Word from our Founder

 As a Latina teenager born in Los Angeles, It was difficult to connect with the continuous trends of American culture, while still identifying with my Latino/Indigenous roots.  Stepping in and out of cultures left me with a vague sense of identity.  This confusión also reached my peers (minorities) who like me, were unable to find a solid place in today's society.  This unbalance gave us a feeling of inferiority within our community.   It is because of this risk that G.E.M came into existence; to promote self-worth, instill a sense of respect and preservation towards our cultural heritage, and bring light to the richness of our narrative and potential!  

Everyday is a good day to plant!  The past cannot be erased but teaching it holistically through music, arts, and experiences will strenghten our GANAS to build a better future, without having to carry aged wounds and resentment. Girasoles En Marcha is HEART COLLECTIVE work.  It's purpose is not only to learn from the past, but to validate our place not just in America but in this world.  Together we can bring light to change-makers, while preserving the beauty of  all our cultures to build community.

                                                                                                                     
​                                                                                                             ~ Celeste Rojas

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Why focus on Latin America?

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 Our history helps children understand changes within our society and gain an insight to their resilient identity and collective responsibility.
 
Latin American history will  help bring awareness and context to the heroism of our ancestors and  historical figures.  In addition, the girls will be exposed to significant moments in history to foster an understanding of a history their ancestors were a part of.  
​The voices that are often marginalized or silenced in textbooks will be honored and respected.

 It is also important to bring value to the important contributions of the indigenous people in Latin America and what we should preserve for our future generations.  This kind of exposure will bring forth
productive converstations amongst them and awaken curiousity
towards other cultures.   We hope to encourage positive connections
to their ancestors and other cultures unfamiliar to them.

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Photo by Izak Ramos

Photo by Celeste A. Rojas