Cultural Kultivators - Desi Danganan

In this week’s episode, we’re honored to sit down with Kultivate Labs’ very own Desi Danganan, Founder/Executive Director of Kultivate Labs, a trailblazing cultural strategist, and human catalyst who is helping revitalize San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural District. With a nearly two-decade career spanning tech, hospitality, branding / marketing, and community organizing– he has dedicated his career to uplifting our local Filipino-American community and empowering the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and culture bearers.

From the days of Poleng Lounge and Summit SF, to Plinth Agency and Kultivate Labs, Desi discusses the obstacles of balancing cultural preservation with economic development, addressing income inequality, and building a more livable, enriching community without displacing its members. Desi’s vision for “developing community through abundance, not sacrifice” is transforming SOMA Pilipinas into a corridor of creativity and cultural pride that is inspiring folks as far as Winnipeg, Canada to develop their on Filipino communities

Desi also challenges us to realize our role as the bridge between the younger and older generations of creatives and entrepreneurs by creating an ethic of self-forgiveness and learning from one’s mistakes. He also encourages us to envision collective liberation and economic alternatives to revitalize our community, ultimately embodying his advice to “enlarge the table.”

Follow his journey on Instagram @kultivatelabs and on the web: kultivatelabs.org/team and linkedin.com/in/desi-danganan/

WHAT IS BALAY KREATIVE?
BALAY KREATIVE is a pop-up Filipino-American arts hub in SOMA Pilipinas, San Francisco, California.

EXPLORE BALAY KREATIVE
Website: www.balaykreative.com 

• Instagram: @balaykreative  

• Facebook.com/balaykreative

• Kumu: @balaykreative