Writing for your people
Saturday, November 2, 2024 - 11:30 a.m. @ The Pit LA
UCLA Humanities presents “Writing for Your People,” a panel conversation highlighting publications that are produced in response and proximity to the communities they serve. The panel will dive into how people produce, envision, and execute publications that serve their community. As we think about hyperlocalized stories, we’ll dive into how they can become universal, and the overall power writing for your people holds.
This panel will be moderated by writer and professor Summer Kim Lee. Featuring representatives from campus publications Westwind (UCLA) and Word Magazine (UCSB) in conversation with Ren Heintz, instructor at Transchool and assistant professor of English and director of the Center for the Study of Genders and Sexualities at Cal State Los Angeles, and Bidhran Chandra Roy, the director of Cal State of L.A.’s Prison Graduation Initiative and founder of WordsUncaged.
Liliana Anguiano is a writer and a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is currently the managing editor of Word, an Isla Vista culture and arts magazine. Previously, she served as the 2023 editor in chief of The Southwestern Sun newspaper and associate editor in chief of their sister magazine, El Sol. The Associated Collegiate Press, the College Media Association, the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Newspaper Association have recognized her work. Liliana believes that excellent writing and leadership should revolve around embracing the authentic human experience.
Sabrina B. R. Ellis is a fourth-year English and Spanish & Portuguese double major at UCLA from Rio de Janeiro. They serve as co-managing editor for Westwind Journal of the Arts, Dialogue and Opinion section head for FEM Newsmagazine, and contributor to The Westwood Enabler and Jewish Voice for Peace at UCLA.
Ren Heintz is an assistant professor in the English department and is the director of the Center for the Study of Genders and Sexualities at Cal State L.A. Heintz is an instructor at Transchool, an introductory course in trans studies and writing for aspiring trans writers ages 18–24 wherein students get to see their work published in anthology from FCCW/Co-Conspirator Press.
Anna Jensen is the director of Isla Vista Arts, a series of initiatives designed to enrich the cultural landscape for the residents of Isla Vista. In addition, she advises the student journalists of Word Magazine, which aims to highlight the often-overlooked stories of Isla Vistans beyond the area’s reputation for beachside partying. Anna holds a PhD in theater studies, bringing an understanding of the arts to her community work. She strives to foster creativity and connection among the diverse voices of Isla Vista.
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy directs Cal State L.A.’s Prison Graduation Initiative. He is also the founder of WordsUncaged, a platform for incarcerated artists and writers to engage with the public, through book publishing, art exhibits, and digital media. Bidhan has been teaching in prisons since 2013 and currently serves on the board of California Humanities, the Fair Chance Project, and rapper YG’s foundation, 4Hunnid Waze.
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Summer Kim Lee is an assistant professor of English at UCLA. She specializes in feminist theory, queer theory, performance studies, critical race and ethnic studies, and Asian American art, literature, and culture. She was born and raised in Los Angeles.
This panel is made possible with the support of UCLA Humanities and the Department of Cultural Affairs.