Tejiendo Identidades/Knitting Identities

Donella Ly 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 childre...

The Matias Family owners of Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe 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...

Eddie Elias Barron 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...

Lydia Aranda 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.

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

Don Slack 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.         H...

Marisol Vindiola 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 Lopez Ruelas 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, comp...

Alejandra Baltazar Carlat 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   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 Or...

Yvonne Gonzalez   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   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. Throu...

Ricardo Pineda   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   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   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 Gomez   Pascale Monier Gómez “A Franco-Mexican woman at home, away from home.” This episode was part of  The Latin Connection

Mel Dominguez   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’s Cuban Kitchen   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 .

Born and raised in Tucson , Rocque was fascinated by the power of community specially as someone who could depend on it in times of need. As a student and employee at the University of Arizona, and founder of the Change Maker Foundation, he spent his college experience giving back and aspires to use the skills, resources, and opportunity uniquely available to Southern Arizonans..  Rocque Perez Thi...

Tony Viola IV spends time with his Nana at the University of Arizona campus. Tony says “What undoubtably makes Cuk Ṣon beautiful is the local community. A community that should always be prioritized and guaranteed access to the many wonders that draw in travelers from across the country and world. O’odham, Yaqui, and local residents can easily be heard if you are willing to listen.” Tony’s episod...

Charlene Mendoza has developed and coordinated different funding and academic programs for underrepresented students in Tucson and Southern Arizona.  She works hard in different social justice and community projects in this border region.   Recently, she was appointed as a Chief of Staff at Mayor Regina Romero in the City of Tucson.   Charlene is passionate about equity and representation.  She ha...

Hairmosa Salon   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 pr...

Alain Philippe Durand is a professor, author, researcher and DJ.  This episode originally aired on January 27, 2021 as a segment of The Latin Connection

Diana Peralta is a mezzosoprano opera singer. Diana is also a cumbia singer with the popular Mexican band Los Angeles Azules. This episode originally aired as part of The Latin Connection on January 20, 2021.

Carlos Palomares is a bilingual interpreter, entrepreneur, wedding officiant and baker.  His friends affectionately call him Charlie.  This episode aired as a segment of The Latin Connection on January 13, 2021.