Victoria Carrington Chávez is a celebrated storyteller, visual arts expert and social media strategist, known as "pure magic" in her field. Leading Lilac & Aspen and La Mezcla Creative Co., she blends creativity with community building in her branding strategies.

A Colorado native with Afro-Indigenous Latinx roots, Victoria is a dynamic speaker on multiculturalism, leadership, and entrepreneurship, acclaimed for her TEDx talk and engaging presence. Her collaborations range from six figure CEOs to nonprofits, and she’s guest lectured on Visual Storytelling at Northeastern University.

She’s worked with figures like children’s author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and social media influencer Mama Nous, and has shared her expertise at the University of New Hampshire’s Business School. Victoria holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from the University of Colorado Boulder and has a deep involvement in digital marketing and graphic design since 2010. She’s launching new courses for entrepreneurs in branding and social media storytelling this year. A dedicated advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, Victoria’s efforts aim to bring vibrancy and inclusivity to all aspects of her work. 

Episode Summary: In the premiere episode of Season 3, Lorraine Connell sits down with Victoria Carrington Chavez to explore the transformative journey of overcoming shyness and building confidence and the significant impact teachers have on students' lives. Victoria shares her personal story, providing deep insights into the challenges and triumphs she experienced growing up.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introductory Discussion: Lorraine and Victoria open with a warm conversation, setting the stage for the deep dive into Victoria’s journey.

• Multicultural Background: Growing up in Boulder, Colorado, Victoria discusses her multicultural background and how it shaped her identity.

• Role of Educators: Lorraine and Victoria delve into the roles of honesty, compassion, and ownership of mistakes in education. They discuss the power dynamics between teachers and students and the negative consequences of unrealistic expectations.

• Realistic Goals: Victoria emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and the courage to challenge and update success metrics.

• Self-Discovery: Victoria shares her journey of self-discovery, from struggling with societal expectations to embracing her authentic self.

• Authentic Storytelling: Victoria discusses her work in visual arts, social media, and branding, empowering non-traditional thought leaders and entrepreneurs to share their stories.

• Future Collaborations: Victoria and Lorraine reflect on their personal growth and discuss potential future collaborations, particularly in youth work.

Resources and Links:

• Victoria Carrington Chavez’s TED Talk: TED Talk

Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Connect with us on social media using #TeensToTitans and share your insights and experiences. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

Contact Information:

• Host: Lorraine Connell - [email protected]

Thank you for tuning in to the Teens to Titans podcast! We hope this episode inspires and empowers you on your journey. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations in this season!