¡Hacia Adelante! - New Role @ National Association of Latino Independent Producers: NALIP

I am thrilled and excited to have accepted the role of Executive Director at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers - effective in February. I join an incredible and passionate community focused and dedicated on advancing and creating important, meaningful and creative work, particularly at a crucial and important time for Latin@s everywhere.

This year will be NALIP’s 15th Anniversary, a milestone that doesn’t and shouldn’t go unnoticed. For these past 15 years NALIP has effectively addressed the professional and advancement needs of Latin@ content creators and has done so through a commitment in supporting both grassroots and community-based producers/media makers along with publicly funded and industry-based creatives.

Most impressive has been a track record and emphasis on NALIP’s core values which emphasize a key and much needed support to Latin@ content creators online, on the ground and across the industry spectrum. Raising important question of historical and cultural relevance and awareness of Latin@s everywhere while establishing important solidarity, alliance building and multiple visions of Latin@ experiences within the local, national, international and global context.

I am truly honored to take on these key values, its history and develop a passionate, innovative and incredible project and vision for the future. This is precisely why we do the work we do - to advance many voices, create many leaders and open many spaces that will in turn reflect what our Latino community is all about - in all its richness and power.

We will build on the incredible work done by Beni Matias, acting Executive Director and Maria Agui Carter, former chair, the NALIP staff and all the individuals, members and allies who have made it all possible. Furthermore, board members Rosa Alonso and Kirk Whisler - bring in their amazing talents and expertise as they take on co-chair duties in 2014. All in all a team that will undoubtedly mark new territory traditionally and digitally, advance new grounds and achieve powerful innovation levels. Looking at 15 more years of trailblazing and trendsetting within and throughout our community.

Of course, moving in new direction always means departing current and old ones. It has been an absolutely and inspiring 4 years at the helm of Cuéntame - from creating and developing its inception to watching it grow and graduate. Leading a talented team of producers, social media gurus and online organizers that have truly made an impact and have made Cuéntame a vibrant and powerful community. Hats off to Ofelia Yánez, Carlos Miranda, Luis Moreno, Iliana Sosa, Jessica McMunn Macías, Daniel Dronsfield, Patricia DeBorba, Raul Preciado, Melanie Bartley, Hobal Grajeda - the hardworking interns and volunteers and all of our allies and friends who have strengthened our work throughout these years. Most importantly though my sincerest appreciation and debt of gratitude to all the supporters and legion of engaged followers who have been the backbone and the reason why projects like Cuéntame exist today. I hope to be able to create quality work that will equally engage them into this new role, transition and organization. 

A special thanks to Brave New Films, and its tireless and visionary leader Robert Greenwald, along with Jim Miller, Devin Smith and all of the dedicated and passionate staff I have worked with these past 7 years - they have truly been my working family and hope to bring all these learnings and experiences effectively. Cuéntame will soon transition and integrate effectively into Brave New Films' work at large. A crucial part of the success of Cuéntame - has been in understanding when it is time for new eyes, fresh vision and leadership to come in, engage and make an impact. 

Taking on a new role is always a challenging, thought-provoking, anxious yet thrilling new experience. I will work to be able to stay in touch with colleagues, allies, partners and friends and develop new ones in the near future. So please add me/follow or drop me a note on my Facebook (where else) profile so we can keep in touch and continue to work together.

¡Hacia Adelante, Always!