Michelle Rodriguez – Breakthrough U.S.

2022 Update of HFPA’s Inclusion of Black Journalists

Nearly a year has passed since The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) came under scrutiny for not having a single Black journalist in their organization. With the Golden Globes fast approaching, it’s essential to determine if the institution has made any changes. During last year’s Golden Globes, a variety of Black-led films with Oscar-winning potential…

‘Encanto’ Rejects Harmful Stereotypes and Embraces Authenticity

By Michelle Marie Rodriguez Cover Photo Credit: Disney Latinx people are continuously misrepresented in television and film. Disney’s Encanto rejects those misrepresentations and celebrates the authenticity of Colombian culture, challenging media makers to tell Latinx stories with dignity and truth. If we look at films and television shows that represent Colombia, we see plotlines that…

Episode 2 of ‘Just Breathe’: Combat Holiday Stress

The holiday season can trigger depression and cause one to feel overwhelmed. With the right tools, you can have a stress-free season! The host of our series Just Breathe, Brittany Armstrong, has three simple tricks to combat holiday stress. 1. Know Thy Calendar Brittany suggests that one of the best ways to stay stress-free during…

Check Out Our New Series on Mindfulness!

We’re proud to introduce our newest series about mental health and wellness, Just Breathe. Your host Brittany Armstrong, a Black, disabled wellness practitioner, will help you live your best life through tips and guided exercises throughout the series. In episode one, Brittany introduces mindfulness as a technique where someone gives their full attention to the…

Breakthrough Nominated at the Official Latino Film Festival

Cheyenne’s Story from our new documentary series, Our Stories In Vivid Color, was an official selection of the 2021 Official Latino Film Festival! Cheyenne’s Story was nominated for Best Webisode and was eligible for the Audience Choice Award. Directed by Breakthrough’s Creative Director, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Moni Vargas, the episode follows Cheyenne Leonard, a disabled Latinx…

“Now I’m Free” by Caela Collins

BY CAELA COLLINS I want to leave. I want to shed this body like fall. I want my mind to be freed and dance around like leaves drifting down to the autumn mosh pit. I want to go. I want to burn the burdens of my soul into ashes. I want my thoughts to hug…

Eutalia | Filipina-American Artist

Eutalia is a proud Filipina-American that celebrates her culture through her artwork, “A lot of what I do includes my background as a Filipino-American and really just telling stories through charismatic women,” she says. Approaching stories with playful perspectives and vibrant color palettes, her art centers on bold and flirty women inspired by the women…

Tomiko | Hip Hop Dancer and Creative Leader in Los Angeles

Tomiko (She/Her) is a hip hop dancer, creative, leader, and activist. Since the age of six, she has been dancing with the nonprofit organization Culture Shock LA and founded Girls Can Create at Eagle Rock High School, which inspires young women on campus through art, activism, and entrepreneurship. Her advocacy is inspired by her experience…

Diana | Double-Immigrant Exploring Identity and Indigenous Roots

Diana Castro (she/they) is a queer, immigrant, woman of color from Los Angeles. Their ethics were shaped by their mother’s dedication to being a childcare worker. Despite working hard, the family faced challenging livable conditions and discrimination due to a language barrier. Diana often assisted their parents in times of need. Eventually, the family decided…

Charlie | Indigenous Influencer Leaving a Positive Impact

Charlie Amáyá Scott (She/They) is a Diné (Navajo) scholar born and raised within the central part of the Navajo Nation. When they made the move from their small town to Brown University, it was a big shift. “My graduating class for high school was 98% Navajo,” says Charlie, “It wasn’t until I went to Brown…