Dolores Marie Celia (a.k.a. Mom), a Mexican woman who dealt with racism, a single parent who worked full time while earning a Bachelor of Arts and a teaching credential. She taught while she pursued a Master of Arts in Education to gain higher paying positions throughout her career. She was raised in Southeast San Diego where it wasn’t common for students to graduate from high school and even fewer went to college. She became an elementary school principal and served at the same school she attended as a child. In the school office, she hung an enlarged photo of her school picture as an elementary student, with a caption below that read: “Anything is possible…just ask this little girl.” As with her students, she instilled the idea that I could do well at anything, especially writing. She attended all of my plays that were performed on stage. (She passed away on April 9, 2025.)
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Raúl Esparza received a total of four Tony nominations in all four acting categories,
making him one of the few actors to achieve this feat
2004: Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Taboo.
2007: Best Actor in a Musical for Company.
2008: Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Homecoming.
2009: Best Actor in the play for Speed-the-Plow
Raúl Esparza embodies artistic versatility, excelling in both dramatic plays and demanding musical theatre while also succeeding on television, all through relentless dedication to his craft. He’s built a long, respected career by taking creative risks rather than chasing easy fame, and he’s remained true to his identity and heritage in an industry that often pressures conformity. By openly embracing his cultural background and bisexuality, he provides meaningful representation for others who rarely see themselves reflected onstage or on-screen. His journey shows that authenticity, persistence, and a passion for storytelling can shape not only a successful career but also a legacy that opens doors for the artists who follow. (I was fortunate enough to meet Raul in Berkeley CA while he played the lead role in Galileo in April 2024. He was a complete joy to talk to after the performance. )
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Josefina López turned her early experience as a young undocumented immigrant into a powerful voice for representation and change. Arriving in the U.S. from Mexico at five, undocumented for thirteen years, she went on to become a celebrated playwright, screenwriter, and founder of the community-focused CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights. Her breakout work, the play and film Real Women Have Curves, gave voice to Latina women’s lives and won major acclaim, including at the Sundance Film Festival while her broader body of work challenges stereotypes, centers immigrant stories, and mentors new BIPOC artists.
Through art, activism, and community building, she models how creativity and authenticity can reshape culture, making her a true inspiration. (I was fortunate enough to meet Josefina in Los Angeles during the opening weekend of her recent play, Electrico, in October 2025. She was wonderfully engaging with so much passion for the subject matter of her play.)
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LISA BALDERSTON 