Ever wonder who is behind the scenes of the Latino Film Market?
Meet the Latino Film Market Team
Arilyn Martínez Cora
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Arilyn Martínez Cora is an entrepreneur, educator, and filmmaker from Puerto Rico. She has over a decades worth of experience in producing and directing projects in the United States and Puerto Rico. Arilyn is dedicated to empowering women through education and media. She co-produced the TV show special Empowering Women In Media Panel—a collaboration with the company Girl Love Yourself Now and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. Understanding the lack of representation of Latino/x stories, she founded the Latino Film Market Festival to fulfill this gap, and to ensure that Latino/x creatives have the opportunity to access resources to sustainably produce films.
Martinez Cora is founder and director of the Latino Film Market Inc, (LFM). LFM is a woman-run 501c3 non-profit that provides information regarding film distribution to Latino/x filmmakers, since its creation in 2017. Through LFM, Martinez Cora has assisted in selling 5 short-films and 1 feature film.
Arilyn holds two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Theatre Arts from the University of Puerto Rico, and the other in Film Production from Brooklyn College. She also has a Masters degree in Marketing from the University of Phoenix, and is enrolled at the City College of New York. In the past, Arilyn has worked as a teaching artist for the non-profit, Reel Works and has taught classes about filmmaking at Boricua College. Currently, she is developing a web series, in addition to a documentary on stories centering the lives of Afro-Latinx women. Martinez Cora is currently working to expand the Latino Film Market Festival’s reach to several Latin American countries, aiming to include a wider selection of international projects.
Laura Rosado
Treasure & ARTISTIC COORDINATOR
Laura Rosado is a native New Yorker from the Bronx who serves as our treasurer and artistic coordinator. With a keen interest in music and background in public relations she strived to incorporate her cultural identity throughout her professional endeavors. Rosado received her bachelors of arts from Fordham University, and went on to earn a public relations certificate from the New York University School for Professional Studies. Rosado’s interest in pop culture began while attending Fordham University, leading her to pursue an internship at Sony Music and Columbia Pictures. Upon graduating, she worked for Latinvision Media in their public relations department, acquiring experience interviewing several artists/talent such as; Jhoni the Voice, Francheska, and Lin Manuel Miranda.
Currently, Laura is the C.E.O for Powerhouse One Entertainment, and the entertainment host of "Que Pasa New York with Laura Rosado," an entertainment and cultural show presented on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) channel.
Christy Y
SECRETARY
With a background in Art History and a strong commitment to diverse narratives, Christy is a dynamic multidisciplinary creative. She previously co-hosted the Geekettes Chat podcast, where she was recognized for her insightful discussions on gender, social dynamics, and critical film analysis. Her filmmaking experience includes serving as a film curator for the 2018 Latino Film Market festival, as well as her current role as the writer and director of Public Housing Z, a horror short now in the final stages of post-production.
Shirley Y
CO-SECRETARY
Shirley is an avid lover of books, manga, movies, anime, podcasts, and her community. She previously served as co-host of the Geekettes Chat podcast and worked as a curator for the Latino Film Market film festival. She is passionate about uplifting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ stories across books, podcasts, art, content creators, directors, authors, and film projects.
Elizabeth Conde
Government community affairs
Elizabeth Conde, LMSW-SIFI, AWA is a School Social Worker. She is responsible for providing social, emotional and academic support for students in her caseload. For the past twenty-eight years she has worked with different populations and programs including domestic violence, homeless, teen mothers, adult education, substance abuse, college and career counseling. Elizabeth is an Adjunct Professor at Stonybrook University. Elizabeth is a Psychotherapist working on her clinical hours. She has served at different boards for causes that are important to her.
Elizabeth is a Civics Teacher helping individuals to become U.S. Citizens and be able to exercise their right to vote.
Elizabeth holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts Psychology from Hudson County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Rutgers University-Newark, a Master of Social Work and a Post Grad Bilingual School Social Worker Certificate from Adelphi University, SIFI certification (Seminar Training in Field Instruction), College Advising Program Certification from Columbia University and School Social Work Practice Certification from New York University.
Elizabeth is a co-author and Award Winning Author in Latinx/e in Social Work and author of Empathy.
Elizabeth is the Founder of Conde Consulting Services.
George Luis Acevedo
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
George Luis Acevedo was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Herbert H. Lehman College in Mass Communications. Throughout his career he held management positions with several wine and spirit companies,and has served as a consultant for several non-profit organizations. In the past, Acevedo sat on the board of several non-profits including Latina 50 Plus, the Bronx Council for the Arts, and the Bronx Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Under his direction, the Bronx Women’s Business Resource Center gained recognition as the best small business center by the Empire State Development Corporation. Acevedo also founded a promotion company, Ace Promotions, which assists small businesses and community organizations with marketing.
Luz Ahmed
Volunteer
Luz Ahmed serves as a volunteer for the Latino Film Market Festival. Outside of LFM, Ahmed is a community activist and dedicates her time to working with survivors of interpersonal violence. One non-profit Luz is a part of is Milagro Days, a non-profit organization providing specialized professional development for survivors of domestic violence.
Vanessa Paulino
Volunteer
Vanessa Paulino is a Dominican-American, East Harlem native, and a first generation college graduate, She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising/Public Relations, with a minor in Cinema Studies from the City College of New York. Throughout her time in undergrad, Paulino directed short films, and penned essays pertaining to film analysis and criticism.
Her passion for filmmaking and film criticism influenced Paulino to work with other film festivals across New York City, after graduating from City College. She has worked with the Winter Film Festival, the Lower East Side Festival, and most recently, the Latino Film Market Festival. With her knowledge of copy writing, and the cinematic landscape of New York City, she has assisted the Latino Film Market Festival in website copywriting, editing, events assistance, and in the promotion of the Latino Film Market Festival.
SYEP Summer Participants 2026
Nicolle Fernandez
Nicolle Fernandez is from Venezuela and is a recent high school graduate who will be attending Baruch College this fall as a Marketing Management major. She enjoys photography, graphic design, dancing, playing volleyball, and spending time with her family. Nicolle loves expressing her creativity through visual content and is always excited to learn new skills. This summer, she is participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program with Latino Film Market Inc., where she hopes to strengthen her research, communication, teamwork, and professional skills while gaining real-world experience that will help her in her day-to-day life. In the future, Nicolle hopes to build a meaningful career, continue learning about business and the creative industries, and use her ideas to make a positive impact. She is excited to challenge herself, meet new people, and grow through every opportunity.
Worokia Juwara
Worokia Juwara is a rising 12th-grade student at Community Health Academy of the Heights in New York City. She enjoys learning about science, healthcare, and business and is interested in pursuing a career as a cardiologist while also studying entrepreneurship. This summer, Worokia is participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program with Latino Film Market Inc. to strengthen her research, communication, teamwork, and professional skills. She is excited to gain real-world experience, connect with professionals, and learn more about media and community engagement. In the future, Worokia hopes to attend college, continue developing her leadership abilities, and make a positive impact by helping others through medicine while also exploring opportunities in business.
Anthony Pina
Anthony Pina is a rising 12th-grade student at Community Health Academy of the Heights in New York City. Born in the Dominican Republic, he enjoys photography, law, entertainment, music, content creation, fitness, and trying new things. Anthony is curious about the world around him and willing to step outside his comfort zone to grow personally and professionally. This summer, he is participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program with Latino Film Market Inc., where he hopes to strengthen his research, communication, and professional skills. In the future, Anthony is considering becoming a lawyer, pursuing acting or film directing, or studying finance. He is interested in collaborating with other students while developing his communication and leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of people and society.
Ismael Santana
Ismael Santana is an incoming freshman at Baruch College who will begin his first year this fall. He has a passion for music and often spends time improving his guitar skills and expressing his creativity. This summer, Ismael is participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program with Latino Film Market Inc., where he hopes to make new connections, strengthen his leadership and professional skills, and apply what he learns to his future college and career experiences. As a future business major, Ismael hopes to one day manage and operate his own business.
Alfredo Minaya
Alfredo Minaya is a student at Community Health Academy of the Heights (CHAH) who is preparing to enter 11th grade. He enjoys playing video games, spending time with his friends, and playing soccer. His favorite school subjects are math and physical education because he enjoys solving problems and staying active. Alfredo hopes to become a professional soccer player in the future. He joined the Summer Youth Employment Program to gain valuable work experience and prepare for future opportunities. One important skill he hopes to develop is responsibility, which he believes will help him succeed in school, work, and life. Alfredo's long-term goal is to build a successful and meaningful career that allows him to support his family and loved ones.
John Perez
John Perez is an incoming freshman at Hunter College and a recent graduate of Community Health Academy of the Heights. He enjoys coding, playing video games, and playing the flute. John is passionate about creating games, applications, and music that can make people happy and entertained, just as these interests have positively influenced his own life. This summer, he is participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program with Latino Film Market Inc. while also participating in SEEK at Hunter College. John hopes to pursue his dream of becoming a software engineer and is excited about the opportunities and experiences ahead.
Matthew J. Vasquez
Matthew J. Vasquez is a rising 12th-grade student at Community Health Academy of the Heights. His hobbies include drawing, spending time outdoors with his family, and playing basketball. One of his favorite school subjects is history. Although Matthew is still exploring potential career paths, he is committed to continuing his education and discovering his interests. He joined the Summer Youth Employment Program to gain work experience, develop new skills, and become more financially independent. Matthew hopes that his summer experience will help him strengthen the personal and professional skills he will need as he gets older. His future goals include graduating from high school, attending and completing college, and finding a career that will help him build a successful future.