Tejiendo Identidades/Knitting Identities

  Andrea Hernandez Holm in KXCI Studio 2B   Dr. Andrea Hernandez Holm is the Director of Writing Skills Improvement Program (WSIP) of the University of Arizona. Andrea has extensive experience as a teacher, tutor, editor, researcher, and writing consultant in academia and industry. At WSIP, Dr. Holm has worked with student, faculty, and community writers from around the world for over 15 years.  She also coordinates special projects for WSIP, including the Graduate Writing Institute, Young Writers Institute, Writing Boost, and Academic Writing in the Borderlands. Andrea received her PhD and a Master’s degree in Mexican American Studies, and a Master’s degree in American Indian Studies. She has taught numerous courses in culture, literature, language, and identity across subjects.  Her academic research focuses on the intersections of identity, communication, resiliency, and social justice. She is a published scholar, essayist, and poet. Her last book publication is titled “ Not Enough, Too Much.” This book is a poetic exploration of Mexicana Identity.   Dr. Andrea Hernandez Holm at KXCI Armory Park Studios   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

  Musician Adrian Perez   Adrian Perez is dedicated to the study, preservation, and development of the Mexican Folk harp traditions. Adrian Perez is a recognized Harpist amongst the traditional Latin folk arts music community, encompassing music traditions from the Western States of Mexico to the Southern Coast in Veracruz, which are reflective of the Mariachi and Son Jarocho harp sounds. Since 2004 Adrian has frequently studied with world renowned master musicians deeply rooted in Mexican traditional music resulting in Adrian developing a pedagogical approach to Mariachi and Mexican Folk Harp.  This approach diffuses knowledge through the design of a curriculum that has been utilized in school districts in the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Texas. In addition, Adrian has established himself as a leading practitioner of Mexican Folk Harp by performing at prestigious cultural music events spanning from the United States to France, making a significant impact on young students learning the art form all over the United States and Mexico. Adrian had the distinct honor and privilege of learning from and performing with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Mariachi Cobre from 2007 – 2012 across stages and music conferences within the Continental United States. Adrian was also invited to perform with a Conjunto de Arpa Grande, a tradition of the Mexican State of Michoacan, during the 2010 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in which various indigenous and traditional arts of Mexico were exhibited. One of his most memorable experiences was traveling to St. Nazaire, France for the Les Escales Music Festival with a Tucson based Mariachi to share the traditions of Mexican music with an international audience. Adrian Perez has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and is currently an Engineer for  Fortune 500 Aerospace/Defense leader, Raytheon Technologies. He is also currently pursuing a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins University in Systems Engineering. Combining a musical pedagogy and an engineering approach to teaching mariachi music, he has succeeded in multiple facets of mariachi music instruction, planning, and execution of conferences and concert events amongst the Arizona-Texas-New Mexico Mariachi community. As an advocate for the diffusion, support and the performance of traditional arts, Adrian continues to mentor and teach students around the United States and Mexico. In addition to his educational and professional commitments, Adrian also serves as a Board Member for the Tucson International Mariachi Conference (TIMC), Tigua Community Development Corporation (TCDC) and as a corporate liaison and mentor for the Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI) partnership between Raytheon Technologies and the University of Arizona. Highlights: 2010 Mexican Folk Art Ambassador (Smithsonian Folkways) 2019 Southwest Folklife Alliance Master-Apprentice award recipient Artists Accompanied in Concert: Juan Gabriel Linda Ronstadt Los Tigres Del Norte Placido Domingo Aida Cuevas Espinoza Paz Jenni Rivera Paquita La del Barrio Beatriz Adriana Shaila Durcal Lila Downs   Adrian Perez at the KXCI House   Adrian Perez and Harp   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

  Araceli Moreno   Araceli Moreno is a Business Intelligence Analyst al El Rio Community Health Center. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

Feng-Feng Yeh is the Founder of The Chinese Chorizo Project.  Chinese Chorizo is a historic food made out of community solidarity in the Barrios of Tucson.   Feng Feng in KXCI AP Studio 2B   Feng Feng at AP   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

Francisco Terrazas   Francisco Terrazas is recognized as an expert in spirits throughout Mexico and in the United States.  Francisco is currently a partner in Paranubes Oaxacan Rum and the Programming Director for the Agave Heritage Festival. Francisco Terrazas   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

    Club de Lecturas Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

Javier Duran in Studio 2B   Javier Duran is a Professor of Border Studies at the University of Arizona and is also the Director of the Confluence Center.   Javier Duran at KXCI   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

  Katarina Riesing is an artist and educator. Having grown with two artistic parents, Art was completely accessible to Riesing.   Instagram   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

Cindy Chavarria Minera, a Tucson native with a Master's in Psychology from the University of Arizona, has forged a career in Business Intelligence for the Health Industry. Transitioning from Psychology, she followed her curiosity and dedicated herself to making a difference through data in the non-profit sector. Cindy's commitment to positive change is evident in her impactful work. In her graduate studies, she earned recognition through prestigious scholarships, notably the UROC Graduate Tuition Scholarship (Maria Teresa Velez), a significant $10,000 award from The University of Arizona Graduate College. This achievement reflects her academic excellence and her steadfast commitment to advancing education and contributing significantly to her field in Information Systems. LinkedIn GitHub   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

  Norma Eunice Chavarria Minera was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She studied nursing at Cochise College of Nursing.  Eunice is an intensive care nurse, and is working on getting her Bachelor's Degree at Arizona State University. She is a first-generation college graduate and is of Guatemalan and Nicaraguan descent. She has always been fascinated by medicine and hopes to one day become a Nurse Practitioner and give back to the Hispanic community.   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.

  Dr. Andrea Romero has lived in Tucson for more than twenty years where she has raised her two children.  As Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs at the University of Arizona she oversees faculty career development from recruitment, hiring, promotion through retirement. As Professor in Family Studies and Human Development and Mexican American Studies she teaches and does research on LatinX adolescent health and well-being with a focus on coalition building for community level change. She has taught thousands of students and written three books and over a hundred published works. She enjoys baking and hiking with her dogs on Mt. Lemmon. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.  

Emilia Dolores Villegas  a.k.a. Mizskoden     Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer; and Taa'a by MizSkoden from the 2022 album Back to (Barrio) Basics - EP,  Emilia Villegas, Composer.

  Tenor Edgar Ricaud was born in Nogales, Arizona and grew up in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. His love for singing began at the age of 13, when a school project was the catalyst for developing his pursuit of music. He then had the chance to perform in various cities in the northern state of Sonora, and was in the ensemble for Madame Butterfly. At the University of Arizona, he got the main role in the Zarzuela “El duo de la Africana” being the leading Tenor role Guiseppini. He was part of Mozart opera production of Don Giovanni being the leading Tenor role of Don Ottavio. Tenor Edgar Ricaud has also been part of the world premier of the opera “Illegal Alien” composed by the Mexican composer Alfonso Molina performed at the University of Arizona in 2014 as well as in Fiestas del Pitic in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. At Wichita he was part of the opera company Music on Site performing with them the role of King Kasper for the opera Amahl and the night visitors. He participated in concerts since then has actively performed throughout Mexico, as well as appearances in Vienna, Weimar, Miami, Chicago, Cincinnati, Wichita and Arizona. Most recently it is involved in the opera production of The Tales of Hoffman by Offenbach, being the role of Hoffman. He obtained his Bachelor of Music Degree at University of Arizona and also a Performance Certificate from Wichita State University. Tenor Edgar Ricaud is now pursuing his master’s degree at Roosevelt University where he studies with Judith Haddon.     Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music on this Episode:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer and Piel Canela by Edgar Ricaud from the 2021 album El Recuerdo,  Félix Manuel "Bobby" Rodríguez Capó, Composer.    

  Gissel Guzman of Southside Tucson is Nopalinda.  Nopalinda is also the name of Gissel's vegan food business.  Nopalinda believes in changing the way we view veganism one plate at a time.  Gissel (they/them/she/her) is a first-generation immigrant in the U.S. Despite years of uncertainty, and fighting for stability, Nopalinda is grateful to their mom for her sacrifices which taught them how to fight for their dreams.  Their chaotic and nomadic upbringing has been an unusual facet of their background.  Nopalinda tries to bring the global perspectives and influences that they were exposed to from an early age into the recipes they create. Nopalinda (Gissel) is proud of what they've built, not only for themselves, but for the Southern Arizona community. For more information visit Nopalinda   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.  

  Jhonatan Henao-Muñoz is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the W.A. Franke Honors College, UNIV Core Faculty, General Education and an Affiliated Faculty of the Center for Latin American Studies and the Institute for LGTBQ+ Studies at the University of Arizona.  He is best known as #ProfeJhon! Profe Jhon is a Latine from Colombia and considers himself a lifelong learner.  Profe Jhon is  a first-generation graduate student, linguist, and world languages college educator. His professional interests include (bi/multi)literacy/ies, digital literacies, Romance languages, corpus linguistics, non-binary Spanish language, translation, and academic writing. His personal interests include hiking, karaoke, watching anime, playing and napping with his cats, Sessho and Michi, and taking pictures!   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.  

  Victor Francisco Mercado Felix was born in Nogales, Sonora and has lived in Tucson since 2001. His great-great uncle, W.E. Felix owned Tucson’s first dry goods store on Meyer Street in the 1800s. Victor’s grandfather Prici Mercado was a historian who chronicled the story of ambos Nogales in his books Ambos Nogales y Mis Memorias and Historias y Recuerdos de Ambos Nogales. Victor is the founder of ElSurTucson.com. Victor brings to El Sur a deep understanding of media and communications, and most importantly a love of history and sharing the stories of the borderlands. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and is co-chair of the University of Arizona Hispanic Advisory Council.   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernández Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Regalo del Cielo by Fernando Valadés. Fernando Teodoro Valadés Lejarza, Composer.  

  Chef Jorge De Leon came from humble beginnings, he spent most of his time in his grandmother’s kitchen, where she was constantly cooking up new savory dishes from her homeland Guatemala. Jorge graduated from the California school of Culinary Arts Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena California. He worked at Miraval Resorts in Tucson, Arizona as a cook. The skills he learned at Miraval Resorts allowed him to make his jump to The Ritz Carlton Hotels, becoming chef the partie at the Garde Manger kitchen working with his mentor Chef David Sirus, executive chef at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. Jorge opened a restaurant in Tubac, Arizona called Havanero’s with a Mexican-American concept and moved up opening his own concept called GM Kitchen 86, blending all the techniques and different cooking flavors he learned from the French, Mexican, and American cuisines. In his spare time chef Jorge enjoys traveling  to different parts of the world. Every meal he creates  reflects these values, providing not only excellent taste, but also nourishment for the mind and body. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, Composer.  

    Alexis Chavez grew up on the US-Mexico International Border in Nogales, Arizona, and speaks Spanish & English fluently. Chavez is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Arizona and the Team Leader of the Alexis Chavez Real Estate Team with Realty Executives. Alexis Chavez is the President of El Rio Vecinos young professionals’ group. Alexis enjoys sharing knowledge and expertise of the housing market while assisting people with all their real estate questions and needs.  Alexis specializes in working with homebuyers and sellers in the Tucson Metro area. Her team is consistently a recipient of the 100% Club Award for sales production. Alexis was featured in the January 2022 issue of Tucson Real Producers magazine that recognizes the Top 500 REALTORS in Tucson, Alexis is a recipient of The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Arizona Daily Star’s “40 Under 40 Award” and recently recognized as “Marketing Star” by the Tucson Association of Realtors Home Tours. Outside of work and giving back to the Tucson Community, Alexis enjoys staying fit through running and hot yoga, experiencing Tucson’s natural beauty, and tasting the local Tucson culinary scene.   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, Composer.  

    Paloma Lopez Santiago is the Junior Achievement (JA) District Director for Southern Arizona and works with her team to increase funding and educational program reach for Southern Arizona students including the expansion of the JA Inspire program that focuses on career readiness for middle and high school students. Paloma has more than twenty years of professional experience in the nonprofit, business and media sectors.  Paloma oversees strategic planning, corporate relations, relationship building, fundraising, marketing, public relations, and special events for JA. Paloma is well connected in the Tucson area with strong relationships to individuals, corporations and communities.  A big believer in giving back, Paloma serves on the board for Social Venture Partners, is a member of the Foothills Club of Tucson, and a participant of the Greater Tucson Leadership Class of 2023. She is also a JA volunteer herself and enjoys teaching financial literacy skills to students kindergarten through high school leaving an impact on the future generation.  Paloma received the 2018 award as Women of Impact through Impact of Southern Arizona and was a finalist as a Woman of Influence. In 2016, she competed in Social Venture Partners’, Fast Pitch, winning the Grand Prize and People’s Choice awards along with cash prizes for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. Honored with the Community Champion Award through the National Association of Women Business Owners, she also became a 40 under 40 recipient through the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2016.  Paloma spends her free time traveling with her two sons around the world, walking her dogs and enjoys hiking, painting, reading and yoga.  Find out more about Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona   Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, Composer.   Episode Music:  Cu cu ru cu cu Paloma. by Dámaso Pérez Prado and His Orchestra.  Tomás Méndez, Composer.

  Angelina Ramirez is a flamenco dancer and teaching artist living in Tucson, Arizona. Ramirez’s artistic work explores what it means to be a queer, latina flamenca, practicing in a traditional Roma-Gitano form of dance. As a teaching artist, she is interested in the intersections of arts and healing, focusing on work with elders of all abilities and integrated flamenco with autistic individuals. She is devoted to promoting accessibility and eradicating ableism, racism and bigotry by practicing and promoting dialogue, acceptance and community participation. Along with teaching and performing Ramirez produces events and festivals and is currently the curator for the Traditional and Ethnic Dance Festival with the Southwest Folklife Alliance. Ramirez is an original member of Yjastros, the American Flamenco Repertory Company and has toured with world-renowned, New York-based company Noche Flamenca. Ramirez is a 2022 Dance/USA Artist Fellow. In 2021, she received the Master-Apprentice Artist Award through Southwest Folklife Alliance for her dedication and commitment to flamenco arts. Ramirez is a National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures fellow. In 2018, she received the Arizona Commission on the Arts' Artist Research and Development Grant. Find out more at arflamenco.com Instagram: @angelinaramirezflamenco    Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, Composer.   Episode Music: Granada by Emilio de Benito.  Isaac Albéniz, Composer. Photography: Steven Meckler Photography   

    Carlos Solorzano is a professional drummer and songwriter who performs with Tucson and Southern Arizona bands both live and in-studio while also working with different musical theater companies. His original music is available on two solo albums and has been featured on television shows around the world. Find out more about Carlos Solorzano at www.desertdrummer.com      Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.   Episode Music:  Gethsemane by Carlos Solorzano from the album Beneath the Surface, 2020 1977626 Records DK

  Jeffrey Anthony has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arizona. Jeffrey is the Grants Coordinator with the College of Education at the University of Arizona. Jeffrey created an innovative new tool to match researchers to funding opportunities based on what Jeffrey developed from his insights working on the Music Genome Project for 17 years at Pandora Radio. Prior to this, Jeffrey spent nine months with the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives focusing on expanding employee small business ownership, as well as taking on the position of Economic Competitiveness Officer for the Southern Arizona Coalition for Climate Adaptation and Resilience.  Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Jeffrey spent 25 years touring the world with dozens of bands as well as playing drums on hundreds of records. Jeffrey is working on his first book focused on the importance of creativity in public administration and uncovering the modes through which creativity can regain prominence in local, regional, and federal organizations to regain the power inherent in democratic ideals and forge the tools necessary to tackle problems confronting society. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.  

  Dominique V. Calza (Tlamanalcah) (she/ella) has been living, loving, and leaving offerings in these desert lands throughout her life. Dominique currently serves as the Director for the Adalberto & Ana Guerrero Student Center at the University of Arizona where she supports the recruitment, retention, and community readiness of Latinx students. She likes to spend her time exploring new things to do and new places to eat and enjoys going on road trips with her partner and their two kids. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.  

  Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto was born and raised in the Philippines and left for the United States when he was 18 years old. With an understanding of living through trauma, the cyclical nature of poverty, and a drive to empower youth in pursuit of their dreams, Jansen hoped to help youth build a legacy within their communities. After identifying the needs of his new city and of his own family, he started Higher Ground a Resource Center in 2007. Jansen is a loving father of two sons and a dedicated husband to his wife, Barbie Azarias. They continue to lead Higher Ground as a family with their passion and drive. Their faith strengthens and motivates their work with the organization. Today, Higher Ground serves over 2000 youth in Tucson and is an established Non-Profit in our community. Higher Ground does Life Coaching, Community-Building, and Social-Emotional Learning with under-served youth in Tucson. Jansen has unmet energy and natural leadership qualities. As a leader for Higher Ground, he has done extensive research on the importance of developing the skill of grit for individual success, as well as incorporated it into Higher Ground curriculum. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.  

Javier Dominguez   Javier Dominguez graduated with honors from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona and received both the Department Head Student Award and the Centurion Award. Since graduation, he works full-time with the United States Government and operates two businesses. One is Fast Prints USA, LLC, providing high-quality items to businesses all over the United States. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, attending events around the community, and exploring the world. He is eager to start the process of earning his Masters in Business Administration at the Eller College of Management. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.   

Edward Dennis The Boy from Mexico   Edward Dennis is a visual storyteller who has worked with companies such as Toyota and Disney. He wrote the children’s book “The Boy from Mexico”. He currently lives between Arizona and California. He hopes that children that look like him will be inspired by his art and story. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.      

Ana Isabel Cornide   Dr. Ana Isabel Cornide is a faculty member and researcher at the University of Arizona. She’s originally from Spain and her work has been recognized with multiple awards including the Richard Ruiz Diversity Leadership Faculty Award and the University’s 2022 Koffler Prize. Dr. Cornide’s outreach work promotes development through arts and humanities to serve as a means of overcoming social barriers. As the Director of the Critical Service Learning and Community Outreach Program for the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, she created a critical service-learning program that involves integrating experiential opportunities for students to focus on critical service learning, social entrepreneurship, leadership, and community-based projects and outreach. Her research is firmly situated in contemporary cultural and performance studies, with a strong commitment to the examination of race and ethnicity and their interchange with gender and sexuality studies. Photography:  Julius Schlosburg Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.      

  John Fung   John B. Fung is the Development Manager at Gospel Rescue Mission.  John began his career as an agent for the Allstate Insurance Company, then entered into the pharmaceutical and medical sales industry for the next 14 years. In 2014, John joined the University of Arizona Development Team and has raised millions of dollars for research, scholarships, and faculty support. In 2021, John joined the Gospel Rescue Mission in Tucson, which serves the homeless population with recovery, housing, and workforce assistance. In his spare time, John serves on the board of the University of Arizona Asian American Faculty and Staff Alumni Club. John was the past advisor for the University of Arizona ACEL Collegiate Chapter and has served as a mentor since its inception. John was the past President of the Tucson Chinese Association and Tucson Chinese School. John also served on the boards of the Southern Arizona High School Referee Association and Junior Achievement of Arizona Southern District. A graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy in 2019, and a graduate of the Greater Tucson Leadership Class of 2021, In 2020, John was inducted into the University of Arizona Kappa Sigma Fraternity Hall of Fame. In 2022, John became the Interim President of the newly formed Asian Corporate Entrepreneur Leaders Tucson Chapter, and a member of the 100+ Guy Who Give Tucson. John is also an avid soccer referee and has officiated over 3000 matches at all amateur levels of competition.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.      

Alex Lira   José Alejandro (Alex) Lira Carmona preserves and promotes the tapestry tradition of Huamantla, Tlaxcala. This art is a collective ephemeral in which he has actively participated all his life. He is recognized by the community as a Tapestry Master, a legacy from his father, the tapestry Master and artist José “Pepe” Lira. Alex Lira created Mexican Tapestry Artists, a civil society and collective group. Alejandro is an architect graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He also obtained a Master Degree in Design, Planning and Conservation of Landscapes and Gardens at the CYAD Atzcapotzalco at the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM). He coordinates the Estudio Lira based on multidisciplinary work focused on developing comprehensive design and architecture concepts.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.     La Feria de las Flores by Domingo Sanchez Cortes, Guitarra Popular Mexicana.

Melissa Dye   Melissa Dye is Senior Director of the American Heart Association in Southern Arizona. She was raised bi-nationally on the border of Douglas, AZ and Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. She has a passion for philanthropy, helping important causes, binational relationships, and serving rural and culturally rich communities. Among many recognitions and awards, she recently received the prestigious OHTLI Award from the Mexico Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the highest honor given to citizens living outside of Mexico that recognizes individuals who have aided, empowered, and positively affected the lives of Mexican heritage people in the United States and other countries.       Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.  La barca de oro by Toño Fuentes y Su Guitarra Hawaiana from Terapia musical: The most relaxing latin music, Abundio Martinez, composer.

Johanny Vázquez Paz   Johanny Vázquez Paz is from Puerto Rico. She is the winner of the Paz Prize for Poetry given by the National Poetry Series in partnership with the Miami Book Fair. Her winning manuscript, I Offer My Heart as a Target / Ofrezco mi Corazón Como una Diana, was published in a bilingual edition by Akashic Books. Among her other books are Sagrada Familia, winner of the International Latino Book Award, Querido Voyeur, and Streetwise Poems / Poemas Callejeros.  She won first prize in the Poetry category at the Consenso Short Story and Poetry Contest of Northeastern Illinois University, and the second prize in the Short Story category. She also co-edited the anthology Between the Heart and the Land / Entre el Corazón y la Tierra: Latina Poets in the Midwest. Her poetry and short stories have been included in the anthologies: City of Big Shoulders, Diáspora: Narrativa Breve en Español de Estados Unidos, Ellas cuentan: Antología de Crime Fiction por Latinoamericanas en EEUU, The City Visible: Chicago Poetry for the New Century, among others.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Karla Bernal   Karla Bernal Morales serves as the Vice President for the Arizona Technology Council. In this role, Morales leads and oversees the Council’s Southern Arizona region which includes the responsibility for strategy, development, operations, support of policy development, business goals and objectives and financial matters, as well as recruiting and retaining members, securing sponsorship, and supporting events. Morales brings to her position more than 25 years of experience in the region’s education, nonprofit and governmental communities.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.  Estrellita by Juan Garcia Esquivel from Cabaret Mañana, Manuel Ponce, composer.

Tucson Tome Gnome   Founded by three friends, the Tucson Tome Gnome strives to bolster a culture and community that is united in the joy of reading by hiding 30 free books per month around the community to inspire literacy, reading, and happiness. The three co-founders are Mary Ellen Flynn, Jody Hardy, and Emily Walsh.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Judy Marquez   Born in Tucson and raised in Mammoth, AZ on her family’s ranch, Dr. Judy Marquez Kiyama has been working alongside local LatinX families and communities throughout her career to understand how home and cultural knowledges shape college-going experiences. She currently serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development within the Office of Faculty Affairs and is a Professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education in the Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice at the University of Arizona.  

Liliana Soto   Liliana Soto is an award-winning journalist and an Assistant Professor of Practice at the School of Journalism of the University of Arizona. She is also the Assistant Director for the school’s Bilingual Journalism Program and a freelance bilingual multimedia journalist. She has 10 years of experience in broadcast news in English and Spanish with a specialization in bilingual investigative journalism, immigration, the U.S.-Mexico border, Latino issues, marginalized communities, and Mexican-centric Latin Culture. Liliana was one of the founders of the Central Texas chapter for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.  Prior to joining academia, Liliana was an investigative and enterprise news reporter and a news leader for ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix. She was the station’s expert on immigration and their first multimedia journalist to report in both English and Spanish. Her unceasing advocacy for the Spanish speakers includes creating a Spanish language section of ABC15’s website with most of her English stories translated into Spanish. Prior to joining ABC15, Liliana was a multimedia journalist and weekend news anchor for Univision in Phoenix, Arizona and Austin, Texas.  As a reporter for Univision, Liliana was also assigned to news Correspondent for the Texas regional newscast “Primera Edición” and “Conexión Texas” based in Houston. Liliana is a proud mother and strives to motivate young mothers to pursue a Higher Education.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Corina Ontiveros   Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and an alum of New Mexico State University, Corina T. Ontiveros has resided in Arizona for more than 20 years, but goes back to her motherland often. She is a Master teacher in the Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Instruction program (CRPI) for the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) and has been a Principal in both K-4 and High School settings as well as a Middle and High School teacher in U.S.-Mexico border schools and in rural and urban settings.  Ms. Ontiveros is the founder of the Southwest Leadership Initiative, a Tucson nonprofit that focuses on next-level student leadership through its Ivy League of Southern Arizona program.

Lady Umbrella   Armando Felix and Irene Felix are from South Tucson, born and raised. They are the proud owners of Lady Umbrella, a community initiative in Tucson.  They started as food vendors and after some mishaps, they found themselves evolving into a market not only for vendors but for local organizations to offer spaces to talk, shop, eat, educate, and network.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Czarina Nafarrete   Czarina Nafarrete is an Arizona native who grew up in Nogales, AZ. An avid storyteller, Czarina first came to Tucson to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Arizona and has called it home ever since. She is a copy editor by day and improviser at Tucson Improv Movement by night. She spends her days listening to true crime podcasts and begging for cuddles from her pup, Nikolaj.  Czarina will participate  in the Carcajadas show at Tucson Improv Movement and “Como Se Dice”.  Czarina lectures about the differences in culture and language through comedy and the experience of being bicultural or multilingual.

Jesús Orduño   Jesús Orduño is a husband and a father. Professionally, Jesús is an educator and small business owner. He was born and raised in Tucson to immigrant parents and was the first in his family to get a college education, which led him to pursue a career in teaching Spanish at his alma mater, Pueblo High School. Jesús is now a curriculum service provider at Pueblo, as well as owner and operator of Bolita Bakery.  Both paths have placed Jesús right in the center of the ever supportive community of South Tucson. He found his place in this community at every stage of his life thus far and he’s determined to continue to give back to it what he received.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Raul Aguirre   Raul E. Aguirre is the President and CEO of REA Media Group.  Raul is  a progressive and innovative leader within the Latino community. With an in-depth knowledge and understanding of various nationalities, Mr. Aguirre is spearheading the Latino community.  Raul Aguirre is recognized as a national advocate for the inclusion of minorities in the field of market broadcasting as well as a pioneer of bilingual radio and television. Mr. Aguirre has worked as an international reporter, host and segment producer for both Telemundo and Univision, the top two Spanish language networks in the United States of America. Because of his experience as a nationally recognized cultural commentator and speaker on Latino issues he consults with major corporations on strategic positioning to effectively reach emerging markets in the United States.  As an active leader in the Hispanic Community, statewide and nationally, Mr. Aguirre has received numerous honors and awards from civic and professional organizations. His talents in public speaking and dynamic workshops make him a highly sought after presenter throughout the U.S., Mexico and Latin America. Raul Aguirre is a graduate of the University of Arizona and President of REA Media Group, an Arizona based marketing, advertising and public relations agency.

Felipe Garcia   Felipe Garcia is the President & CEO of Visit Tucson.  Felipe leads marketing efforts along with partnering with economic development and community organizations.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Ricardo Morales   Ricardo Morales is a community leader and immigration specialist in Tucson.  Ricardo believes “Life is what one day we dreamed of being.”

Elena Centeno   Dra. Elena Centeno is a professional researcher, educator and international scholar. She is also coordinating the Tucson office of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM).  The prestigious Milenio magazine of Mexico featured her personal and professional journey.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Monica Velasco   Mónica Velasco says “I love to share with my community and teach my children new abilities so they can transmit them just like my mom did to me.  ”Mónica Velasco comenta “Me encanta compartir con mi comunidad y enseñarle a mis hijos nuevas habilidades para que ellos puedan transmitirlas igual que mi madre lo hizo conmigo”.

Kate Alexander   Originally from California, Kate Alexander moved to Tucson to join the faculty of the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. She is an educator, ethnomusicologist, and bird enthusiast.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

Sandra Bernal   Dr. Sandra Bernal from Mexico City affirms that “The advantage of still looking for the place where I belong is that I’m always doing my best, just in case this is the one. I’m a heart with a brain and two hands that keep knocking on bigger and bigger doors. Most of them have opened up; the rest will do soon”.

Felisia J Tagaban   Felisia J. Tagaban (Diné/Tlingit/Filipino) is a doctoral student in the Educational Policy Studies and Practice Department at the University of Arizona (UA).  Felisia holds Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Master of Arts in Higher Education degrees from the UA.  Felisia serves as Student Relations Coordinator for UA Admissions and the College of Education in partnership with Sunnyside Unified School District. Felisia works to establish and support education pathways for Indigenous students while advocating for systemic and structural change at both institutions.  In addition to supporting institutional change, she and two other Indigenous educators responded to the immediate need for support for Native American and Native American-serving educators during and after the crisis of school closures. Felisia co-founded a community collective called Indigenous Educators Unite (IEU) and since April 2020, IEU has held a space for educators to find community, create solutions, and attend workshops.  As she completes her HED PhD program, Felisia continues to be driven by her passion for supporting Indigenous college students.         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.

JJ Arevalo   JJ Arévalo is an extraordinary musician.  He/Him/Él.  “Since I am from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, I will also add: Ese/Vato”. – JJ

Ayla Kapahi   Ayla Kapahi is the Director of Production and the Head Brewer for Borderlands Brewing Company. She’s Tucson’s first female head brewer and is an advocate for women and minorities in the craft beer industry. She opened Arizona’s first all-female production facility in 2018 and co-led Las Hermanas project, Arizona’s first US-Mexico binational women’s brew.  Ayla says “Craft beer is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about celebrating your local community.”         Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Introducción al Danzón No. 2 – Danzón No. 2 by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.