Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Fernandez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Miami, Florida, with an enriching diverse Latinx community in a Mexican household brought many challenging and inspiring experiences identifying as a queer/genderfluid Latinx artist and individual. I attended a magnet visual and performing arts high school called New World School of the Arts in hopes to pursue my dream in becoming a visual artist.
The education I received and the relationships I established in New World gave me the physical, mental and emotional space that I was craving. It was here where my gender expression soared and my desire to empower others through art, advocacy and empathy was revealed and elevated. Currently, I am pursuing an Illustration degree at ArtCenter to develop and excel in the craft of storytelling and community building. I use comics/graphic novels, digital painting, animation and collage as my preferred media in hopes that my passion, authenticity and curiosity will inspire others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Studying at one of the top art and design schools for two years now has been inspiring, tough, and motivating. I discovered the main role that white supremacy, racism, sexism and homophobia play in higher-ed institutions as I tried to be open and confident with my whole identity. There is a lack of inclusivity, equity, diversity and safe spaces in the curriculum, faculty, staff, administration, common areas and art practices. I looked for opportunities where discussions addressing the systemic problems were taking place and started reaching out to student organizations. I became Co-Organizer of Antiracist Classroom, an organization focused on counteracting racism and white supremacy in design education and practice, and co-president of Outcenter, a safe space to promote queer culture on campus and create community.
Through Antiracist Classroom, I helped host and create branding for a short film festival dedicated specifically to BIPOC filmmakers throughout the country in hopes to show stories that aren’t tokenized and important to hear. Through Outcenter, we’ve hosted safe spaces for students, faculty and staff to talk about being queer in the classroom and creating more equitable practices. This spring, I joined Art Center’s Student Government as Director of Student Solutions and represented students’ voices. I make it a priority to encourage my peers, especially to BIPOC queer individuals to voice their opinion, comments and concerns. I listen and work to implement solutions that are fair and equal to the administration and academic chairs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before becoming recognizable as a community leader within Antiracist Classroom, I was a quiet curious member. I joined meetings led by then Co-Founder Lauren Williams, a Grad Media Design Practices student, and Co-Organizer Sophia DeLara, an Undergrad Advertising student, to seek an environment that was abundant with love, resources, and creativity. After volunteering in several projects, I was asked to become a Co-organizer alongside my friend Sade Ndya, an undergrad Film student. I specialize in planning and designing flyers for events announcements and out-reaching to art/design students, faculty and staff. The people I’ve met and the multiple perspectives that they’ve shared inspire me everyday to listen, learn and illustrate the power and resilience of BIPOC individuals. The importance of collaboration and making resources for our mental/physical wellness, safety and creative desires is something I strive to always include in personal, educational and social spaces. In the future, I hope to continue being passionate and promoting more liberty, equality and justice in the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community and empower others to do the same.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Make sure you are taking care of yourself, read lots of books and participate in conversations!
Contact Info:
- Email: pandamel05@gmail.com
- Website: https://antiracistclassroom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glittersparklemelissa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sparklemeli
Image Credits
Represent Film Festival Photos by Cara Taylor and Jocelyn Phan
