Friends of PPLD: Latina Voices

Attendees of all ages are invited to attend the program wherein three outstanding women will tell the stories of their paths to each career and the impediments to their successes.  Opera singer Cecilia Violetta Lopez will perform as well as be the keynote speaker.  The celebrated soprano has been named “one of opera’s Rising Stars” by Opera News. She has received accolades for her signature role of Violetta in La Traviata, which she has performed with Minnesota Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Tampa, Opera Idaho, Ash Lawn Opera, The Northern Lights Music Festival, Madison Opera, Pacific Symphony and Virginia Opera.  The singing actress is constantly praised for her “alluring voice and incredible range.” (Washington Post). 

Other speakers will be local professionals Keeley Griego, fundraiser and writer, and Ana Santeliz, a medical assistant, will inform and answer questions.  Each will inspire and entertain. The Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District is pleased to invite you - and guests - to attend our annual Latina Voices program, featuring world-renowned opera singer Cecilia Violetta Lopez.  Cecile will be performing and speaking alongside Colorado Springs' very own local Latina women of influence, Keeley Griego and Ana Santeliz. 

Keeley Griego earned a degree in Women’s and Ethnic Studies and a certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Colorado.  She is currently serving on the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s first Women and Girls of Color Fund Advisory Council. and works as the Digital and Community Educator for Inside Out Youth Services. 

Ana Santeliz, has played musical instruments since she was a child. She served in the Illinois National Guard Army Band and transitioned into the Army Band and after being discharged from the military studied Music Education at Colorado State University – Pueblo. She now works for the Community Partnership for Child Development as the Outreach Coordinator

Cecilia Violetta Lopez is a nationally known and respected soprano who has performed with many major city opera companies. She also is the artistic director for Opera Idaho ad lives in Albuquerque.   López has been named one of “Idaho’s Top 10 Most Influential Women of the Century” by USA Today and has been identified as one of opera’s “25 Rising Stars” by Opera News.
 
Amy Sanchez-Martinez, a past presenter and emcee, will again introduce today’s presenters. A graduate of UCCS, she also holds a Master’s of Science in Organization Leadership with graduate honors from Regis University, She is the campus director of Sand Creek High School.