My dissertation project was selected for funding as part of the Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar, Global Slaveries, Fugitivity, and the Afterlives of Unfreedom: Interconnections in Comparative Dialogue, directed by professors Olimpia Rosenthal and Pedro Machado. This fellowship allows me to make progress in my research and writing while partaking in workshops, events, and reading groups.

I successfully auditioned for the Legendary African American Dance Company. It was a momentous occasion that has reshaped my life. Under the guidance of our director Baba Stafford, I have embarked on a healing journey through dance, research, and deepening my personal growth as a dancer and individual. 

I was also honored with the 2023 Latino Faculty and Staff Council Graduate Student Award. It was gratifying to see my extensive community work in Bloomington over the past six years celebrated. My contributions span a range of organizations, including Teatro VIDA, GSAC, BRASA, AATSP, BBBTT, the Escuelita para Todos project, as well as independent initiatives like book clubs, dance workshops, and lectures on racism. 

My research endeavors on the African Diaspora have been extensive. With the support of Professor Estela Vieira in 2020, I received a EURO grant to delve into the archives of the National Library in Lisbon, where I focused on the work of black and Luso-Brazilian poet Gonçalves Crespo. I'm particularly proud of two award winning essays —one exploring slavery and domestic workers in Brazilian literature, and the other discussing the challenges and rewards of being a black Latina in graduate school. This latter piece was featured in the Chiricú journal, where I published my original research on Brazilian author Emi Bulhões. 

Over 2023, I’ve undertaken my most ambitious projects to date: producing a festival for Teatro VIDA with the mentorship of Israel Herrera, directing a bilingual play by David Davila, performing with the African American Dance Company at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, and going for the third summer to Spain to teach Hispanic literature and culture to highschoolers with IUHPFL. 

With deep gratitude, I recognize the invaluable influence of my mentors, professors, friends, family, and ancestors who have been instrumental in shaping my journey at Indiana University.