Board Members
Meet the Chicano Elegance Foundation team, who have equal unparalleled passion and expertise.
Founder/CEO:
Elvira Zamora- is a multi-hyphenate creative merging fashion and philanthropy. Born in Peru and raised in Los Angeles, she proudly identifies as a Valley Girl and began her creative journey in the San Fernando Valley.
Through her work, Elvira challenges the idea of fashion as superficial, using it instead as a vehicle for cultural expression and community impact. This vision led her to create Chicano Elegance, a fashion gala rooted in cultural pride and representation for brown, Indigenous, and Chicano voices.
A relentless creative and community advocate, Elvira continues to push boundaries while encouraging authenticity, intention, and growth.
CFO:
Elidet Reyes is a lifelong activist whose work bridges art, advocacy, and community. Her work lives at the intersection of art, advocacy, and community, grounded in the belief that creativity is not just expression, it is resistance. Her commitment to justice began in the 1990s, protesting Proposition 187, and has continued through decades of political engagement and mutual aid. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Elidet transformed personal resources into collective impact by using her stimulus to raise additional funds for farmworkers. She also collaborated with fellow activists to organize and distribute care packages, blending mutual aid with solidarity.
Rooted in the belief that creativity is a form of resistance, Elidet is dedicated to amplifying stories of resilience, struggle, and cultural expression from communities too often pushed to the margins.
Board Member:
Sus, also known as Vadiostar, is a San Bernardino native, cultural leader, respected community organizer, and entrepreneur who blends street culture with hip-hop history. As the city’s first Mexican American hip-hop gold-recording artist, he helped elevate representation and open doors for future generations of Latino artists.
Sus has partnered with various organizations and brands and has organized of Navidad en el Barrio, an annual community-driven Christmas event that supports families in need and fosters unity on the city’s Westside. As an entrepreneur, he is a co-founder of Groove Records, Space Boogie Music, PureUnkut Records, and PureUnkut Cerveza, extending his influence beyond music into business and culture. Grounded in loyalty and lived experience, Sus is known for bringing people together and ensuring his community remains at the center of the spotlight.
Board Member:
Freddy Calderon is a San Bernardino visual artist, curator, and community organizer. He has curated exhibitions with institutions including the Inland Civil Rights Institute and co-founded the Downtown San Bernardino artwalk supporting local artists and small businesses. Also the founder of Navidad en el Barrio, an annual, completely free community initiative that distributes over 500 toys to children each year along with free clothes, free food and free prizes for those who attend in his Westside community.
His visual work has been recognized with a national photography grant scholarship through the Anaphora program and two Silver National Advertising Association Awards.
Social Media Management:
Julie Lopez aka La Kissy, I believe we are spiritual beings living a human existence, navigating the complexities of life with purpose and passion. Hailing from the vibrant Southwest and raised by a proud Guerrera, I carry forward the rich cultural tapestry of my heritage. As a Chicano studies scholar, I am deeply committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that while we come in many shapes, sizes, and mixed ethnicities, the soul of the Chicano community unites us in our unique expressions.
A content creator and social media administrator, my creative journey also includes roles as a makeup artist, hairstylist, model, and actress, where I explore the art of self-expression and transformation.
My passion lies in uplifting and inspiring others, and I strive to share this vision celebrating our individuality while embracing the collective strength of our community.
Board Member/Digital Creator:
Jorge Aguilar, a Pasadena photographer and videographer since 2008. Started shooting street photography then transitioned to portraits which is where his passion for studio photography began.
I love the concept of being able to photograph an image that will last a lifetime. Being able to capture moments of people which will bring them back to that exact moment when they take a look at the picture is priceless.
Community is home, therefore investing in it means investing in my home. Growing up I saw how many programs helped kids stay out of trouble. This is why investing in the community is important to develop a bright future for our youth.
