ILIANA RIVERA

Iliana was born in East Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents who arrived in the 1950s. Raised in a bilingual household, she grew up celebrating Catholic traditions, Día de los Muertos, and family gatherings centered around homemade tamales and pozole. The vibrant Mexican community in her neighborhood exposed her to corridos, mariachi music, and folk art such as papel picado and piñatas. Over the years, she has woven these customs with the multicultural tapestry of Los Angeles, embracing infl

Although retired, Iliana aims to leave a lasting cultural imprint in her neighborhood. She plans to compile a memoir of her family's migration stories and publish it as a community‑focused blog. She hopes to curate a yearly exhibition of local Mexican folk art and photography at the senior center, positioning herself as the lead organizer. Iliana also aspires to launch a series of cooking workshops that teach traditional dishes to younger residents, while simultaneously learning watercolor paint

Iliana is a fluent Spanish‑English communicator who often bridges language gaps at community gatherings. She has mastered traditional Mexican cooking, especially recipes from her family's region, and frequently shares these dishes at potluck events. Over decades of informal storytelling, she has become adept at preserving oral histories and presenting them in engaging ways. Iliana coordinates cultural events at her local senior center, using a flexible, improvisational style to arrange music, ar

Iliana spends her free time exploring Los Angeles murals and street art, especially in the Arts District and East LA. She enjoys regular visits to museums and galleries, often attending opening receptions to discover new artists. Cooking remains a passion; she experiments with both classic recipes and modern twists for family gatherings. Salsa dancing nights and community dance classes keep her energetic and socially engaged. Her balcony garden provides a therapeutic outlet for growing herbs and