Leslie Carina Orduna
Who is Leslie Carina Orduna?
Leslie Carina Orduna is a Mexican American Poet, activist, and badass fierce woman whose words and demeanor of her existence brings light into any space. She is spicy with a kick that will make you want to sit down and listen. Her soft and gentle approach when she speaks and the microphone on her hand, her words are mixed languages that represents her duality and diverse cultures.
Her belief in the power of art and compassion, spiritually led by her own affirmations, engages with community and organizing that brings an organic representation of who she is.
She is a protector of animals, earth, and historically excluded and marginalized communities.
Her soul is rooted in the earth and love.
She’s actively involved with several organizations that share similar visionary focus on uplifting the Latinx communities.
She is also inspired daily by her own culture and the ability to remain true to herself and has the adaptability mindset to collaborate with her surroundings.
When I heard her speak for the first time in a public event, it was the connection by the power of words and her sincere truthiness that even I could resonate. With the snap snaps of fingers in the space, I knew I had to get a story about her and who she is in our community. And so, here we are about to embark the journey with questionnaire and answer interview with Leslie, and I hope you as the reader and viewer you will enjoy a down to earth conversation.
Questionnaire and Answer Conversation
Personal & Artistic Journey
Q: What inspired you to become a poet?
A: Leslie Carina: I always loved reading and writing as a young child and it felt like a natural way of being able to express and release internal feelings. Words seemed magical, sort of like an entry or exit door - whatever was needed.
Q: How does your identity as a Latina and Indigenous woman shape your poetry?
A: Leslie Carina: It not only shapes my work, but it shapes my entire existence. It is the way I experience life and the way I maneuver through my day to day. My poetry reflects this and I'm able to incorporate themes, values, and traditions (new and old).
Q: Can you share a line of your poem that holds deep meaning for you?
A: Leslie Carina: “She tells me that the Monarcas - bright orange like the sun and black like the night - return to Michoacan every year in their beautiful migration because that is all they’ve ever known.” Poem titled ‘My Mother,’ October 19, 2024
Q: What are some recurring themes in your poetry, and why are they important?
A: Leslie Carina: To name a few - I like incorporating my indigenous history, I speak on themes of liberation from political constraints as well as my healing journey from trauma wounds. I feel like these are necessary because for me writing is a form of healing so creating stories from my experiences allows me to release while also giving myself the power to continue to move forward.
Q: What are some challenges you had to face as a Latina and Indigenous poet in the literary world?
A: Leslie Carina: I think recognizing the imposter syndrome that I hold and being able to understand where it came from and continuing the move into my best and truest self has been - A JOURNEY. In middle school and high school, I attended predominantly white schools, so I never saw people that looked like me in “professional” jobs. I’ve had to work hard to find myself in my adult years (still working on that).
Community & Representation
Q: what advice do you have for young poets from marginalized communities?
A: Leslie Carina: We need you; children need to hear your voice and see your faces, you belong!
Future & Vision
Q: How do you see yourself as a future of poetry in activism?
A: Leslie Carina: Well with the current political climate (rolls eyes) I think art (all forms!) has always been part of movements to fight for the people. This is no time to shy away from using those platforms as artists to demand what is rightfully ours. We deserve peace, access to a sustainable life and the ability to live freely within our respective identities. Poets will get louder, painters will get brighter, and voices will be heard!
Thank you, Leslie Carina, for sharing your thoughts and we hope this encourages you to explore and engage, using your voice to make a powerful statement that inspire change and awareness for yourself and your community!
You can follow her on her instagram!
