the creation of a pathway to growth and accomplishment.
Why should someone donate to Bakehouse?
For a few reasons: supporting Bakehouse is supporting the cultural well being of our community and enables donors to be an invaluable part of the artists’ journeys.
What is your wish for Bakehouse as it embarks on its next generation for 21st century art making?
To continue to create and broaden access for diverse artists in Miami and beyond.
Where would you like to see Bakehouse in three years?
I am hopeful Bakehouse will become the most coveted space where emerging artists have the support, infrastructure, and community to launch their practices.