Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadette Pena.
Hi Bernadette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2017, we began Women’s History Month with the life story of Frida Kahlo. As we read through the pages, my then 8-year-old granddaughter began to identify similarities between herself and the artist. She mentioned Frida’s eyebrows, her love for painting, and their shared experience living with a disability. Inspired by this moment, she dressed in a flowing skirt and a bright rebozo and placed flowers in her hair. Ella beamed with confidence, wanting to know more about the artist. As I searched for stories of historical women, I found a minimal representation of diverse voices. A few weeks later, frustrated by the false and harmful narratives focused on the Latin community, I thought of our children. Would they believe these messages or feel ashamed of their identity and culture?
Nuestra Gente: A Tribute to Hispanic Innovators and Dreamers™️ is an exhibit and education tool highlighting the Latino community’s global contributions and historical narratives. Through imagery, children portray notable figures of yesterday and today, bridging the generations of trailblazers to the leaders of tomorrow. In 2018, the exhibit opened up at Mission Library; since then, the Nuestra Gente Tribute™️ has traveled into classrooms of all academic levels, adding programming and curriculum, expanding into a second collection, and the Nuestra Gente: Mi Futuro Youth Advisory Council©️, which is a safe space for conversations and the development of youth voice and agency. The exhibit is seen in unconventional spaces, such as corporations and IKEA. Nuestra Gente Tribute™️ has a permanent placement amongst the esteemed Texas A&M University-San Antonio art collection.
This collection is more than beautiful photos. They’re layers of stories, from the child to the tenacious leaders defying what was – in exchange for what could be by breaking down barriers and stereotypes. Their contributions and that of our ancestors have influenced and shaped the history and culture of America. Yet, our stories are excluded from textbooks, and for many, this collection is the first introduction to the legacy of our historical heritage. For example, the activists of San Antonio, Maria Latigo de Hernández, Emma Tenayuca, and Jovita Idár, or pioneers in media and entertainment, Raoul Cortez, Rosita Fernández, and Teresa Champion, or the unsung story of Colonel Gil Coronado, a Lanier High School dropout, who was told he would never amount to anything, eventually responsible for the expansion of Hispanic Heritage Week into a Month.
The Latin community is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S. and is the second largest population. Historically, we are underrepresented politically, in business and civic leadership, and within local and national governments, and we’re missing in the board rooms. Through my work, I encourage individuals to embrace their identities and experiences; these perspectives are valuable. This is one of the many reasons why this exhibit is important; we belong and are worthy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This vision came to life with the help of a village of family and friends. However, the brilliant children of Nuestra Gente Tribute™️ bravely bring these stories to life! The support behind this work has been tremendous, but it hasn’t been without its struggles. From a creative perspective, the work is fun! However, to sustain this work, I have to shift focus to development, strategy, and funding. This isn’t always so easy! As a former banker and project manager, I’ve leaned on my professional experiences and amazing friends in the creative and business communities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Growing up, I’ve always been creative and artistic. As a child, I thought I would be an art teacher or a designer. I just loved the idea of creating something beautiful for myself or for someone to love. While I began a career in banking, I nurtured my creative side by painting, making jewelry, and drawing. Today, my creative output is focused on developing Miella Media©️ and positive storytelling through our media properties, Nuestra Gente Tribute™️, Brava: A Celebration of Women™️, and Nuestra Gente: Mi Futuro©️.
We love to hear about your fond memories of growing up.
My favorite childhood memory is being surrounded by my siblings and primos (cousins). We grew up houses away from one another and had the best weekends and summers. We played and supported one another as children and now as adults.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.miellamedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernadette__pena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nuestragentetribute
