“Reconnecting Through Art & Community, Cambia, todo cambia…”

“Cambia, todo cambia…”

A Message from Our Returning Board Chair:

Dear Communities,

For over 50 Years, Self Help Graphics has been a pillar of Xicanx/Latinx artistic expression in Los Angeles and beyond. Through printmaking, murals, community events, residencies and workshops, artist development, we have shown that change is not just inevitable—it’s empowering!

In the midst of witnessing and experiencing atrocities; locally with the fires, nationally with a rise of racism and globally in Palestine, the Congo, and Sudan- as well as challenges in our personal journeys, our organizational journey, our art, or our activism, SHG honors the call to evolve and strengthen collaborations, as we continue in uplifting ecological and social justice into the next 50 years together.

After a much-needed newsletter pause, we return with a renewed spirit and purpose. The words of the song “Todo Cambia” by Mercedes Soza, remind us that transformation is natural and necessary. Just as art evolves and communities grow, Self Help Graphics & Art embraces change.

After a year of dedicated service, we announce the recent departure of our Executive Director, Jennifer Cuevas. Her collaboration with SHG spans over eight years, both as a communications consultant and through her year as Executive Director. As Jennifer moves on to her next chapter, we extend our appreciation for her contributions and wish her continued success and fulfillment in her future endeavors.

Stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director is Paulina M. Flores. Paulina brings a deep understanding of the mission of Self Help Graphics as the former Board Chair with a steadfast dedication to community. We are confident that with her leadership, the organization will continue to thrive and uphold our commitment to cultural expression, printmaking, and creative empowerment.

As we embrace transformation, we welcome new additional team members whose energy and vision will strengthen our collective work. Their commitment ensures that SHG remains a space of shared creativity, resistance, and community.

I am honored to serve as Board President again and continue the journey of renovating our permanent home site, uplifting all of the generations of SHG participants. With the courage and audacity to thrive as an inclusive community, I look forward to the beauty, joy, and solidarity we will continue to create together at Self Help Graphics and Art.

In solidarity,

Endy Bernal

Board President

c/s

Meet Our New Team Members

Paulina M Flores
Interim Executive Director

Paulina has been an active advocate for SHG since 2016 as part of the Board and has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting the Boyle Heights and East LA communities. With a background in organizational development, Paulina is an operational leader who champions building healthy organizational cultures anchored in strengths base management practices.

Outside of her professional work, Paulina is a practicing danzante carrying forward the traditions of Aztec dance as a form of cultural resistance and spiritual practice. As a long time resident of Boyle Heights her deep connection to place has shaped her dedication to intergenerational connection and ensuring community voices remain at the center advocacy.

Nini Sanchez
Youth Program Manager

Nini has cultivated a deep expertise in managing youth programs and mentoring students across L.A. County. She is dedicated to developing inclusive, project-based programming that promotes cultural understanding, empowers young people, and connects them to meaningful, personally relevant experiences.

Connie Mendoza
Development & Administrative Support Specialist

Connie is an artist, visual arts educator and arts administrator. She is currently member of Barrio Mobile Arts Studio team and will be supporting the Interim ED in grants management and supporting donor stewardship

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