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Brianna Vazquez

965

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

When I first started community college I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life but it gave me a fresh start. When I enrolled at Pasadena City College, I discovered the power of storytelling through acting and filmmaking. I went out of my comfort zone and took an acting class despite my fear of public speaking and the anxiety it gave me. Performing in front of others was nerve wracking, but it also opened a door to creative expression I didn’t know I was missing. That class helped me find my voice and gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I thought were impossible for a shy brown girl like me. I challenged myself by auditioning for an acting program in East Los Angeles designed for underrepresented Latino talent, where I got the chance to perform sold out shows and represent marginalized voices from my community. Through this experience, I realized that creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about connection, perseverance, and change. Telling these stories showed me how art can be a tool for activism, and can spark conversations that challenge perspectives and inspire action.

Education

Pasadena City College

Associate's degree program
2018 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Montebello High School

High School
2010 - 2015

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Performing Arts

    • Dream career goals:

    • Actor

      Chola Vision
      2023 – Present2 years
    • Actor

      HBHK
      2023 – 2023
    • Hair & Make Up

      HBHK
      2023 – 2023

    Research

    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

      PCC — Researcher
      2023 – 2023

    Arts

    • Pasadena City College

      Theatre
      The Play That Goes Wrong
      2025 – Present
    • Pasadena City College

      Theatre
      Ubu Roi
      2024 – 2024
    • Nani Rotten

      Videography
      Rotten TV
      2020 – Present
    • Chola Vision

      Theatre
      The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
      2024 – Present
    • Chola Vision

      Theatre
      Romeo & Juliet: Rolling Through East LA
      2023 – 2023

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      LA Soup Kitchen — Volunteer
      2010 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Mad Grad Scholarship
    My "why" is rooted in the power of storytelling, specifically the ability to give voice to identities and experiences that are often overlooked or erased. Growing up in East LA, I was surrounded by a blend of cultures, languages, and stories that weren’t always reflected in mainstream media. That absence created my desire to create narratives that embrace and showcase cultural authenticity, complexity, and emotional truth. What motivates me is the belief that storytelling has the power to disrupt, to question, and to inspire. My pursuit in the arts is not just about entertainment—it’s about challenging the dominant narratives that dictate who gets to be seen and heard. This passion drives my current work on a sci-fi TV pilot, dark comedy and drama explore themes of identity, surveillance, and rebellion in a dystopian future. The show centers on three complex characters: Angel Rodrigo, a privileged woman masking her unhappiness; Stephanie “Chiquilla” Blanco, a rebellious hacker searching for her missing mother and “Crow,” a street-smart hustler working in the underground resistance. Where technological advancements like artificial intelligence and digital tools continue to change the creative process, my commitment to storytelling remains human. While AI can generate scripts and art, it cannot copy the lived experiences, nuances, and emotional truths that come from real people. I see technology as a tool to enhance my creative vision, not replace it. My aim is to craft stories that feel honest, raw, and reflective of the world I know while pushing the boundaries of how those stories are told. My "why" is about reclaiming the narrative. I want to tell stories that reflect the messy, vibrant, and defiant spirit of communities like mine while pushing against those that seek to homogenize human experiences. Whether through film, television, or theatre, I want to create work that resonates with those who rarely see themselves on screen and invites others to question the world around them.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
    Through my art I want to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge societal norms, especially those affecting the Chicana and broader Latinx community. I believe storytelling is a powerful tool for change and it can humanize experiences, shift perspectives, and inspire action. By creating authentic and complex narratives, I hope to showcase to people who often feel invisibile and unheard. My work is heavily influenced by my identity as a Chicana and my personal experiences navigating being between two cultures. I want to break stereotypes by portraying characters who reflect the diverse layers of my community and show people who are multifaceted, resilient, and more than just the labels society places on them. I want my art to speak to those who, like me, grew up feeling “not enough” for either culture and show them that their stories matter. I am passionate about blending art and activism. Whether through film, television, or theatre, I want to highlight social issues like systemic inequality, identity, and cultural erasure while infusing my work with humor and heart. I want to engage audiences in difficult topics in a way that is accessible and thought provoking.
    Brianna Vazquez Student Profile | Bold.org