Meet Elvira Zamora | Founder of Chicano Elegance Gala

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

Hi Elvira, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk taking is one of the scariest things for me. I am a type A control freak who is extremely hard on myself when things are not done properly. The unknown can be intimidating, but I have come to embrace the unknown and taking risks because that is what life is all about. We will regret the risks we didn’t take and not playing it safe.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the producer and founder of this black tie gala dedicated as a celebration of our indigenous roots that have resurfaced in the Chicano community. What sets me apart from others is that this is an intentional event created to uplift, motivate and encourage the community to be proud of our history and struggles. We take almost a year to plan this event, that is how much thought is put to every aspect of the gala.

This journey is anything but easy, from the funding, promoting, producing and all the obstacles, it is something else to produce something like this without any financial backing or huge team, but this is where the community shines, as we all come together to make it happen.

The biggest lesson I am learning is to just keep going. No matter how many people ignore us, or don’t believe in the movement, we keep moving to find those that are ready to support.

I want the world to know that you cannot place people from the underserved communities in a box. Just because we grew up in poverty and may have even fked up in the past, those mistakes or lessons do not defy us but how we rise to the opportunities ahead in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had someone visiting LA, I would not take them to a theme park. That is a corporate fantasy. I much rather have them feel the sounds of the city at La Cita, or a baile in Pico Rivera. I would also have them taste some of the best street food at the Pinata District. Lastly, I would do a tour of all the small businesses that sell goods, have spiritual services and of course some amazing food too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out the resilience of the Chicano community. It is a complicated community of people who are judged, misunderstood and wrongly profiled. I have come to terms that I am part of this community of people who embraced me, taught me a lot and support me as a person. I think that is beautiful.

Website: https://www.chicanoelegance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicanoelegance/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPjXRZ7f-qu5h32AkBO89Q

Image Credits
Chicano Elegance Gala 2023