Staff

Sattie I. Persaud
WHCC: Founder
Occupation: Accountant/ Screenplay Writer(NY)
With a diverse background, of Indian descent, born in Guyana, brought up in Suriname and the United States, Sattie has always been exposed to a great patchwork of different cultures. Arriving in the US in 1996, she has spent the last 13 years graduating from Pace University(NY) in accounting and got hired at IBM after graduation.  After a year at IBM and being promoted, she felt something was missing. Soon after she found her way in an acting class by actor Michael C Williams, which lead to taking screenwriting at the New York Film Academy. With experience of 10+ years in accounting, the creation of World Heritage Cultural Center and three feature length scripts with her co-writer Juan Carlos Gonzalez, she has embraced her love for the Arts. "Blessed with life, I wanted to spend my time, my work, making a difference in the world. My funnest memories while growing up is of music, dance, food and family, the simple things in life...yet priceless. The same principles are applied in the mission of WHCC." Envisioning a new and exciting way to promote Cultural Awareness, World Heritage Cultural Center (WHCC) was conceptualized in 2007 and created in February of 2009.
"There is so much unnoticed beauty around us, every Culture should have a place to show off their colors and shine"  SP


Juan Carlos Gonzalez
WHCC: Founder
Occupation:Technician/ Screenplay Writer(NY)
Juan Carlos Gonzalez born in Queens, NY, of Colombian descent was brought up in Colombia and the United States. Having the privilege of being brought up in the inner cities and suburban areas of both countries, Juan Carlos has been exposed to a colorful world of many cultures. His love for music and dance,  which has been powerfully influenced by the Latin and American cultures, enhances his passion and unique sense for creativity and culture. In addition to being a technician, Juan Carlos is also a screenplay writer and has three feature length screenplays in the works. As co-founder and driven by the noble mission of World Heritage Cultural Center Juan Carlos brings the right tools to the table with his effective communications skills and leadership qualities to make this organization a great success.
"I want to create a place where cultures from around the world can celebrate pride of ethnicity"  JCG


Michael C. Williams
WHCC: Acting Dept /Teacher
Occupation: Professional Actor/Teacher(NY)
WHCC is proud to have the talented and professional actor Michael C Williams as our Acting Director. Michael has been a professional actor for over a decade. He received his Bachelors degree in theatre from SUNY New Paltz and has since gone on to work in theatre, film and television. Most notably, Michael has starred in films such as THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, ALTERED, and THE OBJECTIVE. He also recently shot the title role in the indy film TOM AND MARLO. He has had numerous guest starring roles on primetime television. Michael has been teaching acting for the past five years and is excited to be a part of the WHCC. Michael believes that the study of acting is essentially the study of the self and others and how we, as humans, relate to one another. Through his classes, students will enhance their interpersonal skills as well as develop a sense of community, something that goes hand in hand with the mission of the WHCC.


Roy Monaro
WHCC: IT/Media Manager
Occupation: Graphic Designer (NY)
Roy, with a degree in Fine Arts is passionate of all forms of media. With more than 12 years of experience in both Print and Online Media, Roy currently works as a Senior Web Designer in New York. Excited to be part of the team in creating the look, logo, among other media/graphic designs for WHCC, Roy is a valuable asset to the Center.

Ryan M Holder
WHCC: Dance Choreographer
Occupation: Dance Choreographer
Ryan Holder is a business management major at William Paterson University, and formerly the assistant coach for their collegiate dance team. 4 years ago Ryan opened ATC Elite Dance studio in Clifton NJ, and is now the head of the dance department. In addition to having gone professional at the age of 17 and having worked in several gyms as a group fitness instructor, Ryan has established himself not only as a choreographer/dancer, but as a singer/actor as well. Internationally he has built a strong reputation in China, Spain, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and of course here in the United States having worked with various talents in the Entertainment industry both big and small. His work has been seen on cable television broadcasts like Mcdonald's Gospelfest (2003) ,the world premiere of "The Hip Hop Nutcracker"(2007), MTV (2008) as well as Channel 11 morning news (2009). His students have gone on to do many great things like Broadway, win statewide and national pageants and competitions, appear in music videos on MTV (ABDC) and vh1, and have even been recruited by the NJ Nets. Ryan's most recent works can be viewed on youtube.com where he posts practice videos for his many classes. Ryan plans on using is national and international experiences as a cheerleader,dancer, choreographer, actor,singer, performer to positively influence the lakeside fitness family. You will often hear him say to his students, " You can do anything." Ryan won the 2009 dancexplosion dance competition as highest scoring choreographer.

Sophia Rao
WHCC: Art Dept Manager
Sophia graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Sophia has been interested in visual arts since she could hold a crayon as she took her first art class at the age of 4 at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. "That class was so important to me and I hope someday soon that I will be able to create such an inspiring experience in the classroom for others". Sophia currently works as a Photo Retoucher for a small NYC company on a variety of images for magazines, advertisements, and individual artists and photographers. "There is no greater way to learn than through your creation of a work of art".


Volunteers:

Thomas Franco
WHCC: Fund Raising Department
Thomas has successfully worked with other nonforprofits in researching and getting grants. With a masters degree in communication and writing, Thomas will be helping World Heritage Cultural Center in fund raising and grant opportunities. To reach Thomas regarding donations/grants, please email info@mywhcc.com

Burhan Mohammad
WHCC: Fitness Manager
Occupation: Finance Banker/Professional Personal Trainer(CT,NY)
A Banker and Professional Personal Trainer, Burhan is dedicated to helping people attain their goals in leading a healthy fit life as a professional personal fitness trainer. Burhan contributes to a positive and disciplined environment at the WHCC for our members.