Mike Oquendo is a Chicago born and raised, proud Puerto Rican with a great love for his city and its people. Mike passionately produces Comedy, Theater and Music events both in Chicago and across the country. In his early career, he served on the Board for the National Academy of the Recording Arts & Sciences which created the very first Latin Grammy Awards, and has been a concept contributor for HBO Latino, MSNBC and WGN. His Comedians for Communities fundraisers net thousands of dollars for Chicagoland not-for-profit organizations yearly and his theater productions have been staged in Florida, New York, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Mike’s public speaking and professional emcee credits include the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, the International Latino Cultural Center, the Federal Reserve Bank, the University of Chicago, and the Illinois Institute of Technology to name a few.

His 2019 Off-Broadway production of "Made in Puerto Rico" sold out for seven straight weeks in New York City, and he was the only Latino from Chicago to ever produce a sold out run at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. His recent taping of the John Leguizamo special filmed in Humboldt Park aired on MSNBC in 2023. Mike's 2nd Off-Broadway production at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater ran for 5 weeks this past fall.

Dorian A Ortega is a brown Boricua from Chicago. F.L.Y. Radical Therapy invites holistic healing practices that center BIPOC (Biracial, indigenous and people of color) and LGBTQ2SI+ individuals and loving yourself through collective social conscious liberation awareness, healing for yourself, with each other, and helping others to witness freedom. F.L.Y. Radical Therapy is inspired by my inner wisdom, ancestral knowledge and named liberation, womanist and multicultural psychology.

Dorian is also co-founder of Healing Jodonas (Puerto Rican word pronounced 'hoh-dohn-x', meaning 'agitator') Healing Jodonxs organizes a series of free poetry healing circle and other event that seek to use art as a culturally relevant, accessible, and inclusive tool of expression, education, and resistance. Dorian is a space holder, practice nurturer, public speaker and has presented on radical wellness for all ages. The workshops and presentations include education, history, a practice skill, and is meant to be accessible for folks to continue to integrate within their circles.

Kerrie is more than a seasoned performer, educator, and choreographer; she's a creative powerhouse with a lifetime of experience infusing art with heart. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts along with a lifelong commitment to learning. Kerrie founded Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts—a vibrant hub celebrating 20 years of empowering individuals through the arts. At Forevermore, Where "Art has Heart" isn't just a tagline but a teaching philosophy, Kerrie passionately mentors her dream team, children and teens, cultivating leadership skills and leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration.

Beyond her studio, Kerrie is a proud member of More Than Just Great Dancing, advocating for the profound impact of arts education on young lives. Her career includes 24 years of studio ownership, national touring and teaching residencies, captivating audiences, and conducting workshops that ignite creativity in diverse communities.

Kerrie's journey spans the full spectrum of theatrical artistry—from glittering stages to intimate productions. She's graced these spaces as a dancer, actress, and versatile production professional, seamlessly blending performance with behind-the-scenes in many facets including: lighting design, stage management, directing, and producing.

Offstage, Kerrie finds joy in the everyday adventure of motherhood to two incredible teens, accompanied by a lively entourage of two cats and an awesome shepherd/husky mix. She unwinds with yoga, immerses herself in nature, captures moments through writing and photography, and relishes quality time filled with laughter and shared learning among like-minded friends.

Through her extensive work teaching children, adults, and underserved communities—including underprivileged youth and inmates—Kerrie remains a tireless advocate for the arts as a potent vehicle for empowerment and social change. The arts have a remarkable ability to bring people together, fostering connection and understanding. By creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, the arts have the power to transform lives and change the world.