Meet Isabel Contreras | Founder & CEO, Mi Gente CA

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

Hi Isabel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For me, the most critical factor behind my organization, Mi Gente CA’s, success is staying true to my values and showing up authentically. In a rapidly changing world, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of building and scaling a business. However, my unwavering commitment to my guiding principles and Mi Gente CA’s core values of inclusivity, compassion, and empowerment has been instrumental in keeping me centered and focused on our mission.

It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it. We strive to practice what we preach. As Dr. Terence Lester said, “‘Everyone is welcome’ is drastically different from ‘we built this with you in mind.’ People don’t want to go where they are merely tolerated, they want to go where they are included.” I’m intentional about every step of the process, from the businesses and organizations we collaborate with, the operations in place to keep things accessible and beneficial to the creatives we support, and the types of events and celebrations we organize and educate our audiences on. I believe that when our actions align with our values, it creates trust with our audience and fosters a sense of safety and belonging. We are about deliberately creating a space where everyone feels included and empowered to show up authentically.

By staying true to my values, I’m able to pour my heart and soul into my organization, which in turn attracts a powerful community of like-minded individuals committed to equitable opportunities in the arts and culture sector. It’s not about getting caught up in external pressures or chasing success; it’s about staying true to myself and creating a community that embodies the same values to further this movement, together.

This is so much bigger than me or Mi Gente CA; it’s about giving power back to creatives, especially underrepresented creatives, who, despite being excluded from key spaces and conversations, have consistently been the driving force behind meaningful change and powerful movements. If you feel in alignment with our mission or are just curious to learn more, check out migenteca.org or @migenteca on Instagram.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My personal artwork is what led me to creating my organization, Mi Gente CA. While away on the East Coast for college, I was searching for artwork that I felt I could see myself in and found very limited options. This inspired me to dive further into my own culture and upbringing through my artwork, creating pieces that showcased the colors, customs, and stories of my heritages. I decided my main goal was to incorporate more cultural representation in animated films. It was through this artistic process that I solidified my personal values of fully owning and embracing all of my identities, and representing and being proud of your roots.

After graduating I retuned back to California and continued to pursue my career in animation. Then 6 months later COVID hit. Still, I continued creating art and seeking opportunities. Once things simmered down a bit and the world was opening back up again, I started exploring more of my local community in hopes to find cultural creative spaces. Still, I struggled to find art spaces and events where I truly felt seen and represented.

Recognizing this need, I decided to start hosting my own events. In speaking with the artists who attended, I learned they had faced similar challenges. This affirmed for me that there was a real demand for the kind of inclusive, diverse creative spaces I envisioned. However, I had no prior experience in starting a “business,” and up until that point, I wasn’t even sure if that was the path I wanted to pursue.

The process was challenging, and I often felt overly ambitious and inadequate compared to those with more formal education in the field. But the more I learned and the more I connected with other like-minded folks, the process began to feel natural. I think because I didn’t have a foundation of rigid “rules” or “best practices,” I was able to build something that authentically reflected my mission and values.

While building Mi Gente CA, I felt I was drifting away from my animation goals, which led to feelings of failure. However, I realized that my core mission hadn’t changed, only the vessel through which I was pursuing it. My initial desire to bring cultural representation to the masses through animation was now being realized at a grassroots level, empowering creatives to showcase and represent their heritages, talents, and identities.

Owning and embracing the redirection of my artistic career without seeing it as a negative was where the true power was and where things really started to align in my favor. It showed me that being a creative is a superpower. Not for the reason folks may think of just having a really cool talent; but for the unique way we think, adapt, and translate messages, emotions, and experiences for others to understand and connect to. It allows us to nurture our curiosity and our imagination, which leaves the creative process open to taking many forms. This mentality has been instrumental in my approach to my entrepreneurship and just life in general. Embracing pivots has been key to building my confidence and has solidified the importance of pursuing a mission over a specific medium. The journey may take many forms, but flowing with the current will always lead you to where you’re meant to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a bit newer to the area, but I enjoy how vibrant and activated San Diego is any day of the week. If I had visitors in town I would see if there’s any special events or celebrations happening during that time, particularly arts events or musical performances. I enjoy being outdoors so SD Melanin’s Blanket Sounds is a nice way to wind down the day with good music and community. Also, Majesty in Motion’s rooftop salsa classes are a fun activity to do with friends! One of our go-to things to do when we have guests visiting is go to the various Farmer’s Markets around town and also walk along one of our many popular beaches. I also would take them museum hopping in Balboa Park and schedule a Tower Tour at Museum of Us (such a gorgeous view.) Another peaceful view we like to check out is watching all the paragliders in Torrey Pines while getting a nice sunset at the beach. Del’s BBQ is also a MUST when we have guests. It never disappoints!

As I venture out more and explore new places in the area, I’ll be sure to share with those I know and love!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many folks that have been instrumental to my success. My family, in particular, has been an incredible support system for me. I am so grateful and blessed to have them in my corner through all the stressors and doubts, but also through all the milestones and joys that come with this journey. They show up for me in so many ways, physically and emotionally, and they are truly what keep me going. It’s been quite the honor to be able to implement so many of the lessons and values they taught me in my upbringing to create something so meaningful that gives back to my community.

I’m also super grateful for my mentors Consuelo, Jim, Valéria, Will, Sonja and Lori who have given me so much valuable support, guidance, and mentorship throughout these first few years. They have seen me and my passion from very early on, and have selflessly opened doors and invited me to tables before I even felt ready. They have always treated me as an equal and helped build up my confidence to take up space, seize opportunities and dare to ask for what I deserve. It’s been nothing short of amazing to share space and be uplifted by so many people I deeply respect and admire.

Website: https://www.migenteca.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/migenteca/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mi-gente-ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554694889076

Image Credits
Michael Baba
Jorge Aguilar