Speakers and Artists

Jonathan Perez is the Twitch streamer, TTRPG enthusiast, and short-form Content Creator behind the viral TikTok account Latinos Against Spooky Sh*t. Born in beautiful Baja California, Mexico, and raised in Seattle, Washington, Jonathan has always walked in two worlds. In 2020, he created Latinos Against Spooky Sh*t on TikTok, blending cultural humor and the supernatural. His unique brand of comedy and entertainment continues to bring together a diverse audience of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy enthusiasts from around the globe. 

You can find him on TikTok and Instagram to check out his latest projects and content.  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@latinosagainstspookyshit  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinosagainstspookyshit  

Dr. Carlos R. Escalante is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Genetic Medicine at the VCU School of Medicine. Originally from Acapulco, Mexico, he traded ocean views for the lab bench when he moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at Georgetown University. After earning his degree, he continued sharpening his scientific skills at Columbia University and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. In 2008, he joined the VCU School of Medicine, where he built a laboratory dedicated to exploring how biology works at the molecular level. Today, his research dives into the tiny but powerful molecular machinery of adeno-associated virus, with the goal of improving its use as a gene therapy vector.

 

Comunidad en Richmond de Danzas Peruanas, existe para promover el folklore peruano, danzas y expresiones artísticas, que es la riqueza del Perú. Además queremos revalorar nuestra cultura como ejemplo para los niños y migrantes peruanos en la zona de Richmond, Virginia
The Community of Peruvian Dances in Richmond promotes Peruvian folklore, dance, and expressive arts, which are Peru's heart and soul. We also want to inspire pride in our culture as a beacon for kids and Peruvian migrants in the Richmond area.

Kadencia originally started in Puerto Rico and released its first album, but our lead singer, Maurice Sanabria and his son Maurice "Tito" Sanabria, relocated to Chesterfield, VA, in pursuit of professional opportunities. Their desire to conserve and promote Afro-Puerto Rican music drove the Sanabria family to start the band in Richmond in August 2018. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and inspire change. Our core values include authenticity, creativity, and community. We are committed to supporting music that is meaningful, relatable, and thought-provoking. Our Mission is to play, promote, and preserve Afro-Puerto Rican music. Our goal is to take our music to every corner and stage. Kadencia is certified by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture as an authentic performer of Puerto Rican Folk music. Kadencia is also part of the Virginia Commission for the Arts touring directory and a resident artist at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education in Chesterfield, Virginia.