Priscilla Gutierrez – Ranger Motors

Production Manager – IDENTITY Productions

Priscilla Gutierrez speaks passionately about Ranger Motors in Laredo, Texas, as her place of significance. Founded by her grandparents, it’s not just a family business but a cornerstone of her upbringing, where her father taught her invaluable lessons in relationship-building and customer service. These teachings have profoundly shaped her professional ethos, emphasizing the importance of empathy and connection. Ranger Motors, for Priscilla, is more than a business; it’s a symbol of family legacy and community ties, resonating through generations.

Priscilla recently spoke to attendees of the Creative Leadership Academy for our Creative Pathways Program, where guests from STEAM industries shared their unique journeys, blending science and art to inspire a new generation of innovators. Click here to view the presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn Henderson – Camden, New Jersey

Director of Research – Village of Wisdom

Dawn’s hometown, Camden, New Jersey, holds a special place in her life, as it is where she was born and raised. Despite Camden’s reputation as one of the most impoverished and dangerous cities in the United States, Dawn vividly recalls her formative years spent there. These experiences have become a valuable resource for her in her current position as the Director of Research at the Village of Wisdom, where she uses her insights to empower others for success.

 

 

 

 

Blackshear Fine Arts Academy: History of Blackshear

From a wooden shack in the 19th century, to a modernized school in the 21st century, the Austin Digital Heritage Project collaborates with Creative Action to provide an abridged history of Blackshear Elementary School, also known as Blackshear Fine Arts Academy.

Blackshear Fine Arts Academy: Principal Friendly Rice

In this special report, the Austin Digital Heritage Project collaborates with Creative Action to showcase the life and legacy of Mr. Friendly R. Rice, who led this historical school in East Austin between 1931 and 1972 during Austin’s discriminatory laws under Jim Crow.

Interviews include alumnae, such as Betty Ussery and Arlene Youngblood, and Vonnye Rice Gardner, Mr. Rice’s daughter.

Blackshear Fine Arts Academy: Today and Tomorrow

In this special report, the Austin Digital Heritage Project collaborates with Creative Action to showcase Blackshear Fine Arts Academy, a historical school in East Austin, which is also near Huston-Tillotson University.

This school grew from a wooden shack to educate children of newly freed slaves, to a segregated school for Black students, and finally, a fine arts academy to serve all students.

This short film covers Blackshear in the present and future; and includes interviews with Principal Rick Garner, teachers, and students.

Waterloo Greenway

For a detailed history of Waterloo Greenway, ADHP member Darnell Wilson interviewed the Conservancy’s Community Engagement and Government Relations Director, Melissa Ayala.

Rosewood Park

For a detailed history of Rosewood Park, ADHP member Darnell Wilson interviewed the City of Austin’s Program Manager, Kim McKnight, and Program Coordinator and Historian, Sarah Marshall.

Doris Miller Auditorium

For a detailed history of the Doris Miller Auditorium, ADHP member Darnell Wilson interviewed the City of Austin’s Program Manager, Kim McKnight, and Program Coordinator and Historian, Sarah Marshall.