Our Origin
Founded in 2010 by Colombian-American polymath Martha Diaz, the Hip-Hop Education Center was built on over a decade of research, advocacy, and cultural work to position Hip-Hop as both a national treasure and a tool for social change.
What began as a vision to legitimize Hip-Hop in educational spaces has grown into a global hub centralizing the work of practitioners and institutions across disciplines.
Today, HHEC serves as both a cultural repository and a field-building institution, connecting past, present, and future through education.
Our Mission
To catalyze social change and equity through research, programming, leadership development, and the preservation of Hip-Hop culture.
Our Vision
To make Hip-Hop education accessible to all especially system-impacted and underserved communities while advancing it as a recognized and respected global field of study and practice.
What Sets Us Apart
Advancing culturally responsive curricula and national frameworks
Creating pathways through apprenticeships and training
Safeguarding Hip-Hop’s legacy through archives and research
A global learning platform connecting knowledge and opportunity
Hip-Hop is not a trend. It is a multidisciplinary system for learning, expression, and innovation.
Beyond the Numbers
Our Partners
We collaborate with leading institutions, foundations, and cultural organizations to expand access and scale impact.
A New Chapter
As the organization continues to grow, HHEC is entering a new phase of expansion deepening its impact across education systems, cultural institutions, and global communities.
With Tiffany Vega as Executive Director alongside Founder & President Martha Diaz, the organization is expanding its work while staying grounded in its mission and values.
Looking Ahead
- Expanding global partnerships and reach
- Scaling national education frameworks
- Preserving cultural history at scale
- Building sustainable career pathways
- Elevating scholarship and research
The future of Hip-Hop education is global, interdisciplinary, and community-driven, and we are proud to help lead it.
Join Us in Building the Future of Education
Whether you’re an educator, partner, or supporter, there’s a role for you in this work.