In 2023, I partnered with Libia Edith to combine my passion for art and my Colombian heritage to address a social crisis. Through an entertainment fundraiser, community partnerships in Aldana, and collaboration with local leaders, we created programs that foster cultural pride, mental wellness, and resilience among youth.
Sembrando Arte, Cosechando Esperanzas was created in response to a youth mental health crisis in Aldana, Colombia, where 11 adolescents lost their lives in 2023. The program offers holistic workshops addressing mental health through art and celebrating indigenous heritage, including ceramics, nature-inspired paintings, traditional music and dance, and sports. Activities are followed by guided mountain hikes with Cosecha offerings, a sacred ritual used as a tool for emotional healing and mental wellness. Through these culturally grounded experiences, alongside goal-setting and supportive workshops, youth build resilience, explore their passions, and strengthen their connection to community and culture—empowering them to envision brighter futures.
Raised $1,500 through a multi-channel campaign including a Colombian Christmas show, restaurant partnerships, auctions, and a GoFundMe campaign with supporting media.
View Fundraising Proposal (PDF)
