Raised in the musical family of the acclaimed Puerto Rican folkloric ensemble, Los Pleneros de la 21, Julia Gutierrez knows the importance of community, being grounded to spirit, and the pursuit of excellence. In this AFROTAINO culture spotlight, she makes it clear that Bomba & Plena is for life.

Through his paintings, McGrath Muniz humors & antagonizes viewers to reflect on a satirical paradise born from his unforgiving perspective of how capitalism has branded humanity. He takes the symbols & tales from the weathered pages of Art History, World History, and Mythology, and uses them as a canvas to decolonize the future.

On any given day, he can be found defending Black-Brown inner-city communities, dispelling homophobia, and humorously deconstructing R&B/pop songs - with ease & joy. Louie Ortiz Fonseca is the hero the world really needs.

From acting roles supporting Benicio Del Toro, Martin Sheen, and even Juanes, to running her own fashion design label - SKIN ONION - Mejias is a major character in all the lives she comes across, on and off the silver screen. Learn more about her inspirations in this spotlight.

Ortiz narrates the stories & reclaims the histories of the under-represented through her murals, artwork, and documentary work.

Abriendo espacios for over 20 years while nurturing souls with great music y arte con conciencia en ambos lados del charco.

Creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration with the intention of building an intergenerational, inclusive platform to confront the systemic inequality and chronic under-funding of community-based arts and culture organizations.

Portuguese/Cape Verdean photographer & collage artist Maria Estrela exudes peace & power in her works. Through vibrant colors & deep imagery, she honors the rich legacy of the Black feminine of the diaspora.

From media campaigns to medicinal cannabis policies, this organizer/educator/radio personality is there on the spot pushing for the right change.

The filmmaker/writer is pushing forward at light speed to deliver Afro-Latinx representation to the silver screen. She has seen the future - and it is Black & Bilingual.

From her kitchen to yours, Rivera-Nassar has Philadelphia falling in love with her culinary delights, bite by bite.

The Salvadorean muralist & artist adds & layers more tropical color to Philadelphia with every splash of paint.

This Boricua club owner & arts programming powerhouse makes time & makes space for performing artists of all disciplines & genres, Brooklyn & beyond.

Named one of the country's “Top Women in PR” in 2020, Vergel has been surfing the crest of tomorrow's music media before it breaks into the public. From her work with Fordham University to powering the publicity behind the Latin Grammy-nominated MAKING MOVIES, she knows how to tell the story right.

This talented Ponceño reconnects to his history, the blending of the spirit and physical world, ritual and transformation through his work.

Having captured the energy & vibe of HipHop's pioneers, Latin music stars, and more, this creative legend continues to push forward to make space for American Latinxs in the film world.

The "Art Doula" has no problem with nonstop brega in the name of progress.

The unstoppable Puerto Rican filmmaker never shies away from delivering the truth - to the diaspora, for the diaspora.

Whether she's writing for major magazines, talking with Reggaeton stars, or styling for her Bodega Baby line, Mota does it with mucho flow.

Philadelphia’s own poet, writer, and filmmaker representing from the pen to the production desk.