On Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
As a bilingual, first-generation gay Mexican-American who comes from poverty, I am acutely aware of the transformative power of education. This fuels my commitment to creating an even playing field for all students, regardless of background or ability. In my current part-time position at UCLA Extension (since 2015), where over 60% of our students are international, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact of diversity in education. By offering all students the chance to study/play everything while also clarifying the difference between training/study and performance/professional aspects, we are eradicating barriers and creating a more inclusive learning environment. Moreover, I also strive to instill in my students that we must eliminate this difference by writing, creating, and producing diverse stories for a diverse nation. Above all, I value the unique perspectives of my diverse students, and ask them, “What stories do you want to tell?”
Throughout my life and career, I have had the privilege of engaging with a diverse range of students, colleagues, and community members from various academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender, non-binary, and ethnic backgrounds. This breadth of experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique concerns and opportunities that arise from the convergence of a diverse population. In a previous Advanced Acting for The Camera class at UCLA Extension, my students hailed from a multitude of countries, including Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the USA (LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas). This diverse mix of perspectives enriched our discussions and enhanced the learning environment.
In my classes, everyone’s culture, background, and identity are not only respected, but joyfully celebrated. Their diversity is seen as a rich tapestry that enhances our learning environment and community. We take pride in our differences and use them as a catalyst for creativity and understanding.
In short, as a vastly diverse and intersectional individual, I hold myself to the highest standards in student engagement, equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and institutional success. My experience and comfort in working with a diverse student, staff, and faculty population is not just a job requirement but a source of personal fulfillment. I thrive in this environment, finding inspiration in the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings.
As a bilingual, first-generation gay Mexican-American who comes from poverty, I am acutely aware of the transformative power of education. This fuels my commitment to creating an even playing field for all students, regardless of background or ability. In my current part-time position at UCLA Extension (since 2015), where over 60% of our students are international, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact of diversity in education. By offering all students the chance to study/play everything while also clarifying the difference between training/study and performance/professional aspects, we are eradicating barriers and creating a more inclusive learning environment. Moreover, I also strive to instill in my students that we must eliminate this difference by writing, creating, and producing diverse stories for a diverse nation. Above all, I value the unique perspectives of my diverse students, and ask them, “What stories do you want to tell?”
Throughout my life and career, I have had the privilege of engaging with a diverse range of students, colleagues, and community members from various academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender, non-binary, and ethnic backgrounds. This breadth of experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique concerns and opportunities that arise from the convergence of a diverse population. In a previous Advanced Acting for The Camera class at UCLA Extension, my students hailed from a multitude of countries, including Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the USA (LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas). This diverse mix of perspectives enriched our discussions and enhanced the learning environment.
In my classes, everyone’s culture, background, and identity are not only respected, but joyfully celebrated. Their diversity is seen as a rich tapestry that enhances our learning environment and community. We take pride in our differences and use them as a catalyst for creativity and understanding.
In short, as a vastly diverse and intersectional individual, I hold myself to the highest standards in student engagement, equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and institutional success. My experience and comfort in working with a diverse student, staff, and faculty population is not just a job requirement but a source of personal fulfillment. I thrive in this environment, finding inspiration in the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings.
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EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
- Identity and Inclusion in Actor Training, - Webinar – Black Acting Methods Studio, and Digital Theatre Plus – Los Angeles, California (November 2023)
- Equity to Action Group, Santa Monica College, Theatre Arts Department – Santa Monica, California (January - November 2022)
Equitizing Gateway Courses, - Webinar – Santa Monica College, trained to facilitate and implement culturally-responsive, antiracist, and trauma informed pedagogies – Santa Monica, California (August 2021) - UndocuAlly Training, - Webinar – Santa Monica College, certified as an Ally for undocumented students – Santa Monica, California (March 2021)
- Inclusivity and Theatre: Strategies for Teaching and Practice, - Webinar – Black Theatre Network, ATHA, and Digital Theatre Plus – Los Angeles, California (March 2021)
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Workshops with Visions, Inc., - Webinar – Pomona College Theatre Department – Claremont, California (October | August | December 2020 | January | February 2021)
- GROW workshop series, - Webinar – The Accountable History Network – Claremont, California (February 2021)
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: How Can We Be Part of the Solution? - Webinar – The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Los Angeles, California (December 2020)
- Brave Space: Inclusive Intimacy Practice for Stage, - Webinar – Intimacy Coordinators of Color (ICOD) – Van Nuys, California (November 2020)
- LGBTQ+ SafeZone Certification, - Webinar – Santa Monica College, certified as a SafeZone and SafeZone trainer – Santa Monica, California (November 2020)
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Interactive Media Industry, - Webinar – Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Performance Peer Group – Los Angeles, California (August 2020)
- Teaching in Crisis: Disruption and Identity, - Webinar – National Alliance of Acting Teachers – Los Angeles, California (June 2020)
- Trans Visibility in Storytelling: The Power of TV, Television Academy of Arts and Sciences – North Hollywood, California (August 2019)
- Black, Latino, and Asian voices in Improv: Bringing new perspectives to The Second City Stage, The Second City – Chicago, Illinois (November 2009)
- Casting Call: Diverse Actors Strongly Encouraged to Improvise, The Second City – Chicago, Illinois (November 2008)
