I’m a male and bisexual, and content. I am a Hispanic American. I come from an immigrant family that came from Puebla, Mexico. I am from the U.S. but more in touch with my heritage. I come from South Central LA. I go to Animo Ralph Bunche, and love to connect with REACH LA. I love to be creative and draw, make nails, and to get out there and join groups such as REACH LA. I am passionate about keeping a nice aesthetic. I also am very passionate about loving others. I value my lover and family, as well as friends.

Aymee (eye⋅meh) Mendez (she/they/his) is an asexual first generation Mexican American. They were born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. Arising Senior of Brio College Prep who is passionate in activism and their studies. They use their time by exploring different types of arts and books. They are passionate in advocating for conservation and human rights.

My name is Alejandro Azúl Ovalle (they/them) I am made of ascorbic assonance, meaningful mystique & unruly sapphire. I am a Salvadoran and Guatemalan first-generation interdisciplinary artist based in the San Gabriel Valley and am passionate about integrating the avant-garde in relation to the cultural capital that I possess to deconstruct socio-economic barriers. Azul is a shapeshifter and is creating more capacity to embody changes that lie below the surface level. It is very important for Azúl to engage in a constant conversation when all seems lost—They do so by taking photos around Koreatown, a place infused with Central American, Korean, and South Asian roots, visiting the Salvadoran Street Food Market, and indulging in scrumptious pupusas. Regardless of what anyone says, they radiate capacity for divinity, baby-blue tenderness, vampire-fairy princess energy and effervescent enchantment. Blue is interested in exploring the “in-between” area that comes up often when we challenge the gender binary and understanding what nuances arise when healing is prioritized. I am impacted by the power of language & relationship to place given that the Los Angeles area is able to emulate regenerative futurism & restoration for those within underserved communities. I am so grateful to myself for trusting my intuition when I felt a lack of autonomy & cultivating faith in a greater good. I am thrilled to continue being critical of our distorted realities & documenting the many ways in which I feel called to my sources of resilience.

Eli Grijalva (he/him) is a queer trans Latino born and raised in East Los Angeles. He is currently attending Mendez High school and has a strong love for social justice and art. He hopes that he can contribute to the many communities he is a part of and use art as a way to make change. He has joined many different youth programs like HEAT with the hope to learn more about his community and how to make a difference. He was inspired to join HEAT in particular because of the incorporation of art and community and the welcoming queer space.

I am Elizabeth Diana Camano - Elíh (eh-lee) and my pronouns are She/they! I am a queer - first generation Latina from South Central LA! I am the youngest of 7 kids to a strong immigrant mom from Guerrero, Mexico. I graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara last June with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Brain Sciences. I am very passionate about mental health awareness, advocacy, and community activism for QTPOC communities. I love to express myself through singing, writing, dance, and doodling/painting! I also love to travel and expand my inner world by exploring more of this beautiful planet we inhabit! I truly value creativity and community and authentic self-expression and how each of these things are pillars for both individual and community healing. 🦋

Gieneyra Lai-Alvarez is a 23-year-old biracial, non-binary individual who navigated the complexities of life and identity, having grown up between foster care and their father's home in North Hollywood. With an immigrant mother from Tijuana, Mexico, and a father from Taipei, Taiwan, Gieneyra has experienced the rich, diverse cultural tapestry that shapes their perspective.

Passionate about educating others on mental health disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, Gieneyra draws from personal family experiences to highlight the impact of these conditions. Their life’s mission aspires to touch on the challenges faced by QTPOC individuals, those who have been systemized, and those raised by immigrants in modern American society.

With REACH LA, Gieneyra's journey continues to be deeply influenced by the many non-profit art programs around Los Angeles, which provides a much-needed lifeline. Through the values and diverse communities that art attracts, Gieneyra finds stability, healing, and most importantly fun. Gieneyra continues to explore their passion for animal welfare, sustainability, and mental health using their creativity to tell their story and inspire others.

Gieneyra plans to finish their high-school diploma by 2025. After graduation Gieneyra wants to pursue community college classes related to sculpture, woodwork, welding, sustainability, and physics to further strengthen their skills to create the art pieces they seek to be showcased. They hope their journey to self-actualization brings them financial wealth and housing stability.

Katie Harumi Apinado Yoshihata (she/her) is a pansexual Japanese and Filipino- American raised in South Central Los Angeles. They are a part of the REACH LA H.E.A.T. Program. Some of her hobbies include reading, drawing, skateboarding, painting, and playing video games. Katie is passionate about advocating for Social Justices and using art to challenge the Colonial Matrix of Power. She is on a journey to decolonize her mind and reconnect to her heritage.

Myrsa Toledo, a first-generation Mexican American self-mode artist. Born and raised in Los Angeles City and raised by Mazatlantecos. Myrsa is a rising Senior of Brio College Prep who draws, writes, and listens to music in his free time. (SubhumANZ & Decendens are his favorite <3). Myrsa is an activist for Human Rights and empowerment.

Rio Analco is a Queer Mexican American Trans Male, born and raised in Huntington Park. He’s a transfer student from East Los Angeles Community College, currently attending UC San Diego and majoring in Psychology. He’s a big fan of Art Photography and enjoys taking pictures with his different film cameras. He believes that music is the one artistic form that can truly unite/bring people together. He joined H.E.A.T. to reconnect with the amazing LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles.

I am Silvia Limas, a 15-year-old autistic Mexican American, born and raised in South Central. I'm a high school student and college readiness program participant, and most importantly, a student for the H.E.A.T. Program. In my free time, I enjoy exploring art and nature. I'm passionate about education, representing myself and my family, and value honesty, creativity, and accountability. My goal is a future where individuals are not judged for their passions but celebrated for their unique expression and individuality.