My name is Liliana Corona Guerrero - it means ''Pure Crowned Warrior." Throughout my life I have come to realize my name is no coincidence.  Some would say I have the spirit of a fighter - but a pure soul is something rare these days.   One day I hope to be numbered among them! 

 

At the age of three, I was accidentally run over by a car in Ensenada, Mexico; my birth place. I passed out when my stomach was crushed under the tire of our family vehicle.  I was rushed to the hospital to find no broken bones, fractures or trauma - even at a young age I had a fighting spirit! For my protection, this event prompted my parents to smuggle me into California - illegally so they could care for me better.  They were farmworkers in the U.S at that time when you could more easily gain citizenship though a working reform.  I  still remember the fear I felt traveling across the border with the woman who smuggled me in. In my three year old mind, I thought I was being kidnapped by a witch.

 

Growing up in Oxnard, California as an undocumented immigrant was a challenge.  In fact, my sport in high school was Olympic wrestling - I used it as an outlet to channel my emotions.  Mastering the English language, taking college prep classes, and saving up funds without a work permit was also not easy.  Not to mention, being accepted into the university of my choice would be nearly impossible without U.S residency. 

 

Fortunately, after years of paperwork, and paying our dues, my parents received U.S citizenship.  Despite starting the paper work at an early age - it took over twenty year fort me to gain mine.  What a great blessing to receive it at such a timely manner.  Just weeks before beeing accepted into Brigham Young University.  Living here for over 20 years has been bittersweet. The culture shock is still something I'm getting used to.  Often being the only colored person in my class, and other social situations caused some anxiety.  After 5 years of undergraduate work, I received a BFA in acting.  Yet, I found myself struggling to find work, and was often type cast in roles like- "the cleaning lady."  It was then that I knew I had to go back to school.  I wanted to write a different narrative - to share stories about my people and our struggles! Soon after I was accepted into film school, it became very clear that the industry was male dominated. My goal for attending graduate school was to gain a voice, yet I found myself being silenced, ignored or let down by those in authority. Through it all, I became passionate about film and found myself writing, producing and editing beautiful stories that were well received. I worked harder and longer to stand out among my peers. However, it was difficult to realize just how bad the opposition really was. I experienced first hand the effects of racism, sexism and favoritism at work, school and even church - but it never stopped me from moving forward!  I used it as fuel to keep me going.  It was heart breaking to realize that in this imperfect world everyone will at some point let you down.  Yet, through many special experiences I saw the hand of God guiding and aiding me along the way. This taught me to rely on my Heavenly Parents and Jesus Christ; I knew early on that even if my earthly family failed me at times, my heavenly one would always have my back!

 

After graduating, I got married and started a business.  I attempted to write my own films, audition for community plays and collaborate with professional theaters, but paying the bills took precedence, and my new home town was in the middle of nowhere.  Sadly, my love for storytelling halted for a season.  Luckily, the business provided a creative outlet as I worked to build and brand Zions Tiny Oasis.  Next to my husband, we created a one-of-a-kind boutique tiny house hotel at the mouth of Zion National Park.  As the CEO and operations manager, I’ve faced unspeakable obstacles! One day I'd like to write a TV series about all the obstacles we've faced.  Think - "Schitt's Creek meets Wild at Heart meets Duck Dynasty".  So far, the hardest things I’ve faced at ZTO include: working in harsh desert climates, managing difficult employees, staying afloat during a world pandemic, and making sure our guests stay happy while operating semi-off grid. Doing all of this with chronic illness and two torn rotator cuffs has almost left me defeated.   Still, through the thick and thin, I've learned valuable lessons I would not trade for the world!  ZTO is now quite the destination, attracting people from all over the world.  Despite the success, financial stability and creative outlet it has rendered - it is extremely hard work!  If I'm being honest; my heart still longs for the magic of storytelling! I have learned that happiness comes when we do what we are passionate about, and everything points me back to theatre and film!

 

I believe that Jesus Christ was the greatest story teller of all time! He is my hero and as our exemplar we wish to emulate him.  Through the art of storytelling, I want to inspire those who've lost hope. I believe that when we open our hearts and share our true selves, magic is possible! The kind of magic I'm referring to is the grandest energy in the universe - human connection. This kind of connection helps build bridges and pierces the soul to make positive changes in our society and lives.  When our hearts are open, our innermost feelings can be channeled for good.  Acting school taught me to use my emotions as a tool to understand myself better.   When we honor our emotions, give space to the anger, sadness and joy, we learn compassion for ourselves and others, this is when we can connect authentically.  Film school taught me how to piece together a story and work as a team, it also taught me to find my voice despite opposition.  Finally, my business continues to teach me on a daily basis, especially skills like patience and resilience. I have seen first-hand what talent, hard work, and dedication can do.   I am infinitely grateful for the training and experiences I’ve had during my lifetime as they have forged who I am.  However, in regards to professional training in theatre and film, my desire is to be among the best and for that I need to work and train harder! In the end, I am an artist and warrior at heart, who cannot stop the creative process. I have a deep desire to create, learn and progress; it is in my nature. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work in many art modalities such as: sculpting, drawing, painting, welding, photography, interior design, architecture, landscaping, masonry and much more. I find it difficult to shut off my mind! Everything is art to me and I see endless possibilities in every direction.   Interestingly enough, during moments when I've been on stage, set, or making art, it is then that I've felt the most authentic human connection, the most understood and accepted. I truly understand why art is considered the universal language!

 

In regards to my plans for the future –  ZTO sits on a plot of land next to Zion National Park. We have plans to expand and become a luxury resort with the most unique accommodations in the country.  Ours is an eco-retreat that cares for the natural landscape and preserving the beauty of the desert.  Also, since my volunteer work at the Sundance Labs, I've dreamed of building my own film festival and art institute.  Our property is the perfect location for an art institute and film festival. Not only does Utah provide a variety of magnificent landscape for epic cinematography, but Zion National Park attracts around 5 million tourists a year – and growing!  That is 1 million more visitors than Park City.  I am certain that my institute and festival would become a one of a kind location;  the best in the state! The institute will be a place to create wholesome art that inspires visitors across the world.  My goal is to mentor young artists who do not have the means or tools to develop their God given talents.  Our institute will have screenwriting and directing labs for those who show true potential.  We will make films on site and build a strong network for like minded individuals to flood the world with positive messages.  I also plan to build an outdoor amphitheater in the round where original works can be premiered. The theater will be an intimate setting surrounded by red rocks and the beauty of the desert.

 

It has become clear to me that despite all the obstacles I've faced, God's hand has been in my life the entire time! He has protected me during difficult times and blessed me with a warrior like spirit!  Though it's often felt like life is a constant upstream swim,  I have found strength and confidence knowing where I come from.  I belonging to a divine heavenly family and am blessed with a rich heritage on earth - one with past generations of strong warrior like women! Their examples help me continue to reach for higher dreams and  find my full potential - giving me a desire to help others do so as well!