With a calling to grow our equitable world, Yura (they/them) co-founded the grassroots nonprofit, LiberArte Inc., through which they nurture cultural projects like Protectores de la Tierra which seeks to empower local communities by promoting food sovereignty and self-sufficiency, preserving cultural heritage, and creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.

Yura creates liberated spaces described as “centering, calming, and helpful” by participants. They host the Building Our Own Tables Podcast spotlighting creators of color at the intersections of gender, sexuality, disability, and other marginalized identities. Yura holds degrees from Boston University, BFA Theatre Arts and CUNY Brooklyn College, MFA Performing Arts Management.

They are of indigenous Kichwa descent and hold Ecuadorian and Colombian citizenship with a lifelong connection to their birthplace on Manahatta island, Lenapehoking.

Yura has received trainings and certifications as a healing facilitator with MINKA Brooklyn and the Dream Bigger Foundation and holds a BFA in Theatre Arts and an MFA in Performing Arts Management. Additionally, Yura's study into Spiritual Herbalism with Roxana Marroquin of Agua de Jade Apothecary further expanded their approach to our relationship with plants as allies.

Yura has also trained as a racial and social justice facilitator with organizations like the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, artEquity, AORTA: Anti-Oppression Resource & Training Alliance, and the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, among others. As a current board member of the Arts Administrators of Color Network and a member of ACRE: Artists Co-Creating Real Equity, Yura actively engages in empowering initiatives that champion BIPOC creatives.

Yura offers a powerful vision of what this world can look like, and their work is making that vision a reality, one step at a time. They hold immense gratitude for all the farmers, elders, ancestors, healing practitioners, artists, activists, fundraisers, and guides who help them on their path.

Photo by Alvin Valentierra.