Rachel La Loca Talks Storytelling, Culture, and Community with Luis Ortiz

Video
July 14, 2026
Cover artwork for the Latinos Out Loud podcast featuring host Rachel La Loca, Artist In Action Fellow at The Action Lab, interviewing filmmaker Luis Ortiz.

Artist In Action Fellow Rachel La Loca sits down with filmmaker Luis Ortiz for a powerful conversation on Latino storytelling, cultural leadership, and creating platforms that amplify community voices.

Cover artwork for the Latinos Out Loud podcast featuring host Rachel La Loca, Artist In Action Fellow at The Action Lab, interviewing filmmaker Luis Ortiz.

The Action Lab is proud to present this special episode of Latinos Out Loud, featuring Rachel La Loca in one of her first conversations as an Artist In Action Fellow through The Evergreen Initiative at The Action Lab.

Rachel welcomes acclaimed filmmaker, producer, and media leader Luis Ortiz for an inspiring discussion about storytelling, representation, and the responsibility of creating platforms where Latino voices can be heard, celebrated, and preserved.

As a comedian, actor, producer, and cultural leader, Rachel has built a career using humor, authenticity, and storytelling to connect communities and elevate Latino experiences. Her appointment as an Artist In Action Fellow reflects The Action Lab's commitment to supporting artists whose work strengthens civic engagement, culture, and collective power.

During the conversation, Luis Ortiz reflects on decades of championing independent filmmakers and creating opportunities for authentic Latino storytelling through initiatives such as Voces Out Loud. Together, Rachel and Luis explore how film, media, and the arts shape public narratives, inspire future generations, and contribute to stronger, more connected communities.

This episode celebrates the transformative role of artists as organizers, storytellers, and cultural leaders while highlighting the power of authentic conversations that move communities forward.

Watch the full episode and join Rachel La Loca and Luis Ortiz for a thoughtful conversation on culture, creativity, and the future of Latino storytelling.

The Action Lab spark logo

Check Out The Video!

More Images

No items found.

More From This Initiative

No items found.

More Highlights

The Rachel portrait on white orange background
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 14, 2026

The Action Lab NY x latinos out loud presents: Luis Ortiz, creating voces out loud

The Action Lab NY x latinos out loud presents: Luis Ortiz, creating voces out loud

This episode is brought to you by The Evergreen Initiative at The Action Lab NY, whom recently appointed Rachel La Loca as an Artist In Action Fellow! Our guest is Luis Ortiz, who has been giving filmmakers a conduit for their stories for decades.

Panelists speak during the Real Utopias: Decommodifying Housing convening, hosted by The Action Lab and NYU's Urban Democracy Lab, exploring democratic approaches to affordable social housing.
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 2, 2026

Real Utopias Convening Explores the Future of Social Housing and Democratic Power

Real Utopias Convening Explores the Future of Social Housing and Democratic Power

The Action Lab and NYU's Urban Democracy Lab convened organizers, researchers, and movement leaders to explore bold strategies for expanding social housing and strengthening democratic community power.

Participants in The Action Lab's Law and Organizing Academy engage in a collaborative learning session exploring community organizing, movement lawyering, and strategies for advancing racial and economic justice.
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 1, 2026

Law and Organizing Academy Builds the Next Generation of Movement Lawyers

Law and Organizing Academy Builds the Next Generation of Movement Lawyers

The Action Lab's Law and Organizing Academy equips emerging law students with the tools, relationships, and movement-centered perspective needed to support community organizing and advance racial and economic justice.

Child care providers, families, and advocates rally at City Hall Park in New York City during a Providers Organized for Power campaign calling for affordable child care and fair wages for Family Child Care providers.
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 1, 2026

Providers Organized for Power Mobilizes for Child Care Access and Fair Pay

Providers Organized for Power Mobilizes for Child Care Access and Fair Pay

Providers Organized for Power united child care providers, families, advocates, and elected officials this spring to advance affordable child care, fair wages, and stronger public investment across New York City.

Portrait of the founding members of the Small Business United Steering Committee featuring leaders from Terraza 7, Jimmy's Corner, Stuart Cinema & Cafe, Dada Bar, and ThaMiND Learn IC Center, representing independent businesses across New York City.
Report
Update
Video
Press
July 1, 2026

Small Business United Announces Its Founding Steering Committee

Small Business United Announces Its Founding Steering Committee

Small Business United introduces its founding Steering Committee, bringing together trusted small business leaders to advance the campaign for Small Business Rent Stabilization across New York City.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
Report
Update
Video
Press
June 24, 2026

Op-Ed | Building a city that values home-based providers

Op-Ed | Building a city that values home-based providers

Years ago, New York City took its first steps toward expanding public child care with the creation of Pre-K and 3-K. Those investments changed lives. But as the city expanded access, too many family child care providers — the home-based educators who have long anchored their communities — were left behind.

top