Interview with Latinas With Purpose
We are a group of Latina writers, poets and artists, from various backgrounds, who are the catalyst for the transformation and unity of the world. For us, people are awesome-bigger than they dare themselves to be. By sharing our experiences, we create heart filled connections, uninhibited self-expression, and the awakening and transformation of people everywhere. Our reach in storytelling makes a difference in the well-being and healing of ourselves, our communities and our families. Our artists inspire other Latinas in the way they dance with color.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are about to launch our new book Cuentame: Tell Me your Story. The book is based on the stories of twenty brave women, who have generously shared a piece of their life. Each story is accompanied by twenty images of Latina artists that enrich the book with the most profound manifestation of their creativity. These stories and images express what it means to be a Latina in this world. You hear and feel her emotions, concerns, experiences, reflections and her deepest wounds and the many circumstances by which women live through. This book was created to connect all women to help support each other as we find a path of peace and unity within our own lives and our communities.
Cuentame: Tell Me your Story is a binational, bicultural, bilingual book with 20 artists and 20 writers from US and Mexico. To learn more about the writers and artist collaborating on this book visit our website www.latinaswithpurpose.org
Currently, we are raising money to publish our book. For donations go to our website Latinaswithpurpose.org or sign up if you like to join our group contact@latinaswithpurpose
How has this pandemic affected or shifted your practice?
Latinas with a purpose began in January of 2020. I started discussing the project with colleagues and friends. Initially it was nine latinas who embarked on this journey. Today there are 40+ latianas collaborating and making this dream a reality. We started to meet in March of 2020 a few days before the shutdown. The Pandemic didn’t stop our momentum. We continued to meet online, by June we became a bi-national, and in September we became a non profit.
I am a person that likes to interact with others, unexpectedly, this pandemic has opened many doors, virtual doors. It has facilitated connection with artists and storytellers, across the US and Mexico, in a way that might have not been considered in the past. We are able to connect binationally and have the opportunity to connect globally in the near future.
What has your journey been like as an artist?
As the founder of Latinas with a Purpose, it has been a magical experience to meet and create with wonderful, and talented Latina women. Together we have created this project. I believe that Latinas participate in this organization as a platform so that they and others can see and support their greatness.
Our board is composed of a recognized photographer, Lourdes Araiza, who has incredible skill in capturing life; Martha Gonzalez, medical doctor, who is blessed with words of wisdom and can hold the fort; Ana Ituarte, has an internal magnet of beauty and love beyond comprehension that attracts goodness in others; Sarah Pinto is a combination of total intelligence and wholesomeness. As the artist of my own life, I am now a Sex and Intimacy coach Discoverpassionwithdrluz.com and President and one of the founders of Latinas with Purpose. I have written for the newspaper “La Prensa” from San Diego, taught at Grossmont and Southwestern College. I have been a Mental Health Therapist, led a radio program, “En Familia con la Doctora Luz,” led marches and lobbied for immigrants of this country.
Do you have any tips for up-and-coming, or rising artists?
My advice to rising artists is build a team/community. This project would not be possible without the brilliant contributions from all of the writers and artists, and others working in the background to coordinate and manage the book. Like our editors, translators and our brilliant photographer, Lourdes Araiza Beltran, who has captured the art of 20 women.
Follow on Social Media and on youtube at @latinaswithpurpose and visit www.latinaswithpurpose.org
