Oscar Mireles

Oscar Mireles is the Executive Director of Omega School, where he has been employed for the past 30 years. Omega School provides GED preparation and adult basic education services to Dane County young adults, who do not possess a high school diploma. During his tenure he has personally assisted thousands of students with earning a GED/HSED credential. Mireles raised over a million dollars to upgrade the school and add technology.

Oscar Mireles is a published poet and he is also the Editor of three anthologies titled “I Didn’t Know There Were Latinos In Wisconsin”. He has also published a chapbook of poetry titled Second Generation. He was the Poet Laureate of the City of Madison for 2016-2020. He is one of the founders of Art Party, an arts networking monthly gathering. He is also the founder of LOUD a statewide organization focused on Latino Arts and Culture.

Mireles currently serves on the Board of Directors of the following organizations:

  • Friends of PBS Wisconsin (2022-2027)

  • Overture Center for the Arts (Mayoral Appointment) (2021-2026)

  • Madison Symphony Orchestra (2022-2028)

  • Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts (MMOCA) (Vice President) (2016-2022)

  • Boys and Girls Club of Dane County (2016-2022)

  • Isthmus Montessori Academy (President) (2017-2021)

  • One City Schools (2014-2017)

Mr. Mireles has received numerous awards and recognition for his service to the community. These awards include the following:

  • Dane County Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award (2009)

  • “Literacy Advocate of the Year” from Wisconsin Literacy (2011)

  • “Friend of Education” Award from State Superintendent Tony Evers (2012)

  • Leadership Award Young Professionals Urban League of Greater Madison (2013)

  • “Believe and Succeed Award” from the Hispanic Leadership Luncheon (2015)

  • “Outstanding Educator Award” from the 100 Black Men of Madison (2016)

  • Arts Legacy “M” Award Madison Magazine (2018)

  • “Legacy Award” Leadership Greater Madison (2018)

  • “Alix Olson Award for the Promotion of a Tolerant and Just Community” (2020)

  • New York Life Foundation National Love in Action $50,000 Award (2021)

  • Rotary Club of Madison Youth Service Award (2022)

  • Outstanding Alumni Award, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (2022)

  • William Horlick High School Graduate of Distinction (2023)

  • Manfred Swarsensky Humanitarian Service Award Rotary Club of Madison (2024)