Diversity and Cultural Equity Series - BIPOC Voice Elena Velasco

The Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre Elena Velasco has been a leading BIPOC voice in the theater industry for years. She cites three major problems that need to be addressed before there is equity in the theater industry: tokenism, appropriation and representation. Elena stresses that relationships with professionals of color need to built, measurable goals need to be instituted and specific actions need to be taken, not just statements. One easy change - mentorships and making sure the next generation is the voice to demand diversity changes. Bottom line Elena states: "How do you feel welcome in a space where you don't see yourself or hear yourself."