Meet Maria: A Journey of Passion, Growth, and Giving Back
“What daring to go beyond means to me is to dare to be yourself. Dare to carve out who you are, experience things you never have. It’s a vulnerable, scary place to jump in, but growth only comes from action”. Maria Belisario
Maria first joined R.Evolución Latina in the spring of 2023 as an intern from NYU, eager to give back and connect with her Latiné community. That summer, she took on the role of team captain for our youth summer camp, building strong connections with the kids. As she shared with us, she wished she had experience d something like this growing up in Virginia.
By the winter of 2024, Maria auditioned and was accepted into our Adults Performing Arts Program, the Beyond Workshop Series. She didn’t just participate—she landed a role in our production of Barba.
We watched Maria’s determination firsthand as she woke up at 5 AM to audition at the Actor’s Equity Building, just like many passionate artists. And every time she stopped by our office for a “Latino hug and a dose of encouragement,” we could see how much RL meant to her.
Maria returned to lead one of our camp groups for a full week in the summer of 2024, pouring her heart into the kids, inspiring them to believe in themselves, and daring them to dream big.
This is the full circle of giving. What started as one opportunity has opened countless doors for Maria. Today, she’s working on multiple shows, attending our monthly classes, and thriving in a supportive community that believes in her. At just 20-something, Maria is daring to live her passion—and we couldn’t be prouder.
Maria’s Journey:
- Initial Training Support: With your generous donations of $100, we were able to provide Maria with workshops , which prepared her with the essential tools needed for her training.
- Ongoing Training: With a donation of $500, Maria received a month of personalized training, where she participated in masterclasses and gained valuable insights from experienced artists. This support played a crucial role in enhancing her skills.
- Performance Opportunities: Your contributions have also funded entire training sessions for groups of artists, like Maria, allowing her to collaborate with peers, share her experiences, and grow as a creative leader.
The Impact:
- Number of Artists Supported: This year alone, we have empowered over 150 adult artists like Maria through our training programs.
- Workshops Held: We conducted 19 workshops, providing over 60 hours of training.
- Feedback from Participants: An impressive 85% of participants reported increased confidence and improved skills, with many expressing newfound clarity in their artistic vision.
The Bigger Picture:
Your support is not just changing individual lives; it’s strengthening our entire artistic community. By donating to our Adults Performing Arts Training program, you’re helping us create a space where artists can thrive, collaborate, and lead. Help us continue this important work by contributing today! Together, we can empower more artists like Maria and inspire future generations.