Today we’d like to introduce you to Julissa Contreras.
Hi Julissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started with some audacity to speak the truth I see in the world. I was always that kid in the room who knew too much without being told anything. My intuition always knew better and I let it lead me. Writing poetry, plays, digital content, or performing as an actor are just some of the many ways I show up in my purpose to seek, speak, and live in truth + authenticity. As a creative strategist and community curator, I like to share my tools to help others elevate their intentions and ground their work in truth as well. It took a long time to find my flow state from a career perspective because I create for the sake of action and advocacy; everything else feels wack, and money isn’t as cool as making a meaningful impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a very rough ride. When you’re not keen on kissing ass or letting people slide with lackluster goals that don’t effectively contribute to the higher good of anyone, it’s hard to “make it”, because what ARE we making?
When I was younger, I was more malleable in the meaning behind my work but these days I can’t be bothered to do things that feel inauthentic to my personal values. I want to make money because money is a need, but I want to make changes that outweigh the value of a currency. That’s simply unrealistic to many and that puts me in the position to have to find a middle ground. I’m quite stubborn, I say f*ck finding the middle when the creative industries we hustle to “win” in have backward systems. I don’t like playing rigged games and we could all stand to be more outraged by how spiritually and mentally draining creative industries can be. Not to mention the imbalances of power and profit.
It’s a great filter to have though because when I do find the right spaces and teams that align with my values, it feels like magic. We all deserve to stick to our values despite industry trends that encourage us to hop in or get left behind. I’m a whole person, my ideas are full creations, whether I make it big isn’t the indicator of my value or the work’s impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Dominicana from the Bronx who works to facilitate dialogue, build spaces, and create art that center overlooked experiences. I’m a playwright, poet, actor, podcast producer, host, community curator, storyteller, sh*t talker, and am otherwise spending my time in rooms with innovators and builders in the start-up space. Most people know me as the creator and host of the Ladies Who Bronché Podcast or the creator of the 2010 YouTube viral sensation “Sh*t Spanish Girls Say” alongside Skittlez Ortiz.
With a focus on storytelling, program development, and community activation, I collaborate with organizations and artists on opportunities that influence pathways for meaningful change. I was the former Community and Impact Program Manager at WeWork under Miguel Mckelvey and Katie Longmyer, Operations Manager at Donorly, Adolescent Leadership Program Manager at Children’s Aid Society- Hope Leadership Center, along with various roles at MCC Theater in NYC.
Currently, I’m working as the Creative Media Director at NAYAH Studio, an investment and design studio with a mission to build true community power, shared wealth, and holistic well-being for minoritized people, by creating and supporting intergenerational places and companies that positively impact in both processes and in outcomes.
As of late in my creative roles, I’ve been developing a play, writing a book, speaking on panels and hosting digital segments and in-person events. You can catch me on CCCADI’s “Nothing About Us Without Us” series or recap my panel for Poderista’s “Latina’s Make a Difference” summit. My writing has been featured at Kabayitos Theater for LPC’s mentorship program, at Intar Theater’s MicroTEATRO festival, Pregones Theater SolFest 2021, Atlantic Theater’s African Caribbean Mixfest, MTA Radio Plays at Rattlestick Theater, Latinx Playwright’s Circle’s Greater Good Commission, Harlem 9’s 48 Hours in el Bronx, and the BX Writer’s Year Gone Hazy anthology.
I also love to elevate brands through partnerships or simply just because. I have an incredible community of support and love to show up with all the energy I can to help elevate them or their causes. You’ll often catch me partnering with or advising my peers on projects– even when you don’t see my face in the spotlight. What matters to me is that I can contribute just as much as I might benefit. Shoutout to CCCADI, Latinx Playwright’s Circle, Dominican Artists Collective, SolProject, Bronx Native, Miss Rizo’s Salon, Playout NYC, Vive Cosmetics, Nopalera, Loco Ninja Beauty, Vecina Couture, and many others who are in or support my communities.
I’m proud of my work because I can tie everything back to a person or community that has felt a positive impact. That is my key performance indicator.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Don’t overthink your intuition. Our intuition doesn’t always share what we want to hear but it really doesn’t steer us wrong. Quiet your mind in all of your endeavors and ask yourself “does this feel right for me?” Even if it feels like a challenge to pass up an opportunity. That same mindset applies in allowing yourself to tackle a new challenge for your growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julissacontreras.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewleesah/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgC7YU4zVu9J5sI3vXGRxrg?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://www.ladieswhobronche.com
Image Credits
Kareem Black, Mikey Cordero, Thomas Garcia
