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Speakers & Panels

Saturday April 26, 2025

1:00 PM

Screening Room: 2

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Moderator

Sylvia Rincon

Set to Sale: The Hustle of Indie Filmmaking

PANEL:  Alex Draghici, Bryan Ramirez, Laura Varela, Maryam Pirband

Independent filmmaking is not for the faint of heart—it’s for the hustlers, the dreamers, and the do-it-all creatives who refuse to wait for permission. In this dynamic panel, meet a group of powerhouse indie filmmakers who’ve turned passion projects into nationally recognized hits. From navigating tight budgets and finding the perfect cast to landing distribution deals and breaking through the noise, these storytellers pull back the curtain on what it really takes to go from script to screen—and sell it.

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Get real-world advice, unfiltered lessons, and hard-won inspiration from creatives who’ve made waves on the festival circuit, caught the attention of major platforms, and built careers on their own terms. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, or just obsessed with the indie grind, this conversation will leave you fired up and full of insights.

PANEL BIOS

Alexander “Alex” Draghici

Alex grew up in San Antonio TX and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a producer in the entertainment business. He is the cofounder of Malibu Films and has over 20 films produced to date and several tv series. His company also produces music videos and develops music artists in all genres. Alex is now currently an executive producer and mostly an investor on projects that grab his attention. 

Bryan Ramirez

Bryan is an award winning filmmaker from San Antonio, Texas. Upon graduating honors with a degree in Motion Picture Production from Full Sail Film School in Orlando, Florida, He broke into the industry editing the Documentary “Los Lonely Boys: CottonFields and Crossroads' (Sony Entertainment), while moonlighting at many other post houses. Building a reputation as a natural storyteller.


Bryan wrote, directed, and produced “Line of Duty” (Lionsgate) lasting 4 weeks in AMC Theaters across the U.S., acquiring international distribution through Lionsgate, his first feature film.

Following the success of “Line of Duty” as his first feature film, he partnered to direct the opening segment in the trilogy “Sanitarium” (IMAGE) as his second. Which led Him to Executive Produce “Entertainment” (Magnolia Pictures) which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2015.

The last few years Bryan has been producing the reality television shows "Flipping Nightmares" with AMP, and "Built for Business" for MotorTrendTV, As well as producing live boxing broadcasts for FiteTV.

Most recently he made the decision to leave reality and get back into narrative feature filmmaking, signing on to direct two feature films "Pine Ridge" and "A Brother's Badge".

Laura Varela

Laura Varela is a cultural translator and channels her upbringing on the US/ Mexico border in El Paso, TX, into her work, transcending cultural, linguistic, and physical borders through film and contemporary art installations. She is based in San Antonio, TX, a hub for her filmmaking and artistic endeavors. She is a producer for the VoxFem Network, a platform for innovative, international women artists and changemakers. Her work as a Producer/Director/Writer for documentary films further underscores her commitment to social justice movements and her life’s mission to use art and storytelling to uplift the Latinx/Chicanx community.  AMERICAN SONS, Produced by Laura Varela and Produced/Directed by Andrew James Gonzales will have it’s World Premiere at SXSW in 2025.

 

Varela’s documentary, AS LONG AS I REMEMBER: AMERICAN VETERANOS, was broadcast nationally on PBS from 2010 to 2016 via American Public Television. UN TRIP: RAÚLRSALINAS AND THE POETRY OF LIBERATION (documentary short) by Anne Lewis and Laura Varela has completed its film festival run and has won numerous awards and broadcast on PBS stations across Texas as part of the Frame of Mind Series. She is the Associate Producer on Anne Lewis’s 2028 film A STRIKE AND AND UPRISING (IN TEXAS!) She produced the related educational shorts and helped develop the educational website.

 

She is developing a feature film, QUEEN OF THE ACCORDION, based on the life of Conjunto musician Eva Ybarra; and the documentary REBECCA FLORES: UNDER THE SOUTH TEXAS SUN with Anne Lewis.

 

Varela’s projects have received funding from Latino Public Broadcasting’s Public Media Content Fund, The Jacquie Jones Memorial Scholars Fund by Black Public Media, California Humanities Documentary Fund, Humanities Texas, ITVS Diversity Development Fund, The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture National Fund for the Arts, the Bexar County Public Arts Fund, and the City of San Antonio Arts and Culture.

 

Varela lectures and screens her work nationally and internationally at cultural centers and Universities. She taught classes in 2012-2013 on documentary film in the Department of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Texas San Antonio. Varela is an alumnus of the PBS Producers Academy, the NALAC Leadership Institute, the NALIP Producers Academy, the NALIP Latino Media Market, and the Creative Capital Professional Development Workshop. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Department of Radio-TV and Film. Artist Residencies include Swarthmore College, Art for Change, NYC, and the Hochschule Niederrhein, Faust Academy, and the University of Bielefeld in Germany.

Maryam Pirband

Maryam Pirband is a director/ writer who makes character-based films that explore social justice issues. She is well-known for her films: Vertical, Dandelion season, Dance with me, Silence, P6, and Fermysk. She studied movie directing in Iran and continued her education to a Master's Degree at California's Azusa Pacific University. She is a PhD student at EGS in Philosophy, Art & Critical Thought. She began her filmmaking journey in Iran and worked in different countries, making award-winning films and Tv Shows in different genres and languages. People know her as a gate opener for other women. She was the first professional female stunt in Iran; she is the first and only female action director in Iran and the only immigrant Iranian female filmmaker who made horror action feature films in the Spanish language. She has been invited to different film festivals' juries or the head of the jury panel worldwide. Her books "Triangle" and "Where Am I Standing" were published in 2016 and 2018.

3:00 PM

Screening Room: 2

Moderator
Sylvia Rincon

From Extraordinary Citizen to Super Legislator: The state of Texas film

FEATURED LEGISLATOR:  State Rep Josie Garcia District 124

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State Representative Josey Garcia is a trailblazer, devoted public servant, proud wife, mother of eight, and Combat Veteran. She made history as the first woman veteran ever elected to the Texas Legislature, representing House District 124—which includes the heart of San Antonio’s West Side, from Marbach to the SeaWorld corridor.

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Rep. Garcia’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Raised in the foster care system, she experienced a turbulent childhood, attending 13 different schools. These early challenges shaped her resilience and deepened her passion for public service. She went on to serve 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, with deployments to Cameroon and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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In her first term during the 88th Legislative Session, Rep. Garcia hit the ground running—authoring 39 bills, co-authoring 175, and seeing 30 signed into law. Among her most impactful efforts is the Vanessa Guillen Day Act, which designates September 30 as a day of remembrance for Specialist Vanessa Guillen and a call to action against military sexual violence.

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As Whip of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus and Secretary of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Rep. Garcia uplifts her Afro-Latina heritage by championing communities of color across the state. She was honored as "Freshman of the Year" by the House Democratic Caucus, a recognition of her tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication to her constituents.

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Rep. Garcia’s legislative focus is rooted in lived experience—addressing issues that matter most to real people: reforming the foster care and CPS systems, expanding access to mental health care, supporting veterans, advancing criminal justice reform, and protecting children and families.

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In addition to her policy work, she is a passionate advocate for economic development through the entertainment industry—particularly streaming television and film. She champions initiatives that increase the presence of Latinos in lead roles and behind-the-camera positions, seeing this as a powerful way to boost the creative economy while ensuring authentic representation in mainstream media. She recently honored Rick Cuéllar, founder of the Fiesta SATX Film and Music Festival, and his team with a formal recognition on the Texas House Floor, applauding their groundbreaking work in building a thriving production industry in Texas and elevating Latino voices in streaming, television, and film.

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Rep. Garcia’s leadership reflects a powerful truth: service doesn't end in uniform—it evolves. Her courage, compassion, and drive continue to inspire Texans from all walks of life, especially the Latino community she so proudly represents.

5:00 PM

Screening Room: 2

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Moderator
Javi Gomez

From Dream to Victory: Partnering with Talent Agencies to Achieve Your Goals

FEATURED AGENT:  Cyntha “Cindy” Twedt

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Breaking into the entertainment industry takes more than just talent—it takes strategy, relationships, and the right team behind you. In this insightful discussion Ms. Twedt  discusses how partnering with a talent agency can be a game-changing move in turning your dreams into real, measurable success.

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Learn how to attract representation, what agents look for in new talent, and how to build a collaborative relationship that aligns with your long-term goals. Whether you're an actor, writer, director, or multi-hyphenate creative, this session will give you the tools and insider knowledge to navigate the agency world with clarity and confidence.

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Dream big. Hustle smart. And take your next step toward victory.

BIO

Ms. Twedt is the Founder & Talent Agent, Entourage Model & Talent Agency

 

Cyntha “Cindy” Twedt is the founder of Entourage Model & Talent Agency, proudly celebrating 37 years of success in the modeling and acting industry. Based in Austin, Texas, with additional locations in Miami and a Los Angeles division, Cindy has discovered, trained, and booked talent for top brands, film, and television nationwide such as Louis Vuitton, Marriott, Whole Foods

 

She is also the creator of the Entourage Modeling & Acting Summer Camp, an acclaimed program that helps kids and teens build on-camera skills, runway confidence, and audition technique. Cindy is known for her passion for mentorship and talent development and she continues to inspire the next generation of stars.

7:00 PM

Screening Room: 2

Javi Perez.jpg

Moderator
Javi Perez

Staying Local, Going Far: Building a TV Career in Your Community

PANEL:   Nina Duran, Luis Muñoz ...

MORE PANELIST TO BE ANNOUNCED

You don’t have to move to Hollywood to make it in television. This inspiring panel features TV professionals who have built thriving careers while staying rooted in their local communities. From regional productions and indie pilots to national recognition, these creatives prove that talent, determination, and strategic networking can open doors—no matter where you're based.

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Hear real-world stories of breaking into the industry from outside the major hubs, learn how to leverage local resources, and discover how to grow your career without leaving your hometown behind. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your footprint, this panel is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and proof that success in TV can happen anywhere.

BIOS

Nina Duran

Nina Duran, a proud San Antonio native, earned her Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Master's in Communications from the University of the Incarnate Word. During her college years, she worked as an Associate Producer for Great Day SA. Nina went on to serve as Publisher of La Prensa, San Antonio’s only bilingual, family-owned newspaper, where she championed a "positive news only" approach.

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She currently holds the role of Executive Assistant at Moat Enterprises, a land development and creative finance firm. Nina has written several books, including her latest work, A Walk With Alzheimer’s: A Collection of Memories—a deeply personal 10-year project featuring photos, journal entries, and unfiltered reflections chronicling her father’s journey with Alzheimer’s and his passing.

 

Above all, Nina is a mom to her two sons, Elijah and Noah, and a loving dog mom to Mango and Sinatra.

Luis Muñoz

Luis Muñoz – Executive Producer | Political Consultant | Storyteller
Born and raised in Guatemala, Luis Muñoz is an accomplished television and film producer recognized for his bold creative vision and passion for original content. Starting as an upaid intern, he quickly rose to become Senior Producer of the #1 Tejano and Country music show in the U.S., later developing national programming for Univision and Galavisión networks. His work spans concerts, comedy specials, music videos, biography shows, hundreds of TV commercials, and high-profile corporate productions - including political work for dozens of political candidates and even projects for the President of the United States.


Luis helped create and led CBS San Antonio’s (KENS-TV) top-rated morning show “Great Day SA” for 11 years, producing over 2,000 live episodes and pioneering a new model for paid entertainment programming which is now used across the country. He also consulted for other morning shows such as “Daytime @ Nine” on Fox and “The Living Show.”


With several national TV credits, a successful syndicated travel series, and a growing slate of film projects—including collaborations with Daniel Baldwin—Luis is back at Bauhaus Media Group, Inc. and continues to push boundaries and create new projects across various platforms.

Sunday April 27, 2025

From Auditions to Action: "Stepping Into Your Millon Dollar Role"

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER: Daniel Gomez

11:00 AM

Art Gallery

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Daniel Gomez is an award-winning keynote speaker, business coach, executive coach, corporate trainer, and proud recipient of the prestigious Podcast of the Year award.

 

With a passion for inspiring and empowering others, Daniel travels the globe, speaking and coaching at premier events to help businesses and entrepreneurs unlock their full potential.

 

As an international best-selling author, Daniel’s transformative book, The Makings of a Millionaire Mind, equips readers with the mindset, attitude, and heart needed to build wealth while remaining grounded in God’s principles.

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His guidance ensures that success comes with balance and purpose, avoiding pitfalls that could lead to self-sabotage.

 

Daniel’s dynamic energy and ability to unleash untapped potential have made him a highly sought-after keynote speaker and corporate trainer.

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His impressive client list includes top organizations such as the U.S. Air Force, and his dedication has earned him the

“Best of” recognition for his training and coaching services five consecutive years (2019–2024).

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Beyond his professional achievements, Daniel and his wife, Mari Gomez, are dedicated to giving back. Together, they founded

The Mari Strong Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting women impacted by breast cancer.

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This heartfelt initiative reflects their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

 

Daniel Gomez is more than a professional speaker and coach—he’s a catalyst for epic success in both personal and professional spheres.

Known for his authenticity, approachability, and high-energy presentations, Daniel continues to inspire audiences worldwide

while helping individuals and organizations reach new heights.

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No Budget, Big Dreams: The Reality of Indie Producing 

1:00 PM

Art Gallery

Moderator
Henrietta Hernandez

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PANEL:   Chip White, Katrina "Kitty J" Jones, Keekee Suki

Think you need millions to make a movie? Think again. In this raw and revealing panel, seasoned indie producers share what it really takes to bring a project to life when money is tight but the vision is big. From scrappy shoots and creative problem-solving to rallying teams and pulling favors, these producers have done it all—and lived to tell the tale.

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Get the real scoop on budgeting, fundraising, scheduling, and making magic happen with limited resources. Whether you're producing your first short or gearing up for a feature, this conversation will leave you with practical tips, candid advice, and the motivation to keep pushing forward—no matter the budget.

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Because in indie film, heart and hustle go further than cash ever could.

BIOS

Chip White

Chip is originally from North Myrtle Beach, SC and is the younger brother of Vanna White. He has more than 30 years of experience in the film and TV business. After moving to LA in the early 80’s he spent the next 20 years working for some of Hollywood’s biggest companies, including King World, Sony, MTV, Vh1, Nickelodeon, and Discovery. In 2005 he relocated back to the Carolinas where he has produced for SPEED, Fox Sports, Wells Fargo, Coca-Cola, and Duke Energy. It’s there in Charlotte where his passion for film was reignited, While living in Charlotte he produced multi-award winning short films, including ‘A Chess Player, My Luchador, Crab Trap, Wages of Sin, Day Pass and Black Dispatch’. He was also an Associate Producer on INSP’s feature films ‘Heritage Falls, County Line and Christmas on the Range’. His indie features include ‘Electric Jesus, Heir of the Witch’ and ‘The Grand Strand’. You can also see some of Chip’s handy art talents in the Lion’s Gate film ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’. In 2022 Chip started a new chapter in his life, with a move to San Antonio, Texas. From there he still travels to work on indie productions and started a podcast with Nelco Media called Relatively Famous with Chip White.

Brandon Lee Keropian

Brandon Olmos brings over 25 years of experience in Latino film and community work across Los Angeles, New York City, and San Antonio. The son of actor and activist Edward James Olmos, Brandon began his career in 1991 as an intern with Olmos Productions, contributing to American Me (1992), the "making of" documentary Lives in Hazard (1993), and It Ain’t Love (1996), a documentary on domestic violence. These early projects allowed him to learn the art of Latino filmmaking while also engaging in activism, especially in the wake of the 1993 LA riots.

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After earning a music performance degree from Hunter College, Brandon co-produced The Americanos Concert (1999) with Olmos Productions and the Smithsonian Institute. The PBS special won an IMAGEN Latin Image Award in 2000. A member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild since 2004, Brandon has served as a post audio supervisor, sound engineer, and mixer on over 40 film and television projects. He’s also composed music for over 15 films and written more than 100 songs.

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In 2008, he produced an album with Latin Grammy nominees AMOR Y PASION in San Antonio, TX.  From 2010 to 2018, Brandon produced 10 feature films under  Mutt Productions:

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  • The Return of Johnny V. (2011)

  • Dani the Ranch Hard (2012)

  • Mahogany Sunrise (2013)

  • Gino’s Wife (2014)

  • The Green Ghost (2015)

  • Colossal Youth (2016)

  • The Margarita Man (2017)

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He also directed several cultural and social documentaries including Una Noche De La Gloria (2010), Dia Del Rio/Day of the River (2012), and This is MyCountry: Twin Fiddles and Accordion (2013).

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Brandon has been active in civic and cultural advocacy, serving as a consultant for the City of San Antonio Film Commission, a board member for the LULAC Council for the Arts, and an advisory board member for the Cesar E. Chavez Educational Foundation.

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In 2021, he launched The AMERICAN VOZ EDUCATIONAL PROJECT, a documentary and classroom curriculum exploring San Antonio’s legacy in Latino political history.

Katina "Kitty J" Jones

Kitty J is a force to be reckoned with in the film industry. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, she has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career as an actress, stuntwoman, writer, executive producer, and director. Her multifaceted talent and dedication have made her a prominent figure in the world of independent entertainment.

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Kitty J is the visionary owner of Undivorceable Films Studios, a production company based in Dallas, Texas. Under her leadership, the studio has produced several award-winning and highly popular streaming movies. Her films have graced platforms such as Peacock, Amazon, Fawesome TV, Roku, and Tubi TV, captivating audiences with their compelling narratives and exceptional production quality.

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Known for her alluring personality, keen business acumen, and a deep sense of community, Kitty J fosters an environment where creativity thrives. Her genuine warmth and collaborative spirit have made her productions highly sought after by actors and crew members alike. Kitty J's unique blend of talent, passion, and leadership continues to inspire and elevate the film industry, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the pleasure of working with her.

KeeKee Suki

Originally from the Garden island of Kauai . His family moved into San Antonio in 1985 and he started his film journey in 1998 working on the set of Low Rider weekend by Efrian productions working with actors such as Jesse Borrego and Danny de La Paz ,


He moved on to work with the Steven Stoli play house , and working with L.A. Acting coaches such as Amanda Swim and Brad Milne, continuing his dream to become an Action star he decided to work with several stunt teams such as Janelle Smith from Iron Dragon T.V. and Rising Star stunts from Arizona, and Joemer Duarte and Angel mist productions , continuing on following his dream he landed a role on Mexican gangster 2 with Damien Chapa as the character Teddy Bear , now after working on set such as Disney and Troublemakers studio and Paramount 1883 , KeeKee continuing his pursuit to the world of Acting he just recently filmed on Skate to Hell filmed in Las Vegas Nevada , working with director Shawn Phillips and sharing the silver screen with film legends Robert Larserdo And Robert Carriodne and currently has work on over 60 films and now he recently signed with Citizen Skull management out of L.A. and Dallas and his Agent Phir gun international KeeKee Suki is working toward within the next couple years to join Sag and move his career more to the mainstream market as well as recently producing his own feature films such as Darkness Strain on YouTube and Mr. Marbles, he has now
formed Dragon eye media , and contuning on his journey to success in the Television and film industry .

Carmona is a self taught award winning independent filmmaker with over 14 short films, two documentaries, and four music videos.  He is currently working on the series "King of the South" starring Tejano icon, Little Joe.  With a soundtrack produced by Shelly Lares and a stacked cast King of the South episode one debuts 6.9.25.  Carmona is also a published author of two books of poetry a favoite pastime.  He recently found a new passion working with "Street Peace" a community organization. Along with his new found community, Carmona continues to work and create a different narrative of the Xicano experience. 

Carmona Gemini

David Pequeno

David (Avid) started doing videos for fun when he started to record music for artists in a home recording studio, then he learned he could turn it into a career & also becoming a passion of his. Avid loves to travel and meet new people from different walks of life so this career compliments that opportunity. Having a passion to capture moments in high quality so it can last a lifetime for businesses & individuals to get their stories seen across the world.

San Antonio: Making It An International Hub for the Arts

3:00 PM

Art Gallery

Moderator
Henrietta Hernandez

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PANEL:  Patsy Torres, Brandy Lopez, Michelle Chel, Veronica Lopez, Rosie Longoria, Teresa Garza, Elvira Cavazos 

Teresa Garza

This panel brings together a dynamic group of trailblazers—actresses, singers, editors, state representatives, radio personalities, filmmakers, and recording artists—who are breaking boundaries and reshaping the narrative of what women can be, in a grassroots conversation about the future of the arts in San Antonio. Together, they’ll explore how local talent and community collaboration can drive international recognition.

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From building sustainable support for artists to creating inclusive spaces and cross-border partnerships, this discussion dives into the real challenges and exciting possibilities of transforming San Antonio into a global arts destination—led by the people who live and create here every day.

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This isn’t just about ambition—it’s about action, equity, and building an arts scene that’s both rooted and far-reaching.

BIOS

Dr. Pasty Torres

From Music Star to Doctor and Lifelong Learner​

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Dr. Torres, a celebrated recording artist, never imagined returning to school. However, two key motivations guided her back: a childhood dream of becoming a doctor like her grandfather, Dr. William Torres, and her deep faith in God’s plan.

Though she initially pursued science with medical school in mind, music unexpectedly took over. What started as a way to skip class turned into a full-blown passion, launching her into a successful music career. Her earnings helped fund her science degree, and visits to schools sparked her desire to inspire youth, leading her to create The Positive Force Tour (PFT INC.), a national program using music to encourage students to stay in school.

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Despite her musical success, Dr. Torres felt unfulfilled and sought spiritual guidance. A unique opportunity at the University of the Incarnate Word allowed her to earn college credits through performance, reigniting her academic journey. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Education, and ultimately, a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Education, overcoming doubts and challenges along the way.

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Throughout her studies, she continued performing and recording music, viewing it as her divine gift. Her next album is set to release in 2025.

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At the moment she received her Ph.D., a simple question—“How does it feel to be Dr. Torres?”—made her realize she had achieved her lifelong dream. Today, she champions the value of education at every stage of life, reminding others: “You’re never too old,” and growth begins with the willingness to keep learning.

Brandy Lopez

Champion of Latino Culture and Media

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Brandy Lopez, a vibrant San Antonio native, is the Executive Producer and Host of Latin Fusion TV, a globally streamed show featuring artist interviews, entertainment news, and human interest stories. Her mission is to uplift and inspire through family-friendly programming rooted in hope, faith, and unity.

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Her passion for performing began at age five and led to early roles in commercials and bilingual soap operas, including General Hospital. After a hiatus, she returned with a commercial for the 15th Annual Tejano Music Awards, reigniting her artistic journey.

In 2006, Brandy launched Tejano Classic TV and later founded Latin Fusion TV to increase Latino representation in media. Her work has taken her nationwide, including a historic performance at the first Cinco de Mayo celebration at Shaw Air Force Base. Her contributions have earned her several honors, including a “Key to the City.”

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Brandy is also active in her community, serving on the boards of the Center for Family Relations and the Greater San Antonio Film Council. She is co-founder of the Fiesta SATX Film and Music Festival and continues to promote Hispanic talent through events and business ventures like Fresh Start Enterprises.

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​Her guiding motto: “We are a community, not a competition. Amor y Pasión.”

Rosie L. Almazaan

Educator, Radio Host, and Tejano Music Advocate

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Rosie L. Almazan, widely known as Rosie Longoria, hails from Edinburg, Texas, and was raised in San Juan. A proud graduate of PSJA High School, she earned a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in 1985. After becoming a certified teacher in 1990, Rosie dedicated 30 years to education, earning a Master of Education with a focus in Bilingual Education and Principal Certification through a full scholarship. She was a leader in her field, serving on and chairing numerous school committees.

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In addition to her educational career, Rosie is a passionate radio personality. She began broadcasting in 2012 with Caranaradio and later with Bnetradio in Houston. Now, she hosts “Squeezebox Nation” on KLMO 98.9/92.1 FM every Wednesday evening, sharing her love for Conjunto music with a global audience via Facebook Live and the KLMO Tejano App.

Teresa Garza

Filmmaker and Advocate for Women’s Voices

 

Teresa Garza is a passionate filmmaker and storyteller committed to creating socially impactful content. Her work spans short films, commercials, and a telenovela-style project that centers on women's experiences and empowerment.

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She is the creator and host of "Mujer Poder Hoy," a television show that amplifies the voices of women in the community. In addition to her media work, Teresa serves as the Marketing Director for YWCA San Antonio, where she leads creative initiatives that uplift and support women.

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Her upcoming telenovela, La Cuenta Pendiente, focused on social issues and women’s stories, is set to premiere on May 8, 2025, at City Base Cinema in San Antonio. Through her storytelling and leadership, Teresa continues to inspire change and champion women's narratives in media.

Veronica Lopez

"La Consentida" of Latin Music

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Veronica Lopez, affectionately known as "La Consentida," is a celebrated Latin recording artist renowned for her dynamic stage presence, powerful voice, and charming personality. With a vocal style reminiscent of icons like Linda Ronstadt, Edie Gorme, and Selena Quintanilla, she has headlined shows in Las Vegas and performed across prestigious stages nationwide.

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Her musical journey began at age 7, singing Mariachi music at her family’s restaurant in California’s San Fernando Valley. Since then, she has graced countless cultural festivals, rallies, corporate events, and international stages. Her music, available on major digital platforms, reaches audiences worldwide.

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Veronica’s original song "America’s Glory," known as "The Immigrant’s Anthem," has been featured at significant events, including the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride Rally in Washington D.C., Los Angeles’ Immigrant’s March, and the Jackson Family Foundation's Legacy Concert. Another standout song, "Mujeres Sexy’s," gained attention on Univision and Telemundo for promoting self-love and challenging stereotypes.

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Her accomplishments include radio play on over 800 stations globally, a Las Vegas Latin Music Award, and recognition as an Ambassador for Peace for her song "Humanity." She has also appeared on the Grammy ballot in both English and Spanish for her exceptional songwriting.

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Embracing Tejano music, Veronica is currently working on a new album, "Mi Sueño," produced by Javier Villarreal in San Antonio—where she has found a second home, inspired by its rich Tex-Mex culture.

In addition to her solo work, she continues to perform beloved classics in ensemble shows across Las Vegas. With her deep passion, powerful message, and global appeal, Veronica Lopez remains a beloved and influential force in Latin music.

Elvira Cavazos

Champion of Tejano Music and Cultural Arts

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Elvira, a proud San Antonio resident, has dedicated her life and career to promoting music, especially Tejano, which she admires for its vibrant energy and cultural richness. With over 30 years of experience in advertising, photography, marketing, event management, and public relations, she has made significant contributions across industries including banking, education, nonprofits, and tourism.

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A graduate of the University of Phoenix with a B.S. in Business Marketing, Elvira is also a successful media entrepreneur. She founded and published two influential publications: TejanoWave, a magazine celebrating Tejano music during its golden era, and Ahorro Internacional, a tourism savings journal distributed in Mexico.

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Currently, Elvira serves as President of MusicBEAT Productions, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting the arts and Hispanic heritage. She is also Editor-in-Chief and Chief Marketing Officer of MusicBEAT~Tejano Rhythm Magazine, which aims to increase appreciation for the arts and connect fans with artists through events like meet-and-greets and autograph sessions.

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Elvira’s dedication to cultural advocacy continues through her recent appointment as Vice President of Marketing on the board of the Lift Latinos Production Fund. Known for her strong commitment to community, collaboration, and cultural preservation, Elvira lives by the motto: “United We Thrive.”

Michelle Chel

Champion of Tejano Music and Cultural Arts

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Michelle, a talented and ambitious artist from Corpus Christi, Texas, began her journey in the arts at just three years old through dance. By age 12, she had earned scholarships to study in New York and Mexico City, training with esteemed mentors like Oscar-winning actress Regina Torne and vocal coach Maria Guzman. At 13, she launched her music career with the single “Junto A Tí”, followed by her debut album “Don’t Stop The Music.”

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At 15, Michelle signed with RCA Records, propelling her international music career, and later inked a global deal with CBS Records. By 17, she had become one of the youngest Hispanic women to sign a worldwide recording contract. Her hit album “Algo Para Recordar” brought her international fame, leading to global tours and appearances on major Spanish-language TV shows like “Sabado Gigante” and “Siempre En Domingo.”

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After years of success, Michelle took a break to focus on community outreach, working with various nonprofits. She returned in 2002 with the albums “Amor Perfecto” and “Luz De Mi Vida,” showcasing her growth as a songwriter and producer.

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