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.