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 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.