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ABOUT

For as long as she can remember, Joeanally Gonzalez has had a passion for the arts and the world of design. From a young age, she has been captivated by the diverse cultures around the globe and has found beauty in the unique contributions each culture brings. In 2003, she earned a fashion design certificate from the prestigious CentroModa School of Fashion Design Lisa Thon in Puerto Rico. While pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design from the School of Fine Arts in Puerto Rico, Joeanally also immersed herself in the Puerto Rican theater and film industry for over six years. Seeking to pursue her love for design, she made the move to Orlando, Florida, where she worked as a costume designer assistant in the Creative Costuming department at Walt Disney World®.

During her time at Walt Disney World®, Joeanally was responsible for maintaining high-quality costumes for various shows, including Voices of Liberty, Off Kilter, Dickens, Candlelight, The Festival of Lion King, Finding Nemo the Musical, and many others at Epcot and Animal Kingdom Parks. In 2014, the ‘Trash 2 Trends' fundraiser event played a pivotal role in her journey. For three consecutive years, she transformed recycled trash into unique designs, showcasing my creativity and passion for activism.

After a successful eight-year tenure with Walt Disney, Joeanally relocated to Portland, Oregon, in 2017, with a fresh perspective on life and the arts. She desired to return to teaching and connect with diverse communities, particularly Latinx communities. Joeanally became involved with the nonprofit organization Bienestar de la Familia, empowering women to utilize art as a means of healing and recognizing their cultural and social needs. Additionally, she served as an Art instructor in an after-school program and Multnomah County Library, using art to foster creativity and leadership skills, stimulating meaningful dialogue and challenging perceptions in her students. Also in 2017, Joeanally joined the Economic Justice Giving Project Grants by Social Justice Fund NW, immersing herself in nonprofit advocacy for social justice and marginalized communities.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, she wrote 'Nico, la babosa de plátano,' a Spanish children's e-book that is now part of the Multnomah County Library collection. In 2022, Joeanally received financial support from the Milagro Latino Artist Fund to create 'Women Walking Towards Success,' an empowering art workshop series. She conducted workshops in the Latin women's communities of Tualatin and Bienestar de la Familia and had the privilege of speaking at Milagro Theater's Tertulia: Art and Conversation. During this year, she also became a member of Caminos de Crecimiento (Journeys of Growth), guided by Joaquín López, they are dedicated to personal awareness through reading and writing. Their 14-member group has authored a Spanish language book titled "Historias de Crecimiento" (Stories of Growth). This book features personal narratives, poetry, photographs, and paintings. Our objective is to conduct Spanish language workshops based on the book's themes. These workshops involve group readings, discussions, and abstract painting activities. Topics explored include family, childhood experiences, overcoming adversity, and self-empowerment. In her contribution to the book, she shares a personal story of how art saved her life during a period of prolonged bullying. Art became her refuge, providing solace and empowering her to navigate challenges with strength and resilience.

Currently, she works as a Sub-paraeducator with special education students, and volunteers for the documentary 'We are the most beautiful People' on a disability advocacy project. These experiences have deepened Joeanally's understanding of the diverse challenges in life, and have inspired her to promote inclusivity and empathy. Today, Joeanally stands firm in her dedication to using art, mentorship, and community involvement as vehicles for social change. She is filled with a sense of purpose and determination to build an inclusive and sustainable world. Her vision is to empower Latinx immigrants, inspire future generations, and foster a society that embraces the transformative power of the arts. With unwavering passion and an unyielding commitment to her dreams, she is ready to take the next steps on this extraordinary artistic path.
 

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