MARIANA'S STORY

Growing up in a Mexican immigrant family, Mariana found solace and power in storytelling through books, movies, music, and media. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from UTSA with a BA in American Literature and Mexican American Studies.

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Currently, Mariana co-runs PanochaZine, a multilingual, community-centered self-publication that amplifies underrepresented voices of the global majority. In addition to contributing original work, she tables events, and co-leads workshops and collaborative projects, giving participants hands-on opportunities to explore self-expression through zines and creative practice.

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Mariana is also a Teaching Artist in Training at Gemini Ink, where she develops and facilitates literary arts workshops for students and community members in San Antonio, with a focus on underserved communities. Her teaching approach blends hands-on creativity, collaborative learning, and storytelling to inspire self-expression and elevate diverse voices.

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Through workshops, zines, and creative facilitation, Mariana continues to pursue her mission of building spaces that elevate and empower underrepresented voices of the global majority and LGBTQIA+ communities, using empathy and storytelling as tools for social change.