Moderated by Sharon Cruz, Founder of ALEAC (Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective), this engaging panel explores the rich diversity within Latine communities, including Afro-Latines, Asian Latines, and Indigenous peoples of Latin America. Discover how these identities shape political engagement, unity, and challenges within the electorate.
Presented by Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective in partnership with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
PANELIST
Aura Vazquez
Through candid conversations with thought leaders, activists, and changemakers, Aura educates, ignites community engagement, and inspires positive change. Empowering diverse voices, her podcast offers informative insights, personal stories, and practical tips. It catalyzes collective action, encouraging listeners to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. From environmental solutions to cultural exchange, Aura’s podcast inspires listeners, empowering them to make meaningful impacts in their communities and beyond, creating a dynamic space for growth, connection, and advocacy.
Isaí Pazos
A proud Zapotec from Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, has dedicated over two decades to community organizing and the preservation of Indigenous culture. With deep roots in the immigrant experience, Isaí brings a unique perspective to his work, understanding the challenges and aspirations of immigrant youth and families. He is trilingual, speaking Zapotec, Spanish, and English, which allows him to connect across cultures and languages seamlessly.
Kevin Kandamby
A MexiLankan (Mexican and Sri Lankan) first-generation child of immigrants who was born and raised in Southern California. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Chicana/o and Central American Studies with a concentration in Asian American Studies at UCLA. Kevin’s primary research interest explores AsianLatine mixed identity in the United States to understand how identity formation processes inform what it means to be Latine, Asian American, and mixed race in the United States as nonwhite children of the diaspora.