MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.
Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Maria Servellón, 34, is a Boston-based filmmaker, artist and educator.Stephanie Houten
Maria Servellón
Age: 34
Community: Boston
Her story: Maria Servellón is a multimedia artist, filmmaker and educator whose work delves into the interplay between art, music and dance and how they can shape one’s identity.
Originally from Boston, Servellón studied at UMass Boston for her undergraduate degree, according to her Northeastern University lecturer profile. It took her a while to figure out what major would keep the creative “spark” alive in her, but she eventually settled on studio art, she wrote.
“In school, I was the student who eagerly cleared my desk whenever the art or science teacher announced something new,” she wrote. “The chance of building, crafting, designing and exploring things from different angles always filled me with excitement.”
Servellón went on to earn a master of fine arts degree in film and media art from Emerson College, according to her Northeastern profile. Since then, she’s completed several artist fellowships, and her award-winning films have been featured at over a dozen film festivals, according to her website.
“My goal in this work is to use art to inspire, uplift and connect people,” she wrote. “I hope to continue to help building this community, where art is a catalyst for positive change.”
One of Servellón’s most notable works is a short, semi-biographical film called “Hyphen.” It follows four versions of the same character as they embark on a transformative journey of identity and learn to use different artistic mediums to overcome their challenges.
“Through collaboration and experimentation, I enjoy creating immersive experiences that foster dialogue and understanding, both within the self and the community,” she wrote. “Spaces to create and play serve as places for collective growth.”
Servellón has since become an arts educator and is currently teaching at Northeastern and Massachusetts College of Art & Design.
“I feel immense pride seeing my students light up with the same creative excitement I once felt. To watch them engage with something creative and new and it be an inspirational joy,” she wrote. “My mission is to empower the next generation of artists to create meaningful work.”
But Servellón says she’s simply grateful to be able to continue pursuing her creative work.
“Over the years, I’ve met many professionals who currently work in corporate or boardrooms. I’m often struck by how many wanted to artists, singers, dancers or actors when they were younger, as if a lost dream,” she wrote. “I believe the creative door is never closed to anyone and is open to all.”
In her words: “If your story holds deep meaning for you, and the journey of living it has been worthwhile, share it with those who need to hear it.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
