Esmeralda Vasquez

 Featured Storyteller 

@esmeralda_vasquez13

After a 10 year hiatus, Esmeralda (she/her) made her acting debut in Chicanas, Cholas y Chisme in 2020. Since then she’s performed at Casa 0101 Theater, Frida Kahlo Theater, Marilyn Monroe Theater, & The Los Angeles Theater Center. She was a finalist in the 2022 Short+Sweet Hollywood Festival co starring in a 10-minute play called “Las Marias”. Fresh off the sea, she starred in “Las Sirenas” as Sierra la Sirena, produced by Poco a Poco Productions. Esmeralda dabbles in stand-up comedy and has headlined the FuckedUp Comedy Show in Bell. She now co-runs a film company Venture Works Film, where she writes, acts, & produces shorts with her three home skillet biscuits. Venture Work Films has won various awards, including the Conscious Art Award at the East Los Angeles Film Festival & the Audience Award at the Cannes Short Film Festival.

Jose Medrano Velazquez

Featured Storyteller

@lostangelesmusic

Jose Medrano Velazquez (they/them) is a Latiné and genderqueer multidisciplinary artist who hails from South Central LA. Through their work in theatre and their music project “Lost Angeles,” Jose seeks to encourage, create, and uplift spaces that empower bold self expression and imagination. Jose and Lost Angeles are largely inspired by science fiction, pop music divas, and also they really love puppies and sharing snacks with friends.

Melba Martinez

Featured Storyteller

@frutamala

Melba Martinez (She/They) is an artist and cultural organizer from Pacoima, CA. Their passion for art, activism, and the fight for the liberation of all oppressed people guide her life and work. Melba has worked as an arts administrator with a variety of for and non-profit organizations across Los Angeles. Their art praxis focuses on the body as a site for joy, pleasure and liberation. Melba’s art practice involves performance, modeling, video art, installation, fiber arts, makeup and styling. They weave their varied knowledge together to create space for historically excluded voices in the arts and the world at large. You can keep up with her latest art projects on Instagram and TikTok.

Sheila Leon Ann Briano

Featured Storyteller

@she_thebanshee

Sheila (she/him/they), is 30 years young-embraces the roles of a dedicated parent, skilled musician, passionate lover, and proud witch, navigating life with an unwavering commitment to connection and authenticity. As a bi-gender individual, Sheila brings a unique perspective to her journey, honoring both aspects of their identity with grace and resilience. Their eclectic interests span across punk and goth culture, seamlessly woven with a deep appreciation for pop culture. Sheila's journey is defined by trust in the universe and a boundless spirit of exploration.

 Alexandra Meda
Co-Host