On Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
As a bilingual, first-generation gay Mexican-American from a low-income background, I have a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education. This perspective drives my commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability. In my current part-time role at UCLA Extension, where I have worked since 2015 and where over 60% of students are international, I have witnessed the significant impact that diversity brings to education. By providing all students with opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities and by clarifying distinctions between training and study versus performance and professional practice, I work to remove barriers and cultivate an inclusive learning environment. I also encourage my students to bridge these divides by writing, creating, and producing stories that reflect the diversity of our nation. Above all, I value the unique perspectives my students bring and regularly ask, “What stories do you want to tell?”
Throughout my life and career, I have had the privilege of working with students, colleagues, and community members from a wide range of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender, non-binary, and ethnic backgrounds. These experiences have provided me with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that diversity presents. For example, in a previous Advanced Acting for the Camera class at UCLA Extension, my students represented countries such as Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States (including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas). This diversity of perspectives significantly enriched our discussions and the overall learning environment.
In my classes, I ensure that every student’s culture, background, and identity are not only respected but actively celebrated. I view this diversity as a valuable resource that strengthens our learning environment and community. We embrace our differences and use them as catalysts for creativity and mutual understanding.
In summary, as an individual with a diverse and intersectional background, I hold myself to the highest standards in student engagement, equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and institutional success. My experience working with diverse students, staff, and faculty is not merely a professional obligation but a source of personal fulfillment. I am inspired by the unique perspectives and experiences that each member of our community contributes.
As a bilingual, first-generation gay Mexican-American from a low-income background, I have a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education. This perspective drives my commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability. In my current part-time role at UCLA Extension, where I have worked since 2015 and where over 60% of students are international, I have witnessed the significant impact that diversity brings to education. By providing all students with opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities and by clarifying distinctions between training and study versus performance and professional practice, I work to remove barriers and cultivate an inclusive learning environment. I also encourage my students to bridge these divides by writing, creating, and producing stories that reflect the diversity of our nation. Above all, I value the unique perspectives my students bring and regularly ask, “What stories do you want to tell?”
Throughout my life and career, I have had the privilege of working with students, colleagues, and community members from a wide range of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender, non-binary, and ethnic backgrounds. These experiences have provided me with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that diversity presents. For example, in a previous Advanced Acting for the Camera class at UCLA Extension, my students represented countries such as Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States (including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas). This diversity of perspectives significantly enriched our discussions and the overall learning environment.
In my classes, I ensure that every student’s culture, background, and identity are not only respected but actively celebrated. I view this diversity as a valuable resource that strengthens our learning environment and community. We embrace our differences and use them as catalysts for creativity and mutual understanding.
In summary, as an individual with a diverse and intersectional background, I hold myself to the highest standards in student engagement, equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and institutional success. My experience working with diverse students, staff, and faculty is not merely a professional obligation but a source of personal fulfillment. I am inspired by the unique perspectives and experiences that each member of our community contributes.
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EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
- Trauma Sensitive Theatre Spaces, - Webinar – Center Theatre Group – Los Angeles, California (January 2025)
- Television Academy Inclusion Summit, – The Television Academy of Arts and Sciences – Los Angeles, California (December 2024)
- Identity and Inclusion in Actor Training, - Webinar – Black Acting Methods Studio, and Digital Theatre Plus – Los Angeles, California (November 2023)
- 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)