Q&A WITH STEPHANIE PAREDES

What does it mean to you to be an American? It means that I recognize and respect the diverse people that have built this country and have made very important contributions to the social, cultural, political and historical arenas of American history. Being an American is freedom of expression without judgment. What moment touched and motivated you to launch this effort? For the Rochester Latino Theater Company, I was inspired to create a space where artists of color, especially Latino artists, felt supported, their voices heard, their presence felt and their talents exposed. My work at RIT is driven by doing my part in creating global leaders. Students inspire me so much. They’re curious and honest. I’ve always loved celebrating culture, learning about people and their experiences. What gives you hope or what concerns you? I am concerned that we have lost our humanity toward each other. It’s so easy to hate and keep our distance from people and places that we aren’t familiar with. It’s easy to stay misinformed, boxed in and it may be comfortable to some to live in a bubble. However, we live in a world that at some point in your life you will not always be surrounded by people who look like you, talk like you, or even come from where you come from. My hope is that we will each have a turning point in all our lives where we continue to grow, restore and enhance our humanity towards each other. Difference shouldn’t be a barrier. What do you hope to accomplish through your efforts? Love. Understanding. Acceptance. Change. Celebration. Community. Unity. Inclusion. I hope that through my work I can help others see the beauty of diversity and the importance of inclusion. It’s not enough to invite diversity to your table if those voices aren’t being valued, respected, and heard.