Keynote Speakers
Dr. Stephanie Elizondo Griest
Stephanie is a celebrated Latina author and activist whose work examines cultural identity and resilience within the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Through her memoirs, including Mexican Enough, Griest explores themes of biculturalism, social justice, and community strength. Her writing and activism challenge erasure and uplift marginalized voices, resonating with the Chingona Gathering’s mission to reclaim identity and cultural pride. Griest’s insights into borderland identity offer a powerful lens for reanimating Chingonisma, inspiring participants to embrace their own stories and cultural complexities with pride and resilience. https://stephanieelizondogriest.com/about/
Dr. Anita Revilla Tijerina
Anita Revilla is a powerful scholar and activist whose work in Chicana feminist theory, spirit murder, and queer identities has been transformative for marginalized communities. Revilla’s research delves into the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism and racism on Chicana and queer identities, providing frameworks that address healing from cultural trauma. Her insights on spirit murder—the institutional and societal violence inflicted on marginalized people’s spirits—speak to the heart of Reanimating Chingonisma, as we strive to restore identity, pride, and cultural resonance in a world that often erases or diminishes them. Her presence at the gathering would inspire attendees to confront and reclaim their own stories, encouraging a profound exploration of self and community resilience.
TBD
Coming soon...
Workshop Facilitators
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza is a Chicana chef and cultural icon celebrated for her award-winning culinary creations that honor Mexican heritage and Indigenous ingredients. A vocal advocate for social justice and culinary integrity, Chef Silvana brings activism into the kitchen, where food becomes a means of storytelling and cultural celebration. Her dedication to sustainable practices and authentic flavors aligns with the Chingona Gathering’s focus on cultural pride and sustainability. Chef Silvana’s culinary expertise will offer participants an immersive experience that celebrates their heritage and fosters a profound connection to their roots through the power of food, making her an exceptional fit for the gathering.
Mama Shabeta
Shabeta, also known as Bernadette Torres, is an Indigenous Curandera and herbalist of Mexican descent, dedicated to connecting communities to healing through traditional plant medicine. With decades of experience in botanical medicine and ancestral healing practices, Shabeta embodies a deep respect for Indigenous wisdom and spiritual wellness. Her work encourages a reconnection with land, heritage, and self through plants, rituals, and cultural traditions. As a practitioner of traditional healing, Shabeta aligns closely with the Chingona Gathering’s mission of cultural reclamation, offering participants ways to restore and honor their heritage through ancestral practices and self-healing.
Dr. Stephanie Elizondo Griest
Stephanie is a celebrated Latina author and activist whose work examines cultural identity and resilience within the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Through her memoirs, including Mexican Enough, Griest explores themes of biculturalism, social justice, and community strength. Her writing and activism challenge erasure and uplift marginalized voices, resonating with the Chingona Gathering’s mission to reclaim identity and cultural pride. Griest’s insights into borderland identity offer a powerful lens for reanimating Chingonisma, inspiring participants to embrace their own stories and cultural complexities with pride and resilience. https://stephanieelizondogriest.com/about/
Dr. Anita Revilla Tijerina
Anita Revilla is a powerful scholar and activist whose work in Chicana feminist theory, spirit murder, and queer identities has been transformative for marginalized communities. Revilla’s research delves into the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism and racism on Chicana and queer identities, providing frameworks that address healing from cultural trauma. Her insights on spirit murder—the institutional and societal violence inflicted on marginalized people’s spirits—speak to the heart of Reanimating Chingonisma, as we strive to restore identity, pride, and cultural resonance in a world that often erases or diminishes them. Her presence at the gathering would inspire attendees to confront and reclaim their own stories, encouraging a profound exploration of self and community resilience.
Entertainment
Heidi Rojas
Heidi Rojas is a talented singer-songwriter and cultural advocate whose work celebrates Latinx identity, resilience, and self-empowerment through music and storytelling. Known for her ability to blend powerful messages with vibrant Latin rhythms, Heidi uses her platform to amplify voices from marginalized communities, speaking to the strength and beauty of bicultural experiences. Her songs reflect themes of identity reclamation, cultural pride, and resilience, making her an inspiring fit for the Chingona Gathering. Heidi’s dedication to uplifting Latinx narratives aligns deeply with the gathering’s mission to reanimate Chingonisma, empowering participants to embrace their heritage and find strength in their stories. Her music has the potential to enrich the gathering, fostering an environment that is both healing and celebratory, and providing a powerful soundtrack to participants' journeys of self-discovery and reclamation. https://www.heidirojas.com/
Food Pathways
TBD
Announcing our Chef soon!
