My name is Liliana Corona Guerrero - it means "Pure Crowned Warrior". Throughout my life, I have come to realize that my name is no accident.  Some would say I have the spirit of a warrior - but a pure soul is something rare these days. I hope to be one of them one day! 

 

At the age of three, I was accidentally run over by a car in Ensenada, Mexico, where I was born. I passed out as my stomach was crushed under the tire of our family car.  I was rushed to the hospital and found to have 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 to California - illegally, so they could take better care of me.  They were farmworkers in the U.S. at a time when it was easier to gain citizenship through labor reform. I remember the fear I felt crossing 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 challenging. I used my high school sport, Olympic wrestling, as an outlet for my emotions. Mastering the English language, taking college prep classes, and saving money without a work permit was also not easy. Not to mention, getting 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 became U.S. citizens. Even though they started the paperwork at an early age, it took me over twenty years to get mine. What a great blessing to receive it in such a timely manner. Just weeks before being accepted to Brigham Young University. Living here for over 20 years has been bittersweet. I'm still getting used to the culture shock. Often being the only person of color in my classes and other social situations caused some anxiety. After 5 years of undergraduate work, I received a BFA in acting. I struggled to find work and was often typecast 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 story - to tell 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, but I found myself being silenced, ignored, or abandoned by those in power. 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. It was difficult, however, to realize just how bad the opposition really was. I experienced 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 going. It was heartbreaking to realize that in this imperfect world, everyone will eventually let you down. However, through many special experiences, I saw the hand of God guiding and helping 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! Mastering the English language, taking college prep classes, and saving money without a work permit was also not easy.

After graduation, I got married and started a business. I tried writing my own films, auditioning for community plays, and working with professional theaters, but paying the bills came first, and my new hometown was in the middle of nowhere. Sadly, my love of storytelling stopped for a season. Fortunately, the business provided a creative outlet as I worked to build and brand Zions Tiny Oasis. Along with my husband, we created a unique boutique tiny house hotel at the entrance to 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, some of the toughest things I've faced at ZTO include: working in harsh desert climates, managing difficult employees, staying afloat during a global pandemic, and keeping our guests happy while operating semi-off the grid. Doing all of this with a chronic illness and two torn rotator cuffs has almost defeated me. However, through thick and thin, I've learned valuable lessons that I wouldn't trade for the world! ZTO has become a destination, attracting people from all over the world. Despite the success, financial stability and creative outlet it has provided - it is extremely hard work! If I'm being honest, my heart still yearns for the magic of storytelling! I have learned that happiness comes from doing what we are passionate about, and everything points me back to theater and film!

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I believe that Jesus Christ was the greatest storyteller of all time! He is my hero and our example to emulate. Through the art of storytelling, I want to inspire those who have lost hope. I believe that when we open our hearts and share our true selves, magic is possible! The kind of magic I'm talking about is the greatest 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 in our 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 better understand myself. When we honor our emotions, give space to anger, sadness and joy, we learn compassion for ourselves and others, we can connect authentically. Film school taught me how to piece together a story and work as a team, it also taught me how to find my voice in the face of opposition. Finally, my business continues to teach me on a daily basis, especially skills like patience and resilience. I have seen firsthand what talent, hard work, and dedication can accomplish. I'm eternally grateful for the education and experiences I've had throughout my life, as they have shaped who I am. However, when it comes to professional training in theater and film, my desire is to be among the best, and to accomplish that I have to work and train harder! At the end of the day, 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: sculpture, drawing, painting, welding, photography, interior design, architecture, landscaping, masonry and more. I find it hard to turn my mind off! Everything is art to me and I see endless possibilities in every direction. Interestingly enough, the moments I've felt the most authentic human connection, the most understood and accepted, have been when I've been on stage, on set, or making art. I truly understand why art is considered the universal language!

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As far as my plans for the future, ZTO is located on land adjacent 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 takes care of the natural landscape and preserves the beauty of the desert. Also, ever since I volunteered at 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 offer a variety of magnificent landscapes for epic cinematography, but Zion National Park attracts about 5 million tourists a year - and growing! That is 1 million more visitors than Park City. I am certain that my institute and festival will be a unique venue; the best in the country! The institute will be a place to create wholesome art that will inspire visitors from around the world. My goal is to mentor young artists who do not have the resources 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 where original works can be premiered. The theater will be an intimate setting surrounded by red rocks and the beauty of the desert.

I realized that despite all the obstacles I've faced, God's hand has been in my life the whole time!  He has protected me in difficult times and blessed me with a warrior spirit! Even though it often feels like life is constantly swimming upstream, I've found strength and confidence in knowing where I come from. I belong to a divine heavenly family and am blessed with a rich heritage on earth - one with past generations of strong warrior women! Their examples help me continue to reach for higher dreams and find my full potential - giving me a desire to help others do the same!