Meet Georgina Avilez | Sr. Program Manager & Story Teller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Georgina Avilez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Georgina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
There has always been a love for the arts, created by my imagination fueling a desire to serve others from a very young age. People would snicker when I shared dreams of working in the entertainment business in school, but mentors knew the spark would one day become a flame. Strolling through a music store, a magazine caught my attention, and instantly became mesmerized by the glossy pages spotlighting Latino arts and entertainment. Thanks to the encouragement of my first love, Mr. Wonderful, I cold called the magazine for a job. Within 24-hours, I was the new assistant to the managing editor at Latin Style Magazine. From music to motion picture to learning graphics to storytelling, it was my mission to educate myself in this new realm understanding the different facets of the business.

Since that stroll in the music store, I worked in the entertainment business, top consumer communications, and community outreach for nearly 20 years. That gave me a thorough understanding of Hispanic and General Market brands. I created a specialty in community relations, program/event management, and media engagement.

My next stop, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and “A Letter to Mr. Wonderful.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After 11 years, I walked away from the entertainment business to the nonprofit world. For a moment, I thought I had failed the little girl who once dreamt of the arts. Little did I know the vision evolved into a grander reason. At Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), my personal and professional life became intimately intertwined: I began using my own story and experiences to help others discover a renewed self-love while changing negative to positive behaviors. After receiving praise for a personal essay detailing my experience with tragedy and the journey to rediscovering myself, I began working on my first novel, A Letter to Mr. Wonderful. My work and personal history center on community wellness and education. I want to empower and uplift voices transforming pain into purpose.

The knowledge gained through the years would not have been possible without the experiences that once brought pain. Finding a new sense of purpose through acts of service with the work in the community, I continue to heal in doing what I love. 

What moves me today is growing and making a difference in people’s lives. Ultimately, I would like to elevate Latino presence in mainstream media by collaborating with entertainment entities, like Foreshadowing Entertainment. I know our hopes for a future of Latino artists begin with tomorrow’s talent.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

There are so many hidden gems in Los Angeles. Southern California is known for being one of the 10 Best Weather Places in the world. From the beautiful coastal and rich history of the Malibu pier to walking the wooden planks at Seal Beach while drinking chai latte from Bogart’s Cafe, you cannot go wrong with visiting a place where the ocean hugs the shore. This is where I honor the little girl who use to sit in a field of strawberries to watch the sun set and moon rise.

After enjoying a beautiful stroll at Venice Beach Boardwalk, Casablanca Restaurant’s world-famous flour tortillas constantly taunts my taste buds. Casablanca Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind-themed restaurant combining fine Mexican cuisine with the 1943 Academy Award-winning movie, Casablanca, featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman – Casablanca Restaurant and Bogart’s Cafe . . . Can you guess my favorite movie? 

Still, family traditions of walking the birthplace of Los Angeles – Olvera Street carry a special place in my heart. Strolling through the tree-shaded marketplace, the aromas of taquitos at outdoor cafes, or listening to suave harmonies of mariachi music playing in El Pueblo de Los Angeles Plaza Historic Park. The sound of string instruments brings me home to family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are so many to give that special “Shout Out” love. I’ve been very fortunate to have family, authentic friends aka “The Squad”, peers and mentors in my life for daily encouragement. They are the ones who know how to challenge my voice or hold my hand in silence when I don’t have the courage to speak.

As the words of life began to flow, a dear friend, Kristen Skjonsby persuaded each word come to life with a personal essay. It was my own little secret until my director/mentor, Pat Rillera, shouted “I want more. A book!” Honestly, I was dumbfounded by her words. Eventually, I took them to heart while Kristen along with many others conspired to take my art of storytelling to the next level with writing classes at UCLA. Pat continued to challenge me to new platforms in my professional career and mentored the feminine spirit. To her other credits, Pat became my Fairy Dating God Mother making it a hilarious ride. She has become one of life’s greatest gifts.

Sharing my story began to get the best of me, and I asked the universe for a sign if I should continue with this quest. From cause connection to creative, a new angel appeared – Luis Ramon Quintero. Moved by my personal essay, he’s shown me to take the vision of storytelling to a grander scale while continue to help the community.

I’m here standing on my own two feet because of them. I love you and I love you beyond more!

Website: www.georginaavilez.com

Instagram: @therealgeorginaavilez

Twitter: @georginaavilez

Facebook: /georginaavilez

Youtube: Georgina Avilez