Jojo (JJ) Mayang – Mills Pond
Program Coordinator, E4 Youth
JJ chose Mills Pond, a serene park nestled in the Wells Branch district of Austin, Texas, as his sanctuary. Here, amidst whispers of leaves and gentle caresses of the breeze, he seeks solace, disconnecting from the bustling world to immerse in nature’s tranquility and reconnect with his inner self. Moreover, the park stands as a profound reminder: no journey is solitary. True strength blossoms from embracing community, vulnerability, and creativity.
Blaigne Ayuma – Kenny Dorham’s Backyard
Sound Designer and Composer – Roblox
Blaigne Ayuma deeply connected with Kenny Dorham’s Backyard in East Austin, recalls their formative experiences at this iconic venue, which is their chosen place of significance. Initially a site for jazz shows, it evolved into a community hub where they performed, encountered inspiring individuals, and forged meaningful connections, including a musical collaboration born from a Filipino potluck event. To them, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard is more than a venue; it’s a testament to Austin’s genuine spirit, a place of communal importance, and an emblem of the city’s cultural and musical heritage.
Blaigne recently addressed the audience at the Creative Leadership Academy as part of our Creative Pathways Program. This event featured speakers from STEAM fields who discussed their distinct paths, intertwining elements of science and art, aiming to motivate and spark creativity among the upcoming generation of innovators. Click here to view the presentation.
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.
Celeste González de Bustamante – Ambos Nogales (Both Nogales)
Associate Dean for DEI, Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. González de Bustamante selected Ambos Nogales (Both Nogales)—the twin cities of Nogales, Arizona, in the United States and Nogales, Sonora, in Mexico, separated by the U.S.-Mexico border—as her place of significance. Stemming from her distinguished background in journalism and her experience in news media, Dr. González de Bustamante’s choice is deeply anchored in her rigorous exploration of media dynamics in the U.S.-Mexico border regions. She dedicates her life’s work to educate people that places like Ambos Nogales are so much more than what we read or see in mainstream news.
Leal’s Tires
Originally located at the corner of East Cesar Chavez and Chicon Street, Leal’s Tires boasted bright yellow paint and beautiful murals with homages to Aztec culture. Leal’s was known for having affordable services and working with customers when they didn’t have money to pay in full. Leal’s eventually relocated to far East 7th Street after restaurant owners purchased their original location. Many voiced concern when the restaurant kept Leal’s murals as their own and opened as “Lou’s Bodega” but offered highly-priced meals instead of reasonably-priced items typically found in a true bodega. However, the establishment soon changed its name to Lou’s and acknowledges the legacy of Leal’s.
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Jumpolin
Jumpolin is a pinata and party store that captured the hearts and minds of the East Austin community for over 20 years and was owned by the Lejarazu family. In late 2014, the Lejarazus faced harassment from their landlord which unfortunately escalated to Jumpolin’s demolition in February 2015. This story quickly received national attention and the Lejarazus were supported by a plethora of Austinites, especially from the underrepresented communities.
The Lejarazus are now focused on expanding their e-commerce business towards an art gallery featuring extensive projects made in paper mache.
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Huston-Tillotson University
Tillotson College (1875) and Sam Huston College (1878) were established as private institutions to provide Black people with formal education. For most, this would be the first time they learned to read and write. The two institutions shared friendly competition through sports and corresponding core values. After being met with a financial burden, the institutions united and became what we know it as today, Huston-Tillotson University.
Huston-Tillotson University has provided the locals of East Austin with knowledge and education for over a century and counting. HTU is also 1/107 HBCU’s in the country that still stands, providing students a private education. The university strives to keep its classes small, providing a unique collegial experience.
They also provide various resources and learning programs for individuals to immerse themselves. Courses for middle and high school grade students and adults who wish to continue their education All programming aims to help participants reach their maximum potential.
