Salt Lake City
Arturo Canela is a community-driven leader and scholar-practitioner originally from Southern California, now proud to call Utah home since 2013. After completing a Master of Public Administration at Southern Utah University, he relocated to Salt Lake City in 2019. In 2021, he began his doctoral studies in the Education, Culture & Society program at the University of Utah’s College of Education, where his research explores the role of afterschool programs, outdoor learning, and social-emotional development in supporting youth at the elementary educational stage. Arturo currently serves as Director of Development for University Neighborhood Partners, a role he has held since 2024, helping advance partnerships and resources that strengthen local communities. Outside of his professional and academic work, Arturo is a devoted fur dad to Marley, his 11-year-old Border Collie mix. He enjoys traveling with his partner, discovering new food spots, and finding peace in remote getaways away from the bustle of everyday life.