Passionate educator and social justice advocate, specializing in community programming that blends storytelling, emotional awareness, and leadership development. Ale Uzarraga weaves together narrative therapy, art therapy, and ancestral wisdom to guide students on a journey of self-discovery, emotional resilience, and social integration through art. Her mindful and empathetic approach fosters a sense of community, trust, and compassion, empowering students to cultivate their identities, deepen their understanding of their surroundings, and develop essential life skills. Her unique pedagogy creates a brave and supportive space for students to grow, reflect, and thrive.
Far South Border North
Shaping, managing, and guiding impactful art-centered campaign for the Far South Border North grant in San Diego and Imperial counties through the “Lens of Liberation” campaign, a multimedia campaign that empowers youth to embrace their cultural narratives, engage in artivism, and advocate for equity and justice. Through Far South Border North, I managed the project, community events and supported artists + cultural practitioners in fostering community health and well-being, promoting social cohesion, and advancing equity in underserved communities. These initiatives have culminated in multimedia projects and community-centered events that elevate the voices of marginalized communities, challenge systemic oppression, and drive change.
To learn more about the campaign and other projects, visit: www.sandiego.gov/far-south-border-north
Photo and embroidery (fotobordado) by Daniela, participant from “Lens of Liberation” campaign.
SDCOE Juvenile Court Community Schools (JCCS)
Serving this community in a variety of schools and detention centers through the San Diego County Office of Education as a leading instructor of several diverse photography and mixed media projects, including art installations in multiple galleries, since 2016.
This curriculum aims to make youth reflect on their own stories and experiences, strengthening them to reclaim their world through photography using different therapeutic methods with the intention to provide emotional awareness, critical thinking, and self-reflection. It also promotes critical thinking about issues that impact them individually and in the communities they are part of.
This curriculum brings social justice and social issues into group conversations by creating community through experience-based learning to encourage youth to develop leadership skills, grow self-esteem, and create a social transformation.
Partners in Purpose
Creating a diverse curriculum and facilitating workshops for young people to explore their identities and passions through photography while also cultivating crucial life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and public speaking. The curriculum encourages students to think critically about their communities and the issues that affect them. Through hands-on projects, field trips, and mentorship, students learn to use art as a tool for change, becoming socially engaged citizens and leaders who can drive positive impact in their communities and beyond.
This work has taken shape in collaboration with various arts-based nonprofits across San Diego, where I’ve had the privilege of designing and leading youth programs rooted in creativity, community, and social awareness.
Past collaborators: The AjA Project, Arts Education Connection, Pedacito De Cielo, ARTS, San Diego Opera, Outside The Lens, and Outdoor Outreach.
Pedacito de Cielo
Providing photo-therapy workshops since October 2020 in Zona Norte for Pedacito de Cielo, a non-profit located in Tijuana dedicated to providing spaces free of violence through art, sports, and educational and psychological programs.
For donations, please visit:
Journey
Teaching artist at El Cajon Valley Middle School from 2017 to 2020.
This program works with the San Diego refugee community of El Cajon Valley Middle School. This curriculum uses photography and mixed media as a tool for self-reflection on identity, culture, self-expression, and integration into a new country and/or community. This process of collective self-exploration and storytelling, is designed to validate and empower the participants’ experience and provide an avenue for self-guided growth. The curriculum uses art therapy methodology to support students to grow their self-esteem, improve teamwork, and be leaders in the spaces they are in. All projects created in the program aim for participants to reflect and represent their identity, community, and culture.
For more information about the program and participants’ work, visit:
