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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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 is a Professor of Border Studies at the University of Arizona and is also the Director of the Confluence 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.

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.

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 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.      

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 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.      

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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”.

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.

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 (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 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 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.

Donella Ly is a mix-medium abstract artist in Tucson, working primarily in watercolor and acrylic. Donella’s practice pulls from observations surrounding her identity as Asian American, mother, and as admirer of the Tucson landscape where she has spent the majority of her lifetime. As a completely self-taught artist, her practice started as a hobby during her time caring for her children at home, finding inspiration from the likes of John Lurie, Carlo Carrà, William De Kooning and Lee Krasner.

Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe is a family owned and operated Mexican restaurant. The Matias family works hard at preparing and serving authentic dishes from Oaxaca and Sonora Mexico. Teresa’s Mosaic Café has been in business since 1984 in Tucson.  Teresa’s Mosaic Café received accolades from the New York Times and their Huevos Rancheros dish is listed in the book “500 Things To Eat Before It’s Too Late” as the prefect breakfast. Their Huevos Rancheros were featured on the Food Network episode of “Throwdown With Bobby Flay.”

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.

Eddie Elías Barron was born and raised in the Southside of Tucson and is a proud product of public education. At a very young age, Eddie learned how to advocate for himself and his community. Growing up with a single mom, Eddie began to understand the structural inequalities that are holding so many of us back. Which is why taking part in community service projects in South side neighborhoods, working on local political campaigns, and raising money for foundations that help working families has been his work for the past four years. Eddie has always been committed to fighting at the forefront of progressive change for his community along with amplifying young voices and fighting for his gente.

Lydia Aranda is the President of Southern Arizona Chicanos Por La Causa.

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.

Award-winning, local baker and business owner Don Guerra.  Don from Barrio Bread was recognized with the 2022 James Beard award for Outstanding Baker.

In this picture Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presents Don Slack with an Honorary Doctorate in Agricultural Engineering from Khon Kaen University in December 2010. This honor was bestowed on him in recognition of his service as a “founding faculty member” of the KKU Agricultural Engineering Department. Don taught the very first graduates of that program who graduated in 1971.

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.

Marisol Vindiola from Visit Tucson tells us about her journey from being an international student to community leader in Tucson. Marisol is a tourism visionary, a mom and a yoga instructor.  Marisol’s quote is. “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” – Mother Teresa

Liliana López Ruelas tell us “Me gusta que me llamen Latina” (I like to be called Latina).

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.

Alejandra Baltazar Carlat is from Queretaro, Mexico.  She is a talented craft artist, owner of Tacobout Crafting and also supports non-profit local organizations.  Alejandra’s favorite quote is “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own” – Michelle Obama

Magdalena Verdugo is the first Latina CEO of the YWCA in Southern Arizona.  Magdalena is a natural leader and an advocate for diverse 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.

Yvonne Gonzalez stands next to the Border Dynamics steel sculpture by artists Alberto Morackis and Guadalupe Serrano. These figures represent one leaning on the United States side and the other on the Mexican side. “The two cultures, I belong to, and the challenges we [border people] face.”

This episode was part of The Latin Connection

Samantha Mata Robles is a passionate and determined woman from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Having seen early in her life how many people didn’t have access to a quality lifestyle due to the lack of affordable health services and products, she decided to pursue a Biomedical Engineering Major, as it perfectly blends both of her passions, helping others and STEM subjects. Throughout her life, she has become an active asset in youth empowerment and leadership development. However, her  experience in the world of STEM has made her realize how much disparity there is for women in these fields. Now, she’s made it her goal to contribute as much as possible to improve this situation, as well to empower and provide an integral preparation for all women in STEM.

This episode was part of The Latin Connection

Ricardo Pineda is a native of Mexico City, he is the Cónsul of Mexico Douglas, AZ,. He shares his journey into diplomacy and leadership in Southern Arizona.

This episode was part of The Latin Connection

Dan Xayaphanh, Higher Education professional focused on creating inclusive and multicultural opportunities for faculty, students, and staff at The University of Arizona.

This episode was part of The Latin Connection

Celeste Bustamante, journalist, professor and activist, affirms “The more we understand each other, the more we will appreciate each other”.

This episode was part of The Latin Connection

Pascale Monier Gómez
“A Franco-Mexican woman at home, away from home.”

This episode was part of The Latin Connection

Mel Dominguez, artist, activist and owner of Galeria Mitotera in Tucson.  Mel’s quote is “The best way to change things is to get out there and take action”.

This Episode was part of The Latin Connection.

Patricia was born and raised in Cuba.  Patricia arrived in Tucson in 2004, and obtained two bachelor  degrees in Agricultural Engineering and Plant Biotechnology.  Patricia loves to cook and started selling Cuban food in Tucson Meet Yourself.

This episode aired as part of The Latin Connection.

Rocque Perez

This Episode was part of The Latin Connection

Christine, pictured here with the staff of award winning business Hairmosa Salon stands in the back row fourth from left to right.  Christine is a mom and a business owner in Tucson. She is a professional hair stylist and runs Hairmosa Salon, a local business where a group of hair stylists provide outstanding service to local people in this town. Christine and her daughters are proud to live in Tucson and contribute to the local economy. She is a delighted Latina that empowers her expertise in business and client service to offer unique salon experiences.

Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education

Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection