UndocU: Keynote Speakers

UndocU is delighted to feature two compelling keynote speakers. 

 

Ernesto RochaErnesto Rocha (undocubae) is an organizer, storyteller, transformational coach, TEDx speaker and presenter. He has over 13 years of community and political organizing experience. His focus has been on advocating for immigrant rights and low-wage workers in various industries. His performances and stories have reached the stage at notable platforms including TEDx, Jubilee Media and KPCC’s Unheard LA. In 2019 he appeared on a segment of MIDDLE GROUND to discuss border security and undocumented immigration which has received over 1.2 Million views. In 2018 he performed his original story, “Plantitas” at KPCC’s Unheard LA live show at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. He delivered his first TEDx Talk at CSULB in 2017 entitled, I AM NOT My Status: Perspectives of an Undocumented Immigrant. In it, he explores the theme of identity formation and the process of personal liberation through storytelling. His most recent venture was to launch Loose Accents, an original podcast that celebrates the brilliance and struggle of growing up undocumented in the United States. Loose Accents seeks to uplift the complicated intersections of identity, race, sexuality and class in the day to day adventures of its hosts living in the current political climate. undocubae is also the co-founder of Cocoon Storytelling, a storytelling series created in Long Beach to showcase the narratives of people of color.

 

Armando IbanezArmando Ibañez is a Latinx queer filmmaker and activist from Mexico. He has been living in the United States for over 16 years and lives in the state of California. Armando is involved in the LGBTQ and immigrant rights movements and is an active member with Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement. His passion for film began at the age of 7 years old while watching Mexican cinema from the 1950s. Armando is the director and writer of the online series “Undocumented Tales,” a story that follows the journey of a Mexican undocumented and queer server living in Los Angeles. He is committed to portraying authentic Latinx characters and address real issues impacting immigrant and LGBTQ communities in the United States.