Nuestras Historias Importan: A Conversation with Liliana Hueso
For Liliana Hueso, storytelling is about creating connection, building community, and helping people feel seen. In this Staff Spotlight, Liliana shares the experiences that shaped her creative journey, the lessons she’s learned from young storytellers, and why she believes nuestras historias importan.
What first made you realize that storytelling could make a difference in people's lives?
I realized the power of storytelling while taking a workshop at QWOCMAP. It was a space created for queer women of color, and it completely changed the way I thought about media and representation. Up until then, I had been working in television on commercials and productions that often felt like someone else’s vision. Through that workshop, I discovered the importance of telling your own story—contar tu propia historia—and how deeply personal stories can help people feel seen, understood, and connected. Storytelling can educate, inspire empathy, and remind us that nuestras historias importan. That experience truly transformed both my career and my perspective on the impact stories can have.
What's something you've learned from working alongside young people that has stayed with you?
Working with young people constantly reminds me of myself. I see their curiosity, creativity, ambition, and sometimes their uncertainty. It has reinforced how important it is to have mentors and role models que de verdad te vean—who see young people for who they are and recognize their potential. They’ve taught me to stay curious, to keep learning, and to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, dreams, and even their fears. Hay que darles su espacio to grow into who they are, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of that journey.
What inspires your creativity outside of work?
La vida misma—my community, my family, and the everyday stories unfolding around us. There are so many voices and experiences that deserve to be seen and heard. Even in difficult times, I believe there is far more kindness than we often recognize. Siempre hay alguien echando la mano, someone willing to help, support, or simply be present for another person. I believe deeply in the power of community and the idea that it truly takes a village. El pueblo cuida al pueblo. That belief fuels both my creativity and my work. I want to contribute in a meaningful way, honoring those who came before me while helping create opportunities for the next generation. Se lo debo a mis ancestros y a quienes vienen después.
Is there a project, experience, or moment in your life that changed the way you see storytelling?
Absolutely. Once again, it goes back to QWOCMAP. Those workshops taught me the power of storytelling and representation. I started as a student making my own films and eventually became the lead instructor for the program. One of my favorite moments was always screening the students’ films for the community. Watching people see themselves reflected on screen, seeing families come together through those stories, and witnessing conversations, healing, and understanding happen because of a film reinforced just how powerful storytelling can be. Stories don’t just entertain—they create connection, foster empathy, and help people feel seen.
What does community mean to you?
Community means support, belonging, and familia—both the one you’re born into and the one you build. It means learning from one another, celebrating together, and showing up when people need you. I grew up watching my grandparents welcome others with open arms, whether they were helping someone build a new life in a new country, caring for someone else’s child, or simply making sure there was always an extra plate at the table. En mi casa siempre cabía uno más.
That generosity shaped the way I move through the world. If I can help someone, I will.
As a queer woman raised in a traditional Catholic household, I’ve also experienced the complexities that can exist within a community. But I’ve learned that compassion and human connection can be stronger than our differences. El pueblo unido isn’t just a saying to me—it’s something I’ve witnessed my entire life. At its best, community is about showing up for one another with care, generosity, and love.
When you're not behind a camera or in a classroom, where are we most likely to find you?
Honestly… probably still behind a camera! Ni modo—I always have one with me, whether it’s my phone or a film camera. Photography is one of my favorite creative outlets, and many of my personal projects focus on documenting my community and celebrating the diversity of our stories. Growing up, I didn’t often see people who looked like me represented, so creating those images feels deeply meaningful.
Outside of that, you’ll usually find me spending time with my wife and our fur babies. We love slow mornings with coffee and the Sunday paper, exploring new restaurants, searching for the best coffee shops and ice cream spots (never saying no to un cafecito), traveling, and spending time with our extended family. I’m equally happy relaxing in a quiet park with a good book or escaping the heat inside a movie theater.
What do you hope people feel after spending time with you, whether it's in a classroom, on a set, or in everyday life?
I hope people leave feeling seen, valued, and comfortable being exactly who they are. I want people to know that their voice, experiences, and perspective matter. Que sepan que pertenecen. We all have something unique to offer, and I believe it’s important to create spaces where people can show up with all of their brilliance, quirks, vulnerability, and joy. That’s where real connection and creativity happen. Hay espacio para todos.