I am from Watzlanco CA known to others as Watsonville, the strawberry capital of the world. My name is Yesenia Adriana Molina, I am 34 years old and currently, the title I identify with most is mother. I am intentionally raising a two-year-old Chicanita who loves to chant “Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!”, and who wholeheartedly shares my passion for dancing. I spent my entire childhood going to local Watsonville schools such as Alianza Charter School, E.A. Hall Middle School, and the one and only Watsonville High School. Estoy agradecida, and I could never give back as much as I have received from growing up in this small but growing town of Watsonville.

I have lived a rich life, full of unique cultural experiences and valuable lessons. I truly am a product of the community. I have been taught and have had valuable knowledge passed on to me by not only the teachers at school, but by community members and community-based organizations. I continue to grow with the support of others and eagerly anticipate the opportunities to learn in my new position as the Watsonville Arts Program manager with Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Although I am an hija del pueblo, as mentioned above, I am also a mother in the community and truly hope to give back by sharing and using my own knowledge and wisdom.

I originally started with the Arts Council about two years ago, working very part-time, mainly running the calendar and maintenance for the Watsonville Center for the Arts (WCA). As soon as I felt my daughter was ready to start daycare, I jumped at the opportunity to also start working full time and expand my role with the center and the arts in Watsonville.

I look forward to identifying ways to help the local artisans advance their skills and thrive off of the art they put out into the world. I hope to fill the Watsonville Center for the Arts with youth and adults who are eager to connect with diverse art forms and explore their creative potential. I hope to pilot an artist-in-residence program that will bring in individuals who can help bring life into the WCA through a variety of events. I plan on working with experienced artists to bring in the much sought-after professional development that the arts community has been asking for. Finally, I truly hope to continue community building with artists and arts organizations so that together we can uplift the larger arts ecosystem here in Watsonville and continue to strive for equitable resource allocation across the county. Art is an important vehicle for social change and survival in times of national-level attacks on BIPOC children, families, and entire cultures. I hope that by putting my little granito de arena, I can humbly serve and support the positive changes needed in our community.

Get in Touch:

I'd love to connect with you! Feel free to reach out for collaborations and community projects or to chat about the arts in the City of Watsonville.

📧 Email: yesenia.m@artscouncilsc.org
📞 Phone: (831) 831.475.9600 x15
🔗 LinkedIn: Yesenia Adriana Molina

🌐 Website: Watsonville Center for the Arts