Festival Organizers

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Geo Mercado has spent the past 13 years embracing life in Montana while staying deeply connected to his New York, Puerto Rican and Bolivian roots. With a lifelong passion for Latin culture, Geo finds joy in its vibrant music, traditional instruments, and the irresistible flavors of Latin cuisine. His extensive experience in the restaurant industry has allowed him to share these flavors with others, bringing a taste of Latin America to local communities. As an active and influential member of the Latin community, also hosting social dance events at local venues, Geo is dedicated to fostering its growth and vibrancy, working tirelessly to celebrate and preserve its rich traditions. Whether through music, food, or cultural events, he takes pride in seeing the Latin community in Montana flourish and thrive.

Jennifer Corbin is a dedicated dance artist, arts advocate, and community leader, with a passion for preserving and promoting Latin dance and culture. As the Arts Coordinator for Viva Montana! Latin Heritage Festival, she brings years of experience in dance education, performance, and event coordination to create an immersive and inclusive celebration of Latin heritage. Jennifer has taught dancers of all levels, and her commitment to dance education extends beyond technique—she emphasizes storytelling, cultural appreciation, and the joy of movement. For more than 20 years, her work has inspired countless students, fostering a love for Latin dance in communities throughout Montana. Jennifer is also a dedicated advocate for community outreach and cultural exchange. She is the driving force behind Salsa 406!, an organization dedicated to bringing people together through Latin dance. Through programs like Salsa in the Parks and Latin Jam, she provides free outdoor dance lessons that encourage inclusivity and accessibility. With her combined expertise in dance, cultural programming, and community outreach, Jennifer is dedicated to making Viva Montana! Latin Heritage Festival a dynamic, meaningful, and unforgettable experience for all. 

Efren Duarte, originally from Sonora, Mexico, is a dynamic local entrepreneur who has made Missoula his home for the past 16 years. Deeply rooted in the local music scene throughout his time here, Efren brings a wealth of expertise and passion to every project he undertakes. For the last 15 years, he has successfully managed Radioactive Knights Entertainment—a venture he launched during his college years at the University of Montana—establishing himself as a key figure in promoting innovative and diverse musical expressions in the community. Now, Efren is excited to channel his extensive experience into making the Latin Heritage Festival a resounding success and supporting Viva Montana in its mission to share the richness of Latin culture with Montana. His dedication to cultural celebration and his entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire those around him, making him a vital asset in building bridges through music and heritage.

Seven Hobbs is a seasoned event planning professional with over 10 years of experience orchestrating some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic cultural festivals. His impressive portfolio includes key roles in planning and executing celebrated events such as the NW Folklife Festival in Seattle, WA; the iconic Bumbershoot Festival; Festival Sundiata; and Seattle’s Black Community Festival. In addition to his extensive experience in event coordination, Seven has held significant leadership roles in community organizations. He is a former Vice President of the Mineral County Community Foundation and currently serves as Vice President of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #32. His passion for community engagement and cultural celebration extends to his role as a consultant for the Viva Montana Latin Heritage Festival, where he leverages his expertise to enhance and expand the festival’s impact. Dedicated to fostering inclusive cultural experiences, Seven Hobbs continues to be a driving force in connecting communities through the transformative power of the arts and heritage.

Kimberlee Carlson has had a dynamic career spanning dance, television, live theater, and event production. In the 1980s, she worked as a professional dancer in Los Angeles and New York before transitioning into television production and marketing. From 1990 to 2003, she worked with HBO and Turner Broadcasting, winning multiple design awards and creating the award-winning franchise Dinner & a Movie. During this time, she also remained active in live theater production in Los Angeles. For the past 15 years, Kimberlee has called Missoula, Montana, home, where she has worked as a live event producer and musician. She produced the Ruby Jewel Jamboree bluegrass series for three seasons and has served as the Creative Director of Jazzoula, Montana’s longest-running jazz festival, since 2020. A passionate salsa dancer since the late 1980s, Kimberlee has a deep appreciation for Latin music and culture. Her work with Viva Montana is a natural extension of her talents and passion, and she looks forward to helping grow this exciting festival in Montana.

Valeri Marquart is a seasoned media and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in public relations, promotions, and advertising. As a board member of DART Music International from 2008 to 2010, she played a key role in fostering global cultural exchange through music, helping international artists navigate the Austin music scene and expand their reach across Texas and the Southern U.S. Her efforts provided exposure to diverse global cultures, bringing artists from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa to audiences who rarely experience such representation. She also co-produced the DART Music International ICON Awards, honoring influential figures like psychedelic rock pioneer Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators and Austin City Limits/Grammys producer Terry Lickona. Additionally, Valeri dedicated 15 years to SXSW as volunteer staff, ensuring smooth logistics for VIP guests across music, film, and interactive panels. Currently, she is focused on professional growth through podcasting, digital content creation, and grant research. Valeri moved to Missoula, Montana from Austin, Texas in June 2024 and is excited to be involved with Viva Montana to help bridge Latin culture to our community through the arts.

Originally from Peru, Christian Moya moved to New York City in 1999 to refine his English skills, bringing with him a deep passion for social advocacy and Latin music. Immersed in NYC’s vibrant cultural scene, he honed his skills as a percussionist, embracing the rhythms and energy that define Latin music. In 2021, Christian relocated to Montana, where he quickly became an integral part of Missoula’s growing Latin music and dance community. His involvement in Salsa 406!, Latin Night, Sunday Streets, and Salsa in the Parks has helped infuse the local music scene with the dynamic beats and rich traditions of Latin culture. A skilled percussionist with an infectious energy, Christian’s integration of live music into these events has amplified the experience, bringing an authentic Latin flavor to Missoula’s dance and music community. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, he remains a dedicated advocate for cultural connection through rhythm, movement, and community engagement.