Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Ferrell-Ortiz
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multiethnic person and so I’ve lived all of my life in intersectionality. In college I studied multidisciplinary studies, a ‘build your own major’ option that allowed me to pursue multiple areas of study at once. My three focuses were sociology, public admin and community service (non-profit management) and international studies. I received my minor in social sciences which was all of my Mexican History courses and my certification in LatinX and Mexican-American Studies.
My identity and passions have been in multiple buckets but scaffold off of one another. I make interdisciplinary art that tells the story of my freedom practice as a Cultural Artist, Barrio Historian, Accessible Urban Planning Advocate and Mother. My work is in service of a world where one’s zip code does not determine their access to resources. My work deepens knowledge or the appreciation of Latinx culture, barrio history and urban planning. As a cultural artist I have produced collage works, paintings, documentary films and ‘Hecho a Mano’ cultural art. Beginning in 2019 I served as an at-large commissioner on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission for the City of Dallas. I am also a Barrio Historian of the Cemento Grande barrio of West Dallas, and Oak Cliff. In 2021 I produced the “Nuestro Oak Cliff ” Documentary and during the COVID-19 pandemic I co-founded RAYO Planning, an urban planning nonprofit that levels the playing field in urban planning. RAYO deliberately builds and sustains power in the community, under the principles of “nothing for us, without us” and “people powered planning.” Since our nonprofit’s formation, we have provided pro bono services to historically underfunded but culturally wealthy communities as they advocate for equitable planning measures in their neighborhoods.
Now, I have curated an exhibit entitled “Este Lugar Importa” which commemorates the contribution and history of Latinx / Hispanic owned automotive businesses to ensure they have a place in Oak Cliff’s future. The exhibit is a collection of articles, awards, prints, photos and other materials sourced from local automotive business owners and neighbors.
The Exhibit Opening Event will take place at Arts Mission Oak Cliff 6pm-8pm, April 14rth (410 South Windomere Avenue Dallas, TX 75208).
You may also make an appointment to view the gallery at the following dates and times:
April 15-16 | Gallery Hours 1pm-5pm | by appointment
April 17-19 | Gallery Hours 6pm-8pm | by appointment
April 24-27 | Gallery Hours 6pm-8pm | by appointment
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The words my Wela (short for Abuela which means Grandmother in Spanish) spoke to me that changed my life forever were “soy cementera” (“I am a person of cement”). It’s what brought me to the realization of my connection to Cemento Grande or the Trinity Portland Cement Company Town. I share this because prior, I did not know my family helped to build up the city of Dallas. I believe that every person has a story worth commemorating. History is told from a White washed perspective, from the victor’s perspective. People of Color must uplift their own narratives through passing down historical wealth and recounting our undertold histories.
It is less likely for people to understand and navigate their own family history and communal narratives. By making knowledge accessible, engaging, tangible and explaining how historical wealth can impact people’s lives, I encourage community members of all ages to participate in owning their histories and making their voice heard.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Your story doesn’t begin with you, just like it will not end with you, know how much power you have (because you do have so very much). You have the power to heal your lineage. To be different. To have a nuanced view of your world and to adapt or change the aspects that do not encourage you to thrive. Although our ancestors made the best decisions they could given their resources, there were moments they were living to simply survive. We get to address this with our own lives and honor them as their descendants through thriving. Through acknowledging and giving power to the sacrifices, they made to get us to this very moment.
Being a Mother to my daughter has also opened my eyes to how these shifts will influence her life and the life of my family who will come after me.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Passion. It’s my driving force. I have a genuine passion for what I do. I believe this quality separates me from those who tend to think of reasons not to do something at first. Also, there’s not much that would stand in my way when I’m on a mission, for the sake of my community.
Contact Info:
- Email: victoriaferrellortiz@gmail.com | vferrellortiz@rayoplanning.com
- Website: https://www.
victoriaferrellortiz.com/ | https://www.rayoplanning.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ victoriaferrellortiz/ | https://www.instagram.com/ rayoplanning/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/rayoplanning - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
RAYOPlanning - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/channel/ UCRyHIfaf3dpGdS9CU2tGe7w
in Dallas, TX on June 23, 2022.
