Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas.
What is your family heritage?
My family is of mixed race and heritage, but culturally identify as Chicano.
What is your occupation?
I am a full time artist and arts educator.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Hispanic/Latinx community?
I try to engage with my community by creating art that is both expressive and relatable. I use my talent to educate those inside and outside of my community about my heritage as well as social justice issues.
How do you connect with your Hispanic/Latinx culture?
I connect to my culture through interactions with artists, musicians, chefs and dancer, folks who create culture while also celebrating our past.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was attending different concerts and festivals with my family in El Paso. There would be amazing music, food and families reveling in the mixture of cultures that made up El Paso.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It's a small acknowledgement of the contributions that Latinos have made to the cultural fabric of this country. It also points out that as Latinos we need to recognize our diversity and embrace it.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the Hispanic/Latinx community?
The Latinx community needs to acknowledge its own racism, homophobia and transphobia. When we finally acknowledge our faults we can be true ambassadors of our culture.
