Tempe Center for the Arts

Come along for another exciting episode of Arizona Storytellers! Five remarkable tellers from across Arizona are eager to highlight why civic engagement matters. Get ready to hear fascinating stories of personal journeys, told in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, as they delve into themes of identity and belonging. It's a warm get-together filled with friendship and shared experiences of which you'll love to be a part.

This is the second bilingual Arizona Storytellers event at TCA. Translated captions will be provided in English and Spanish. Republic immigration reporter Rafael Carranza Arroyo will emcee the event.

Storytellers include:

Karina Espinoza
A former journalist and south Phoenix native, Espinoza made the switch to civic advocacy after working in Spanish-language news. The change to become Aliento's content and social media coordinator was inspired by her mixed-status family and their everyday struggles.

Lea Marquez-Peterson
A commissioner at the Arizona Corporation Commission, Marquez-Peterson grew up in Tucson debating policy and candidates with her parents -- life-long Democrats -- at the dinner table. Today, she is the leading voice for Latino Republicans in Arizona.

Roel Ayala
A Phoenix native of Cuban descent, Ayala launched his career in civic engagement while he was still in high school, much to his family's dismay. Throughout the year, he's learned that patience is key to effecting change.

Silvia Solis Garza
Before Garza took on the role of Director of Partnerships and Community Relations at The Republic, she worked with the La Voz team as a bilingual reporter. Her successful efforts this year in covering Mexico's presidential election are tied to her past, specifically her upbringing in the Mexico City.