The CASA 0101 Familia
Our Staff
Josefina López
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Josefina López started her writing career at 17 and has had over 80 productions of her many plays throughout the country. She is best known for authoring the play and co-authoring the 2002 SUNDANCE AWARD WINNING film Real Women Have Curves.
To contact Josefina Lopez, please visit: www.josefinalopez.biz
Full Bio
Born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 1969, Josefina Lopez was five years old when she and her family migrated to the United States and settled in the East Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights. Josefina is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, has an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA’s School of Film & Television, and has a Diplome de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.
Josefina is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a formal recognition from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s 7th Annual “Women Making History in Hollywood” in 1998; and a Screenwriting Fellowship from the California Arts Council in 2001. She and Real Women Have Curves co-author George LaVoo won the HUMANITIES PRIZE for Screenwriting in 2002, The Gabriel Garcia Marquez Award from L.A. Mayor in 2003, and the Artist-in-Residency grant from the NEA/TCG for 2007.
Emmanuel Deleage
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Emmanuel Deleage is a graduate of UCLA in World Arts and Cultures, where he counted Peter Sellars and Judy Mitoma amongst his mentors.
Full Bio
At UCLA, he met John Malpede, the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Poverty Department, a theater troupe based in skid row, which he joined first as a performer and eventually becoming the company’s Administrator. With this experience in non-profit management he later started Courage Productions, a non-profit company producing French author’s Armand Gatti’s epic “Public Song” about the Sacco-Vanzetti affair. In 2001 he and Josefina Lopez partnered together to grow Casa 0101. In 2003 and then again in 2006 he worked as Armand Gatti’s assistant director in France. From 2008 – 2011, he led the organization’s capital campaign to renovate the former 1st Street Boxing Gym into the new Casa 0101.
Mark Kraus
Development Director
Mark Kraus grew up in Boyle Heights and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He attended UC Berkeley where he double majored in Rhetoric and Music.
Full Bio
He began at Casa 0101 as the organization’s first full-time Administrator and led the technical and infrastructural overhaul for the organization when Casa 0101 opened it’s new home in 2011. With the growth of the organization since then, he has transitioned into his current role as Development Director.
Lorena Marisol Ortega
DIRECTOR of outreach and productions
Lorena M. Ortega was born in Santa Ana, CA — originally known as Acjachemen territory. Lorena has participated at CASA 0101 Theater as a co-producer, writer, and director with Chicanas, Cholas, Y Chisme’s New Works Festival. She and her family are strong supporters of intimate theater and have been participants of the youth and family classes at CASA 0101 Theater for several years. She moved into the role of volunteer educator for the Parent and Caretaker Storytelling class, when CASA 0101 moved its classes to online programming. When she isn’t writing or directing, she is an Education Coordinator for tribal youth in Southern California. Education: California State University, Long Beach–BA in Chicano and Latino Studies and English Education, MA in Education: Social and Cultural Analysis of Education. www.burntowrite.com.
Itzel Ocampo
Marketing and OPerations Manager
A graduate of CSULA, Itzel Ocampo has worked in the film and TV industry as a digital media specialist and video editor. She also studied graphic design at Glendale Community College.
Full Bio
…
George Villanueva
FACILITIES MANAGER
George Villanueva served as Casa 0101’s resident lighting technician since 2008 and worked on nearly every production staged at Casa 0101 before transitioning into his current role.
Full Bio
He is a Boyle Heights native who graduated from Roosevelt High School and lives only a block away from the theater. When not working on the needs of a Casa 0101 production, he spends his time documenting the history and evolution of Los Angeles as a photographer.
Jimmy Centeno
Gallery Curator
Jimmy Centeno holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts from East L.A. Community College, a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Cal State L.A., and is concluding a second Master’s in Art History.
Full Bio
He has organized art lectures at the Vincent Price Art Museum. He has also participated in international conferences on philosophy and aesthetics. He is currently working with renowned Mexican philosopher Enrique Dussel on de-colonial thought. As an artist he seeks to express himself by using all form of mediums which includes photography, welding, found objects, and painting. His art attempts to narrow the distance between borders, color/race and class. His goal is to bridge and stitch our differences by reducing the distance between us.
Itzel Ocampo
ADMINISTRATOR
A graduate of CSULA, Itzel Ocampo has worked in the film and TV industry as a digital media specialist and video editor. She also studied graphic design at Glendale Community College.
Full Bio
…
George Villanueva
FACILITIES MANAGER
George Villanueva served as Casa 0101’s resident lighting technician since 2008 and worked on nearly every production staged at Casa 0101 before transitioning into his current role.
Full Bio
He is a Boyle Heights native who graduated from Roosevelt High School and lives only a block away from the theater. When not working on the needs of a Casa 0101 production, he spends his time documenting the history and evolution of Los Angeles as a photographer.
Max Brother
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Max Brother attended American Jewish University with a degree in Jewish Studies and Communications. He also got his start as TD for the Gindi Auditorium.
Full Bio
Shadowing his dad, Max got his start in AV as a young teen, mixing sound for summer concert series, everything from small folk performances to full orchestras for the Fourth of July. He went on to work in IT while attending the American Jewish University. While working for AJU, Max became the technical director for the Gindi Auditorium at AJU where he oversaw events large and small. After a brief hiatus into QA Testing and System Administration, Max has joined Casa 0101 as Technical Director. Max also volunteers at festivals providing harm reduction.
Our Instructors
Chrissi Erickson
Singing – Youth
Chrissi Erickson is a veteran performer here at Casa 0101 being apart of almost every major musical since 2012 (In the Heights, Beauty and The Beast, Sister Act, Matilda Jr. and others). Chrissi has studied voice for over 20 years (South Bay Conservatory, Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Denise Dumeyer, Sue Secrist, Mary Jo Duprey, Roger Burnely etc.)
Raquel Salinas
Acting – Youth
Raquel Salinas is a cultural artist who writes, performs, and teaches the art of storytelling through theater. She engages her students in theater games and exercises to find their voice. Voices that we seldom hear. Raquel has worked teaching theater workshops with children, youth and as an artist in residence (California Arts Council) with Proyecto Pastoral, Boyle Heights, Mariposa Housing in Pico Union as a grant recipient through Los Angeles Cultural Affairs department and also taught a youth workshop at Casa 0101 with a grant received by The California Endowment. She is presently teaching a workshop with adult women in Spanish for El Nido in Panorama City.
Jocelyn Sanchez
Acting – YOuth
Jocelyn Sanchez is a bilingual Peruvian American Actor. She received her BA in Theatre Arts Performance from CSULB. Performance credits include: Mimi in Rent, Rizzo in Grease, and a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast. She is equally as passionate about performing as she is teaching children in the arts. She has worked with young performers for over ten years. Including the award winning after school program, IPSF. Directing shows such as Lion King Jr., Aladdin Jr., and Shrek Jr. Her hopes are to give children the tools to pursue their dreams, more importantly be the best they can be!
Juan Carlos Parrilla
Playwriting
Juan Carlos Parrilla grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. He attended Mt. SAC then transferred to UCLA, earning a B.A. in English. He went on to earn an M.A. in English at CSULA. He writes in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, and drama. Juan Carlos has taught writing and composition at Pasadena City College since 2012. He started teaching playwriting at Casa 0101 in 2014, guiding many students in writing full-length plays. Currently, Juan Carlos is completing a PhD at Claremont Graduate University; his dissertation is on the history and literary output of Casa 0101 and the theatre’s impact on Los Angeles culture. In the summers, he does archaeology and research in Israel and other parts of the Mediterranean. Juan Carlos asserts, “When we write our stories, we are recreating the codices that were burned during the Conquest.”
Corky Dominguez
Acting, Dance
Corky Dominguez has over thirty years theatre experience as a producer, director, choreographer, performer, writer, educator and an advocate for youth oriented theatre programs. As a Theatre Teaching Artist he has worked with professional theatre companies and educational institutions including: CASA 0101 Theater’s Building Healthy Communities, Boyle Heights – Invest In Youth Initiative, Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, Shakespeare Center LA – Will Power To Youth, California Youth Theatre, Teenage Drama Workshop, Inner-City Arts, 24th Street Theatre, Camp Bravo/Bravo Student Tours, Yad B’ Yad Jewish Youth Theatre, Models Of Pride Conference, Palos Verdes Children’s Theatre, Cornerstone Theater Company, Living Literature Colors United, The HeArt Project, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Los Angeles High School of the Arts, California Educational Theatre Association Theatre Festival/Conference, California State Thespian Festival & International Thespian Festival, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, British Theatre Association, California Academy for Liberal Studies Charter Middle School, Springfield Academy of Arts/Academics and LAUSD Arts Education Branch Professional Development.
Melodee Fernández
Singing
Melodee Fernández, soprano, is the president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Los Angeles Chapter. She was vocal director for both runs of the musical Eastside Heartbeats, which played at CASA0101. She received her BM and MM in Vocal Performance from the USC Thornton School of Music, and has sung professionally with various opera, zarzuela and theater companies in the United States and Europe. Melodee was a semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions, sang with Opera Pacific for ten seasons and was also a featured soloist with the Pacific Symphony and the Miami City Ballet, Opera Pacific, Westchester Symphony, Zoo District Theatre, Opera Theatre of Lucca (Italy), Comedy Central and “Música en Compostela” (Spain). She is the director and lead teaching artist for LA Opera’s Zarzuela Project and has been a featured singer in zarzuela productions with LA Opera, Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, Santa Barbara Grand Opera and Center Stage Theater. Melodee was the music director for CASA0101’s production of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical and Too Many Tamales at the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, and is a featured singer on the live dvd release of Cast a Long Shadow: A Tribute to Joe Strummer headlined by Love and Rockets. As part of a U.S. exchange program, she toured Cuba singing with Paul De Castro and the Latin Jazz Ensemble from Cal State Los Angeles. She performed in Ed Begley, Jr.’s musical, César and Ruben, sang with Opera Cómica de Madrid in a national tour of Spain and directed Goyescas (Lyric Opera of Los Angeles) and La Verbena de la Paloma (Cal State L.A.). For over 15 years she has been teaching voice and music to children and adults in many styles including rock, pop, musical theatre, opera and Latin music. Many of her students perform throughout L.A., have won scholarships to music schools, compete in vocal competitions and belong to popular rock bands.
Lorena Marisol Ortega
Playwriting
Lorena M. Ortega was born in Santa Ana, CA — originally known as Acjachemen territory. Lorena has participated at CASA 0101 Theater as a co-producer, writer, and director with Chicanas, Cholas, Y Chisme’s New Works Festival. She and her family are strong supporters of intimate theater and have been participants of the youth and family classes at CASA 0101 Theater for several years. She moved into the role of volunteer educator for the Parent and Caretaker Storytelling class, alongside her mentor, Maria G. Martinez, when CASA 0101 moved its classes to online programming. When she isn’t writing or directing, she is an Education Coordinator for tribal youth in Southern California. Education: California State University, Long Beach–BA in Chicano and Latino Studies and English Education, MA in Education: Social and Cultural Analysis of Education. www.burntowrite.com.
Corky Dominguez
Acting
Corky Dominguez has over thirty years theatre experience as a producer, director, choreographer, performer, writer, educator and an advocate for youth oriented theatre programs. As a Theatre Teaching Artist he has worked with professional theatre companies and educational institutions including: CASA 0101 Theater’s Building Healthy Communities, Boyle Heights – Invest In Youth Initiative, Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, Shakespeare Center LA – Will Power To Youth, California Youth Theatre, Teenage Drama Workshop, Inner-City Arts, 24th Street Theatre, Camp Bravo/Bravo Student Tours, Yad B’ Yad Jewish Youth Theatre, Models Of Pride Conference, Palos Verdes Children’s Theatre, Cornerstone Theater Company, Living Literature Colors United, The HeArt Project, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Los Angeles High School of the Arts, California Educational Theatre Association Theatre Festival/Conference, California State Thespian Festival & International Thespian Festival, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, British Theatre Association, California Academy for Liberal Studies Charter Middle School, Springfield Academy of Arts/Academics and LAUSD Arts Education Branch Professional Development.
Claudia Duran
Directing, Producing
Claudia
enjoys sharing her love of filmmaking and theater by working with under
represented communities throughout Los Angeles. Duran wrote, directed,
and produced feature Sofia for Now, which screened at national
and international film festivals. Over the years she has received awards
for: Up And Coming Filmmaker, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Emerging
Filmmaker, and Best Short Film.
Theater Credits Include: After 4 Play, A Force to Be Reckoned With, Always Running, Art Share One Acts, Brown&Out Fest, Chicanas Cholas y Chisme, Children of Pelops, Drunk Girl, Eastside Queer Stories Festival, Free Los Tres, Frida Kahlo Theater 10 Minute Plays, Madea, Occupy the Heart, Short + Sweet Hollywood, Sp!t, Tango. BFA Carnegie Mellon University.
Josefina López
Writing, Producing
Edward Padilla
Youth Acting
Our Board of Directors
Noreen Barcena
Noreen Barcena is a graduate of Pitzer College, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and Organizational Studies. Ms. Barcena attended law school at University of La Verne College of Law. Ms. Barcena proudly serves as a board member of Casa 0101, and as a executive board member of Ferias Legales. She has been practicing criminal defense, family law and immigration law since December 2012. Ms. Barcena often volunteers for legal fairs to help the community, and she has also mentored middle school and high school students. Each year, Ms. Barcena volunteers with IMAHelps to organize medical missions to under served populations and acts as an interpreter to local doctors. Ms. Barcena is a big sister for the Catholic Big Brother and Big Sister program, and often interview her expertise with Hoy newspaper. Ms. Barcena is a supporter of the arts, and was even in Pomona College’s production of Zoot Suit in 2009. She is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic’s Legal Voices as an alto.
Maria Quintero
Maria “Sokie” Quintero was raised in Boyle Heights and is now a Political Science Professor at East Los Angeles College. Ms. Quintero graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with Bilingual/Bicultural emphasis. She received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Prior to joining the ELAC faculty, Ms. Quintero worked for TELACU, as the Scholarship Program Director, and was the Youth Program Manager at Hub Cities Work Source Center. She also worked as a youth advocate at New Economics for Women housing projects in Pico Union and taught Elementary school at St Ignatius Catholic School. As a lifelong active community member, Sokie has focused on programs that empower youth and women. As a lifelong active community member, Sokie has focused on programs that empower youth and women.
Velma Perdomo
Treasurer
Velma Perdomo has always been a devotee of the arts. Upon retiring from the County of Los Angeles Sheriff Department, as a Sr. Contract Analyst, she returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. Her objective was to install art in private and public venues with the purpose of promoting art appreciation and education. As a result she became the owner of La Paloma Fine Art Gallery from 2006 to 2009. The gallery featured contemporary works of art with a prominent representation of local artists and Chicano and Mexican artists Ms. Perdomo continues to work on special projects and promote various aspects related to the arts. Her past experience also includes President and Board Member of Sister Cities, Los Angeles/Mexico D.F; former Board Member of the Luckman Center for Fine Arts, Cal State Los Angeles; subcommittee member of the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Educational Foundation; a member of the 2009 Gustavo Dudamel Latino Welcome Committee; past volunteer at the Los Angeles School of Music and Art; current Los Angeles Theater Center Gala Committee Member and current member of Assumption School Alumni Fundraising Committee located in Boyle Heights.
Glenna Avila
Secretary
Glenna Avila, a native of Los Angeles, is an artist and educator. She has worked for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs directing several community art centers, and founded California Institute of the Arts’ Community Arts Partnership (CAP) program. Avila has painted over 75 community murals in Los Angeles and has exhibited her work at the Laguna Art Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, and other museums and galleries. A long-term resident of Northeast Los Angeles, she has happily served on the Casa 0101 Board of Directors for the past four years and is currently the Secretary of the Board.
Lupe Arriola
(Current)
- Board Member, Plaza de Culturas y Artes, Los Angeles
(Previous)
- Chair, Eastside Arts Initiative, Los Angeles
- Founder, Texas LatinaList, Political Action Committee to Elect Progresssives
- First Latina to run for Fort Worth City Council, 2009, 2011
- Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth, TX, Board Member
- Nolan Catholic High School, Fort Worth, TX, Board member
- Meadowbrook Business & Professional Women’s Club, Past President
- Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter, Member and Several Positions
- Women’s Policy Forum, Member
- Girl Scouts- Circle T Council, Board Member
- United Way Metropolitan Tarant County, Committee Member
- Tarrant County WorkforceDevelopment Board, Board Member
- Cancer Care Services, Board Member
Education
Graduate, 2010 Leadership Texas
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Master’s in Public Administration – 1982
California State University, LA, CA, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – 1977
Personal
Divorced, Mother of three sons: Matthew, Vincent and Philip
Can speak, write and read Spanish fluently
Was an owner operator of four McDonald’s restaurants with former spouse from 1989 -2013
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Women of Fort Worth, 2005- The Fort Worth Commission for Women
Tarrant’s Most Influential Business Women, 1997 – Tarrant County Business Press
Small Business of the Year, 1991 – Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Emmanuel Deleage
Valentina Martinez
Valentina Martinez was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is a seasoned fundraising professional with a deep commitment to advancing philanthropic goals and driving social impact. Her approach to fundraising is characterized by a deep understanding of comunidad. Valentina is known for her ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, inspiring both individual and corporate support for causes that she is passionate about. Valentina has a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Studies from Pitzer College.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Valentina has been a lifelong patron and supporter of the arts. She is proud to dedicate her time to helping Casa 0101; driving fundraising efforts, increasing patronage and supporting marketing and communications.
Valentina is the daughter of the late Supervisor Gloria Molina and dedicated to championing her legacy as a warrior of our community. Valentina is also a Mother to two beautiful children, Santiago and Ximena.
Edward Padilla
Edward Padilla is an actor, singer, stage director and producer. He has performed throughout the US. Stage Actor credits include Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas at Geffen, Luisa Fernanda at Ricardo Montalban & Million Dollar Theaters, and workshop productions of Sister Act at Pasadena Playhouse and Zorro the musical in LA, SF and NY. Film credits include Spider-Man 3, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Jones. TV credits include recurring as “Javier” on Suburgatory (seasons I, II, III), “Teofilo” on Los Beltran (season 2), co-starring on the new Will & Grace (Reunited), Jane The Virgin, I’m Dying Up Here, SouthLAnd, General Hospital, Dirt, The Shield, Windfall, Bones, King of Queens, Drew Carey Show, and more. He has done over 150 on-camera & voice over commercials. He’s directed theater groups and shows in LA, SD, and El Paso. He graduated with honors and a BA from USC School of Theatre, and he received the David Dukes Scholarship for Acting. He studied with British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University. He is President of the Board of Directors at Casa 0101 Theater and was Artistic Director from 2006 to 2009.
Arturo Urista
Arturo Urista’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the arts. He earned an A.A. in Architectural Design from Don Bosco Tech in Rosemead, CA, and holds a Masters in Sociology from California State University, Los Angeles. He volunteered as an administrator, a gallery director for Self Help Graphics & Arts and worked briefly as a community coordinator for the Social Public Art Resource Center in Venice. His mentors, Sister Karen Boccalero, founder of SHG, and Judy Baca, founder of SPARCINLA, inspired him to advocate for the arts in any challenging and impactful way. He put his passion into becoming a public-school teacher in Language Arts, history, and printmaking, plus organizing class trips to local museums for three decades.
In 2023, he donated to his alma mater, California State University Los Angeles, Library Special Archives, over 1,200 documents, surveys, drawings used on five publications, prints, and paintings from his start at Self Help Graphics in 1985 to 1995; all artifacts that contributed to his thesis, The Chicano Art World: A Study of Two Art Centers. It is a glimpse of how artists interacted in two social settings after a decade of the rise of the Chicano Art Movement.
He has been a participant in Casa0101 events for over ten years. His involvement with Casa’s Parents and Caretakers and with the writers and actors of En Mi Jardin has been particularly noteworthy. He has written two short screenplays, Good Answer Papi and Charity and Penance.
Lupe Arriola
President
(Current)
- Board Member, Plaza de Culturas y Artes, Los Angeles
(Previous)
- Chair, Eastside Arts Initiative, Los Angeles
- Founder, Texas LatinaList, Political Action Committee to Elect Progresssives
- First Latina to run for Fort Worth City Council, 2009, 2011
- Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth, TX, Board Member
- Nolan Catholic High School, Fort Worth, TX, Board member
- Meadowbrook Business & Professional Women’s Club, Past President
- Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter, Member and Several Positions
- Women’s Policy Forum, Member
- Girl Scouts- Circle T Council, Board Member
- United Way Metropolitan Tarant County, Committee Member
- Tarrant County WorkforceDevelopment Board, Board Member
- Cancer Care Services, Board Member
Education
Graduate, 2010 Leadership Texas
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Master’s in Public Administration – 1982
California State University, LA, CA, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – 1977
Personal
Divorced, Mother of three sons: Matthew, Vincent and Philip
Can speak, write and read Spanish fluently
Was an owner operator of four McDonald’s restaurants with former spouse from 1989 -2013
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Women of Fort Worth, 2005- The Fort Worth Commission for Women
Tarrant’s Most Influential Business Women, 1997 – Tarrant County Business Press
Small Business of the Year, 1991 – Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Rosa Navarrete
Vice President
Rosa Lisbeth Navarrete is a Writer, Director & Performing Artist born in Perú and raised in Los Angeles. She is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley’s English and Creative Writing program. She is a Justice for My Sister BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Finalist (2021) and her script “In Tune” is the 1st Prize Winner for the 2022 CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge. She’s a writer/director on “The Train” an independent series developed with at Casa 0101 Theater with Showrunner Yelyna De Leon & Executive Producer, Eddie Padilla (Selected for LA Skins Festival 2021 & LIFE Film Festival). Rosa is a proud Teaching Artist at Casa 0101 Theater. Rosa is a proud supporter of Casa 0101 Theater and hopes that more community members in the area take advantage of its many free and artistic services. | www.rosastory.com
Velma Perdomo
Treasurer
Velma Perdomo has always been a devotee of the arts. Upon retiring from the County of Los Angeles Sheriff Department, as a Sr. Contract Analyst, she returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. Her objective was to install art in private and public venues with the purpose of promoting art appreciation and education. As a result she became the owner of La Paloma Fine Art Gallery from 2006 to 2009. The gallery featured contemporary works of art with a prominent representation of local artists and Chicano and Mexican artists Ms. Perdomo continues to work on special projects and promote various aspects related to the arts. Her past experience also includes President and Board Member of Sister Cities, Los Angeles/Mexico D.F; former Board Member of the Luckman Center for Fine Arts, Cal State Los Angeles; subcommittee member of the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Educational Foundation; a member of the 2009 Gustavo Dudamel Latino Welcome Committee; past volunteer at the Los Angeles School of Music and Art; current Los Angeles Theater Center Gala Committee Member and current member of Assumption School Alumni Fundraising Committee located in Boyle Heights.
María G. Martínez
Maria G. Martinez is a Board Member and active supporter of CASA0101. She has participated in CASA as a co-producer, writer, director, and actor with the Chicana, Cholas y Chisme’s Play Festival. Maria also collaborates with: TeAda Productions, and Frida Kahlo Theater. As a playwright she staged “Breakfast With My Mother” at CASA 0101, and at Miles Theater. Her updated version of “For My Cause Your Spirit Will Speak” has been Presented at CASA 0101 and at Los Angeles Woman Theater Festival. Maria has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University at L.A. and a certificate in Engineering and Construction Management from UCLA. Maria retired from the City of Los Angeles in the Community Development Department where she held the position of Director of the Neighborhood Development Division. Maria joined the CASA0101 Board of Directors in May 2014.
Edward Padilla
Edward Padilla is an actor, singer, stage director and producer. He has performed throughout the US. Stage Actor credits include Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas at Geffen, Luisa Fernanda at Ricardo Montalban & Million Dollar Theaters, and workshop productions of Sister Act at Pasadena Playhouse and Zorro the musical in LA, SF and NY. Film credits include Spider-Man 3, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Jones. TV credits include recurring as “Javier” on Suburgatory (seasons I, II, III), “Teofilo” on Los Beltran (season 2), co-starring on the new Will & Grace (Reunited), Jane The Virgin, I’m Dying Up Here, SouthLAnd, General Hospital, Dirt, The Shield, Windfall, Bones, King of Queens, Drew Carey Show, and more. He has done over 150 on-camera & voice over commercials. He’s directed theater groups and shows in LA, SD, and El Paso. He graduated with honors and a BA from USC School of Theatre, and he received the David Dukes Scholarship for Acting. He studied with British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University. He is President of the Board of Directors at Casa 0101 Theater and was Artistic Director from 2006 to 2009.
Maria Quintero
Maria “Sokie” Quintero was raised in Boyle Heights and is now a Political Science Professor at East Los Angeles College. Ms. Quintero graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with Bilingual/Bicultural emphasis. She received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Prior to joining the ELAC faculty, Ms. Quintero worked for TELACU, as the Scholarship Program Director, and was the Youth Program Manager at Hub Cities Work Source Center. She also worked as a youth advocate at New Economics for Women housing projects in Pico Union and taught Elementary school at St Ignatius Catholic School. As a lifelong active community member, Sokie has focused on programs that empower youth and women. As a lifelong active community member, Sokie has focused on programs that empower youth and women.
Gabriela López de Dennis is an award-winning storyteller—writer, producer, director, actor, content creator. She is co-founder and creative director of Lone Stars Entertainment, an award-winning production company that produces films, web series, music videos, documentaries and commercial work. Gabriela was born and raised in Los Angeles to an artistic family, and has produced and performed in theater, including playing Rosali in a production of “Real Women Have Curves” at Casa 0101. She has also appeared in short films and several TV commercials. She was included in Remezcla’s list of “10 Latino Filmmakers You Should Know.” With her company Soap Studio Inc., Gabriela has also lent her graphic design services to Casa 0101 for many years. To learn more visit www.lonestarsentertainment.com.
Edward Padilla
President
Edward Padilla is an actor, singer, stage director and producer. He has performed throughout the US. Stage Actor credits include Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas at Geffen, Luisa Fernanda at Ricardo Montalban & Million Dollar Theaters, and workshop productions of Sister Act at Pasadena Playhouse and Zorro the musical in LA, SF and NY. Film credits include Spider-Man 3, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Jones. TV credits include recurring as “Javier” on Suburgatory (seasons I, II, III), “Teofilo” on Los Beltran (season 2), co-starring on the new Will & Grace (Reunited), Jane The Virgin, I’m Dying Up Here, SouthLAnd, General Hospital, Dirt, The Shield, Windfall, Bones, King of Queens, Drew Carey Show, and more. He has done over 150 on-camera & voice over commercials. He’s directed theater groups and shows in LA, SD, and El Paso. He graduated with honors and a BA from USC School of Theatre, and he received the David Dukes Scholarship for Acting. He studied with British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University. He is President of the Board of Directors at Casa 0101 Theater and was Artistic Director from 2006 to 2009.
Teresa Otañez
Vice President
Results-oriented, and dynamic professional with more than 26 years of comprehensive experience driving sales growth and executive-level account management. A freight sales account executive at UPS since 2009, Teresa is a skilled communicator able to establish and nurture collaborative relationships with peers, teams, customers, and stakeholders at all organizational levels. She was twice awarded a World Champion of Gold within UPS for being in the top three percent of account executives worldwide, and once awarded World Champion of Platinum for being in the top one percent. She previously worked for Bullet Freight Systems, and ABF Freight Systems. She is a graduate of USC’s Marshall School of Business and has volunteered for numerous organizations including the USC Latino Alumni Association, St. Anne’s and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Noreen Barcerna
Treasurer
Noreen Barcena is a graduate of Pitzer College, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and Organizational Studies. Ms. Barcena attended law school at University of La Verne College of Law. Ms. Barcena proudly serves as a board member of Casa 0101, and as a executive board member of Ferias Legales. She has been practicing criminal defense, family law and immigration law since December 2012. Ms. Barcena often volunteers for legal fairs to help the community, and she has also mentored middle school and high school students. Each year, Ms. Barcena volunteers with IMAHelps to organize medical missions to under served populations and acts as an interpreter to local doctors. Ms. Barcena is a big sister for the Catholic Big Brother and Big Sister program, and often interview her expertise with Hoy newspaper. Ms. Barcena is a supporter of the arts, and was even in Pomona College’s production of Zoot Suit in 2009. She is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic’s Legal Voices as an alto.
Glenna Avila
Secretary
Glenna Avila, a native of Los Angeles, is an artist and educator. She has worked for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs directing several community art centers, and founded California Institute of the Arts’ Community Arts Partnership (CAP) program. Avila has painted over 75 community murals in Los Angeles and has exhibited her work at the Laguna Art Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, and other museums and galleries. A long-term resident of Northeast Los Angeles, she has happily served on the Casa 0101 Board of Directors for the past four years and is currently the Secretary of the Board.
Suzanne Linares
Suzanne Linares was born and raised in Highland Park. She has a master’s in School Psychology from California State University Los Angeles and loves to paint, write and read. Since 2013 she has been involved with CASA 0101’s annual festival, Chicanas Cholas y Chisme as a writer, associate producer, stage manager and assistant stage manager. She still lives in the house she grew up in.
María G. Martínez
Maria G. Martinez is a Board Member and active supporter of CASA0101. She has participated in CASA as a co-producer, writer, director, and actor with the Chicana, Cholas y Chisme’s Play Festival. Maria also collaborates with: TeAda Productions, and Frida Kahlo Theater. As a playwright she staged “Breakfast With My Mother” at CASA 0101, and at Miles Theater. Her updated version of “For My Cause Your Spirit Will Speak” has been Presented at CASA 0101 and at Los Angeles Woman Theater Festival. Maria has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University at L.A. and a certificate in Engineering and Construction Management from UCLA. Maria retired from the City of Los Angeles in the Community Development Department where she held the position of Director of the Neighborhood Development Division. Maria joined the CASA0101 Board of Directors in May 2014.
