Our staff is comprised of Latinx women who are Assistant Professors, Primary and Secondary Teachers, business professionals, graduate students and undergraduates.
We are also writers, poets, singers, dancers and artists. We bring our wisdom, love for writing and our individual talents together to facilitate a unique experience for our #ChicasFuertes.
Writing Mentors
Tracey
Program Director / Writing Mentor
Full Name: Dr. Tracey T. Flores
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Current Position: Assistant Professor at UT Austin
Number of Years with our program: Staffed in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Hobbies: Running, Writing, Reading Children’s Literature & Young Adult Literature, Taking Pictures of Cactus, Drinking Coffee
Why I Write: I write for my mother, my Nana Josie, for my daughter, Milagros and for my students. I write to unearth our histories, illuminate our stories and break silences. I write to heal and to dream of a new world alongside our chicas.
Stephanie
Writing Mentor / Multimedia Designer
Full Name: Stephanie Marie Flores
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Number of Years with our program: Staffed in 2016, 2018, 2019
Current Position: Entrepreneur / Facilitator / Yoga Instructor
Hobbies: Watching movies, reading, blogging, yoga, listening to music and connecting with friends.
Why I Write: Writing helps me express my gain clarity on life, from what I observe and witness to what I experience. Writing is an extension of my voice and I choose to speak over being silent.
Iris
Writing Mentor
Full Name: Iris Treinies
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Current Position: 4th Grade- AISD
Number of Years with our program: Staffed in 2018, 2019
Hobbies: Reading, writing, cooking, yoga, drawing with my nephew
Why I Write: I write to explore the many thoughts in my head. Sometimes it feels like I have 100 tabs open in my head! Each time I write, I am able to capture thoughts and put together ideas in new ways. I get excited for the many things to come, as well as to heal and reflect on what has happened before. I write to tell my story and the story of the people who have come before me. I write for my students- especially to become a better co-conspirator and ally for them.
Yaikira
Writing Mentor
Full Name: Yaikira Vazquez Rivera
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Hometown: San German, Puerto Rico
Current Position: 3rd Grade Dual Language – AISD
Hobbies: Dancing, Exploring crafts, Organizing Events
Why I Write: I write to share the story of my ancestors and to give a platform to Latina’s who have been historically repressed.
Calista
Writing Mentor
Full Name: Calista R. Llamas
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Hometown: Lockhart, Texas
Current Position: Education major at UT Austin
Hobbies: Playing with my cats, watching tiktoks, listening to music, spending time with family, and watching baseball
Why I Write: I write to remember my thoughts and feelings over the things I have experienced in life. I write to solidify my ideas and opinions and offer my perspective. I write to share my story in hopes of encouraging others to share theirs.
