Sew Loka interviewed on KPBS' "The Finest" Podcast #kpbs #mingeimuseum #ourlady (6/9/25)

Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most enduring figures in Mexican culture. But beyond the iconic image lies a story of conquest, resistance and transformation. In this episode, San Diego creatives reflect on how her meaning continues to shift in personal, powerful and unexpected ways. Guests: Ariana Torres, assistant curator at the Mingei International Museum Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, fashion designer and owner of Sew Loka Jeanette Rodriguez, PhD, Professor of Theology at Seattle University Josue Baltezar, muralist and designer Mentioned in this episode:

Yolanda López | Chicana artist and activist known for reimagining Our Lady of Guadalupe as a symbol of empowerment
"Fashioning an Icon: Virgin of Guadalupe Imagery in Textile Design" | Exhibition exploring the Virgin of Guadalupe's influence on textile design and fashion, currently on view at the Mingei International Museum
Nahuatl | Indigenous language of the Aztecs, still spoken today in parts of Mexico and the U.S.
Northridge Earthquake | A 6.7-magnitude quake that struck Los Angeles in 1994, causing widespread damage and lasting trauma
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church | Catholic church in Logan Heights that also runs an elementary school
Las Maestras Center | UCSB-based organization uplifting Chicana, Latina and Indigenous feminisms through research and storytelling
Arianna Ystelle | Chicana photographer whose photo series in "Fashioning an Icon" captures 30 portraits taken across San Diego and Tijuana
Diana Benavídez | Binational artist from the San Diego/Tijuana border region known for piñata art that blends pop culture and social commentary, including "Even Guadalupe Needs a Break," featured in "Fashioning an Icon"

From KPBS Public Media, The Finest is a podcast about the people, art and movements redefining culture in San Diego.