Who we are
Edmonton Culture are a team of young diverse professionals who grew up and have roots in Edmonton. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity and hope to infuse these elements in the work that we do in the community.
Giri Puligandla, Strategic Advisor
Giri has been involved in the non-profit sector for two decades. More recently, he held leadership roles in Homeward Trust for over seven years as Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Planning and Research, and served in a management role in Alberta Health’s Addiction and Mental Health branch. Earlier in his career, Giri was Executive Director with the Alberta Caregivers Association and Schizophrenia Society of Alberta Edmonton Chapter. He also holds a MSc in health promotion from the University of Alberta. Giri is currently the Executive Director for the Canadian Mental Health Association in Edmonton.
Cristian Munoz, Creative Director
Fleeing war as a child, coming to Canada and growing up in Edmonton, Cristian’s lived experience has been about understanding safety, human potential and the connection that comes with being part of a community. “The key to this,” he says, “is knowing who I am.” Cristian has been an athlete at many levels, coach and trainer in sports. He has a degree in Physical Education with a special focus on performance. His journey has brought him to more than 25 countries, including living in Chile, Cuba and South Korea where he found opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Along the way, he came to understand the language of music and how some artists can create music that represents a people and culture, bridges communities, extends an invitation to connect and changes minds. He began to devote himself to this and represented award- and peace-prize winning artists. Cristian founded Edmonton Culture to create opportunities to invite communities to celebrate culture and connection together. In his day job, Cristian works for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. He’s not intimidated or deterred by fire, but looks for pathways to solve problems and help humans through terrible experiences, with connection.