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Jesse Vela '24

Jesse VelaA rising junior of Northwestern University, Jesse Vela is a student researching how queer, Latine communities navigate repressive spaces both culturally and legally through legislation, various media, literature, and ethnographic documentation; moreover, how these communities generate their own 'covalescent' spaces for uplifting and fostering marginalized identities. Inspired by disruptive methods to educational cannon, Vela also aspires to utilize the documentary medium to convey the experiences and healing tactics of these communities. Having crafted a previous short film regarding the consultation of his own queer and Latin identity, Vela hopes to employ similar creative techniques in visuals and music to make the piece more effective in capturing the narratives of those involved. The overarching goal of Vela's current and future research is to be able to communicate important themes reflecting the experiences and curative methods of minoritized communities through both and academic and creative lens. As a native of Los Angeles, he intends to expand research beyond the sphere of Evanston and Chicago, as he is also immensely passionate about continuing to explore his own identity and those adjacent. Currently, he is a Latina/o Studies major and Legal Studies minor with interest in acquiring an additional Film History minor.