Keynote Speaker: Joaquin Zihuatanejo
 


Joaquin Zihuatanejo is a poet, spoken word artist, and award-winning teacher. Born and raised in the barrio of East Dallas, in his work Joaquin strives to capture the duality of Chicano culture. Sometimes brutal, but always honest, his work depicts the essence of barrio life, writing about a youth that existed somewhere between the streets of the barrio and the dream wanderings of a boy who found refuge in a world of stories and poems. 

 


Keynote Speaker: Gitanjali Rao
 


Gitanjali Rao is 19 years old and is an inventor, an aspiring scientist, author, speaker and an active promoter of STEM around the world. She was recognized as America's Top Young Scientist and was a recipient of an EPA Presidential award for her patented invention of an innovative lead contamination detection tool. Gitanjali is also the inventor of "Epione" - a device for early diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction using genetic engineering, and "Kindly" - an anti-cyberbullying service using AI and Natural Language processing. 

She was honored as Forbes "30 Under 30 in Science" in 2019 and TIME's "Top Young Innovator" and "TIME Kid of the Year" for her innovations and STEM workshops she conducts globally, which has inspired over 85,000 students in the last three years acorss 46 countries. 

Gitanjali is the autor of the book "Young Innovator's Guide to STEM", available in six languages, which guides students, educators, or teachers through a self-developed prescriptive five step innovation process. She was appointed as a UNICEF Youth Advocate 2021 for using science for solving problems such as cyber-bullying and developing solutions for environmental protection and recently received the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian and Martin Luther King Beloved Community awards for her selfless service for the refugee camp students. 

She is currently a freshman at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

 

Keynote Speaker: G Precious
 


Brenda M. Atencio, also known internationally as "G Precious" is a multi-award-winning hip-hop, pop, and R&B artist from Ohkay Owingeh - Village of the Strong People - located in New Mexico. She began creative writing at the age of six, writing to deal with the dynamics seen throughout her life - alcoholism, drugs, depression, suicide, loss, and reservation life. Brenda received her associate's and bachelor's degrees in business management from Northern New Mexico College and continued her education receiving her master's degree in legal studies - indigenous peoples law from the University of Oklahoma. 

Her work experience spans multiple backgrounds from working with youth & elder programs, to various schools, organizations, and tribes throughout the state of New Mexico. G Precious is currently on her "Earthen Roads to Red Carpets" Tour. Her music will take you on a journey full of emotion, fun, expression, and healing, demonstrating the magic of music, dance, and visual art in an inspiring setting. She has been called "The Storyteller" of her time, sharing her life through music. 

G Precious Awards / Accomplishments:

  • International Indigenous Hip Hop Music Awards - Album of the Year 2023
  • Native American Music Awards - Best Song of the Year 2022-2023
  • New Mexico Music Awards - Various Categories / Years
    • Best Original Song of the Year - 2023
    • Hip Hop Song of the Year - 2023
  • Recording Academy Member (Grammy's)
  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member

 

Keynote Speaker: Alissa Chavez 


Alissa Chavez is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and youngest Latina patent holder in the United States. She is best known for her product, Hot Seat, an alarm system that prevents children from being accidentally left in a hot car. Since founding her company Alissa has received national recognition and accolades including Glamour Magazine Women of the Year, American Business Award winner, Teen Business top 20, Albuquerque Business 40 Under 40, and Albuquerque Business Inno Under 25. Alissa has continued to grow the company with the launch of her newest product, EasyFlo, an eco-friendly baby bottle designed to reduce plastic waste associated with making a baby bottle on the go. 

Alissa is a proud University of New Mexico (UNM) Lobo recently graduating from UNM with a Master's Degree in Public Administration. 

 

The Tewa Dancers from the North
 


Founded in 1974 by Andrew Garcia (Tewa), in San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, the Tewa Dancers from the North is dedicated to preserving and carrying forward the artistic and cultural heritage of the Tewa people. Andrew Garcia has taught the dancers at a very young age the Tewa songs and dances. As the tradition-bearers, the Tewa Dancers from the North maintain a substance-free lifestyle. They have performed throughout the United States and internationally. They provide audiences an opportunity to experience the vibrant Tewa culture - past and present. Among the dances that can be performed for the public enjoyment and celebration are the Butterfly Dance, Eagle Dance, Buffalo Dance, Winter Buffalo Dance, and Deer Dance. 

 

ReVóZo
 


ReVóZo draws upon Flamenco puro and Rumba Flamenca tradition while combining them with elements of dance music, including Cuban Son, Reggae, Cumbia, Ranchera and Funk. The result is a magnetically danceable musical offering that is unabashedly modern yet stays true to its cultural roots. 

Renowned vocalist Vincente Griego has performed on stages throughout the world, collaborating with some of the most respected Flamenco artists of our time. 

ReVóZo, under the direction of Cesar Bauvallet, presents an astonishing lineup of musicians and flamenco dancers, each with a lifetime of experience and international critical acclaim spanning a myriad of different genres.