Meet Juay Roybal-Kastl of Los Angeles County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juay Roybal-Kastl.

Hi Juay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My art is born from a legacy of activism and resilience. I am the daughter of Rose Marie Roybal and Richard Dean Kastl, two individuals who met during a pivotal moment in the 1970s and dedicated their lives to social justice. Their work behind the scenes in community shaped my upbringing—one that was far from conventional, yet rich with purpose and perspective.

My father was an artist, and my mother ensured that his creative spirit was nurtured in me. Through their influence, I came to understand that art is not just a form of expression—it is a form of resistance, a way to witness, to heal, and to provoke change. Growing up in the shadows of activism, I learned to see the world through different eyes: eyes that recognize injustice, celebrate resilience, and seek beauty in struggle.

In my work, I explore themes of identity, memory, and transformation. I use visual language to bridge the personal and the political, drawing from lived experience to create pieces that speak to broader social truths and intergenerational healing. My art is a continuation of my parents’ legacy—a quiet but powerful act of storytelling and advocacy.

Each piece I create is a dialogue between past and present, a reflection of the communities that shaped me, and a call to imagine a more just and compassionate world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life has been anything but ordinary for me. To call it adventurous is an understatement—but for me, it’s simply been my “normal.” I’ve faced many obstacles, but each one has been a lesson, and along the way, I’ve met beautiful souls who’ve helped shape my journey.

As an American Indian / Native American, I carry the heritage of the Osage Nation, the Muscogee Creek Nation, and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. I was born to the Cree people at Small Boy Camp, but my early life was marked by disconnection—from family, culture, and tradition. We moved from state to state, never quite settling, until we found a sense of home in Maywood, California when I was in fifth grade.

Growing up in a marginalized and underrepresented community came with its own set of challenges. It was hard to feel seen, heard, or understood. But my mother, determined to give me a chance to thrive, enrolled me in the Los Angeles Music & Art School, in East LA. There, I found refuge in creativity—drawing, piano, ballet, painting, voice, and even etiquette. I remember waiting on the steps after dark, with my sketchbook, while my mom finished her workday. Those moments taught me patience, discipline, and the quiet strength of perseverance.

One of the greatest challenges has been learning to move out of trauma and survival mode and back into a space of creation. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s a process that has likely saved my life. Art has become my way of healing, reconnecting, and reclaiming my story.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My journey with art, music, and comedy began as a child constantly on the move. Changing schools often and always being the “new kid,” I turned to creativity as a refuge. Art, music, and dance became safe spaces—places where I could just be, express myself freely, and find a sense of belonging.

As I grew older, art continued to show up as a saving grace. In adulthood, seeking healing and community, I was introduced to stand-up comedy. What began as a personal outlet quickly became a powerful tool for connection. I was mentored to host, create, and produce shows—often using them as fundraisers to support youth and families in need. Through that work, I discovered the incredible gift of bringing laughter into spaces where healing is desperately needed.

Today, my work is rooted in serving socially impacted communities—those facing housing instability, incarceration, food insecurity, generational trauma, and poverty-related challenges. Through art, music, culture and laughter, we use whatever resources we have to spark healing and open dialogue. We transform hardship into connection and creativity.

What I’m most proud of is planting seeds of inspiration—helping people create something new, even when their world feels broken.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We are living through a time of monumental change—technological revolutions, media disruption, evolving social structures, and a historic overhaul of industries like Hollywood. These shifts are reshaping how we connect, communicate, and create. And in the midst of this flux, creatives are more essential than ever.

Artists, musicians, comedians, and makers are stepping into roles as healers, storytellers, and bridge-builders. Our work doesn’t just entertain—it helps people process change, find meaning, and imagine new possibilities for healing. Whether through laughter, visual expression, or performance, we offer tools for resilience and connection.

As a multi-media artist, I’ve learned that creativity is not just about making something beautiful—it’s about making something new from what’s broken. Whether it’s a joke that brings relief, a song that carries a message, or a collage made from discarded pieces, our work transforms hardship into hope.

The industry is beginning to reflect this shift. There’s growing support for community-based art, trauma-informed creative practices, and socially engaged work. Funding bodies, cultural institutions, and grassroots movements are recognizing that in times of upheaval, creativity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

What I hold onto most is this: your voice can sing a song, your humor can bring laughter, your hands can shape vision into form. And when the world feels broken, we as creatives have the power to help it heal—one piece at a time. So, keep dancing, for those who no longer can.

Contact Info:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juay-roybal-kastl-1b770692/
• Other: https://www.osagefoundation.org/artists/juay-roybal-kastl

Image Credits
image 1 – AARP (Oklahoma Indian Elder honors photographer)