Intergenerational Healing & Discovery Through Creativity
Panelists from left to right: Naii Vegas, Gabriela Mendez, Yicela Alvarado, and Mayra Mejia.
A Celebration of Culture
On Thursday, October 5th, we gathered to engage in a community conversation about healing and self-discovery through creativity with four talented individuals sourced from the DC metropolitan area. Our panelists included advocates, artists, and entrepreneurs who all shared a common trait: they utilized their platforms to express their unique stories and cultural heritage.
Diversity within Diversity: it’s a thing.
It goes without saying that, while we all take pride in being part of this rich and vibrant community, we are unique individuals, each contributing diverse realities, histories, ethnicities, dialects, traditions, and even slang. Our panelists represented a range of experiences, from migrants to the U.S. to children of immigrants originating from Central to South America, all offering fresh perspectives to the conversation.
Our intention was to document the entire panel through recordings, photos, and even video, all while simultaneously hosting the event. I should also mention that we're just a team of two. Yes, our expectations are insane and probably impossible. :D However, we did manage to capture a crucial theme from our conversation that emphasized the importance of understanding diversity from different perspectives.
Artworks by Gabriela Mendez. See more of her work at @Gabyhacecomics
Question: How has coming to this country impacted your creative journey? How has reconnecting with your roots influenced your creative journey?
“Coming from Venezuela, there were days when we had no electricity, which meant I couldn't use my computer, listen to music, or do anything. Everything came to a halt, and even when it was available, it was frustratingly slow. Living in different countries and cities after leaving Venezuela, I noticed that I was able to learn more because life was faster and more accessible. This is a struggle my country is currently facing, and it's sad and frustrating.
My friends would casually say, "I'll call you tomorrow because we don't have internet today," and it was only after leaving that I realized how absolutely insane that was. It saddens me to see the situation in my country, and it motivates me to work harder.”
-Naii Vegas, Founder @Creative Buildr
“Something that is very big for me as an artist is seeing how big image is here in the states. All things that fall in design or branding are well thought out and have purpose. It transcends beyond aesthetics or beauty. It is functional especially to the target audience. This has impacted my work significantly. There’s a lot of space and opportunities to create. ”
-Gabriela Mendez / @Gabyhacecomics, Visual Artist & Illustrator
During my visits to El Salvador, I experienced the beauty of the place, but there was a sense that standing out too much wasn't encouraged. This feeling has actually empowered me to be more authentic here in the United States. I can express myself freely, speak my mind, and have a voice. Despite the challenges and negatives that exist, there are many positives to living here. It makes me truly appreciate the freedom I have to be myself, and for that, I am grateful.
-Mayra Mejia, Founder @PlushDMV
Helping me understand my family's origins and the power of language is essential. Personally, speaking Spanish holds significance for me because it connects me to my own community. There's a slang term, "yo no sabo" kid, which I am not, and I don't want to be. Even though my Spanish isn't perfect, I am committed to preserving my ability to speak it. I actively surround myself with opportunities to continue speaking Spanish because it's important to me. Exploring my country of origin teaches me more about my culture. Additionally, my parents grew up in poverty, so now that we can afford trips, they have the opportunity to learn about their own culture. Mexico is a vast country with extreme poverty and extreme wealth. When we visit and explore museums together, my parents gain a deeper understanding of their own culture.
-Yicela Alvardo, Co-founder @TaqueriaHabanero
We are grateful to these incredible women who came out and shared their experiences in the most transparent and authentic way. The power of community is undeniable and consistently manifests itself in these opportunities, fostering a deep connection to healing and inspiration.
See snippets of our event in the pictures below.
