CultureKind Mission

CultureKind brings people together in Quincy to celebrate culture, build community, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Through shared experiences—music, food, storytelling, art, and learning—we foster connection, curiosity, and understanding among families, neighbors, and schools. Our work is rooted in the belief that we can learn from one another, and that meaningful connection begins when people are seen, valued, and included.

CultureKind Vision

We envision a Quincy where people of all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging, where children grow up curious about the world around them, and where families connect through shared traditions and stories. We believe there is beauty in every culture and opportunity in every connection—and that kindness, learning, and community are at the heart of being human. As CultureKind grows, we aim to deepen these connections through celebration, education, and partnerships that strengthen our community.

Our Story

The Quincy Multicultural Festival remains CultureKind’s annual community celebration and a central expression of our mission.

How CultureKind Began

CultureKind grew out of the Quincy Multicultural Festival, a community celebration that began in 2022 with a simple idea: that bringing people together, face to face, could create something lasting. From the very beginning, the festival was shaped by the energy of many people: community members, families, volunteers, performers, educators, and partners, who believed in creating a welcoming space where cultures could be shared and celebrated.

What started as a single event quickly became something more. Each year, families returned, children grew more curious, and neighbors connected in ways that went beyond music, food, and performances. People weren’t just coming to attend an activity—they were coming to connect, to learn from one another, and to feel part of something larger than themselves.

The festival showed us that there is a deep desire in our community for spaces rooted in kindness, curiosity, and belonging.

Growing Beyond the Festival

As the Quincy Multicultural Festival entered its fifth year in 2026, it became clear that the impact of this work didn’t need to be limited to one day each year. The relationships formed, the learning that happened, and the joy shared pointed toward a broader vision, one that could extend into classrooms, community spaces, and year-round programs.

That vision led to the creation of CultureKind.

CultureKind was formed to support and expand the spirit of the festival: to create ongoing opportunities for cultural learning, connection, and community-building. While the Quincy Multicultural Festival remains a cornerstone of our work, CultureKind allows us to grow, developing educational programs, after-school clubs, and partnerships with schools and local organizations in the years ahead.

Looking Forward

Today, CultureKind continues to be rooted in Quincy, guided by the same values that shaped the festival from the start. We believe there is beauty in every culture, wisdom in shared stories, and strength in coming together. As we grow, our goal is simple: to create more spaces where people feel welcome, curious, and connected—where learning happens naturally, and community is built through shared experience.

Board and Leadership 

Leadership

Founder & Executive Director / President: Mihaela Rusu

Mihaela Rusu founded CultureKind and serves as Executive Director and President. In this role, she provides overall vision and leadership for the organization, guiding CultureKind’s growth from its roots in the Quincy Multicultural Festival to its expanding focus on community-based cultural learning and education.

Board of Directors

CultureKind is supported by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community members who share a commitment to inclusion, cultural celebration, and community connection. Board members provide guidance, oversight, and support as the organization grows.

All board members serve in a volunteer capacity.

Current Board Members:

• Ji Hyun Park Heath — Vice President

• Scott Alessandro — Treasurer

• Mirjam Baer — Secretary

Board Advisors:

• Erin Perkins

• Maura Papile

• Kacee Evitts

Governance & Community Commitment

CultureKind operates as a nonprofit organization and is guided by community-centered values. Our leadership and board serve without compensation and balance their roles alongside full-time professional commitments, reflecting a shared dedication to strengthening the Quincy community through culture, learning, and connection.