We recently connected with David Damian Figueroa and have shared our conversation below.

David Damian , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I can give lots of examples, but the three kindest acts that stand out are by my cousin, Connie. My mom had taught her how to sew when she was a young girl. My cousin is now a master quilter, shared lots of stories of things that I had not known of my mother. My cousin donated a quilt for the silent auction of one of my favorite charities. She also made me a denim coat of “many colors and a quilted Day of the Dead tapestry. These are treasured items and represent part of my mother’s legacy.

David Damian , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up working in the agricultural fields of Arizona. It’s there that I learned to sing. It’s where I developed my work ethic. I was a pretty good singer, too. I grew up on Motown music and I loved films. In the early 1990s, I was a grand finalist on “Buscando Estrellas” (International Star Search). Oddly enough, from there I became an entertainment publicist representing legendary recording artists and actors. I developed a specialty in connecting entertainers to social justice and human rights campaigns. Throughout the years, I implemented strategic communications plans that maximized news coverage and increased visibility through television, film, celebrity and influencer engagement, social media, and print media. I also launched nationwide social justice campaigns on policy issues related to education, farmworker rights and empowerment, voting rights, immigration, public resource equity, equity, and employment. I pride myself in being able to develop meaningful partnerships with Latino and other diverse populations, community leaders, nonprofits, and corporations. My passion for social justice is derived from my experience as a child farmworker. My work in these areas helped me venture into documentary filmmaking. My most notable contributions to film are The Harvest/La Cosecha, which profiles the legalization of child labor in the USA, and the critically acclaimed documentary Food Chains. I recently Co-Directed, “Shura” with Kayvon Derak Shanian. Shura is Oscar-qualified and profiles an elderly woman’s powerful commitment and mission in providing aid to migrants crossing the border and helping to save lives in the harsh and ruthless elements of the Arizona desert.

Throughout the years I developed a love for writing and storytelling. My latest book, EL OZ, has been optioned to become a major motion picture.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I was a child I worked in the fields with my mom, aunt, and cousins. We chopped weeds around the tall cotton plants. There were endless row after endless row. My mother was a farmworker. At times when she didn’t have a baby sitter, she would take us with her to fields. I’d follow her down each row. I used to complain a lot about how hot it was. She would create different tactics to distract us from the harshness of the sun. She taught me to memorize old Mexican songs by singing them over and over and that is how I learned to sing. She taught me prayers and I learned to believe. . “Mommy it’s hot!” I’d complain.” “I know viejo (my mom’s nickname for me). “No te des” (don’t give up). She’d respond, by saying, “Say…Barbas de Oro…Barbas de Oro and then the wind will start blowing.” (Barbas de Oro was the mythical man with a golden beard that would blow wind through his mouth and cool the earth). I listened and repeated those words over and over. The hot desert winds were notorious for creating dust devils. I’d point it out and mom would say, “You see? You made that happen.” To this day visualization and consistency are two skills that I use to this day.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The answer to this is quite simple. I fundraised and I was also a donor. I expected excellence from the team and I also rolled up my sleeves and moved boxes. I received thank you flowers and I sent thank you flowers. I asked for help and gave help. I cared about the people I worked with and they reciprocated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daviddamianassoc.com
• Instagram: @daviddamianf
• Facebook: @daviddamianf
• Linkedin: David Damian Figueroa
• Twitter: @daviddamianf
• Youtube: https://leftunsupervisedpodcast.com/season-3-episode-6-today-is-someday-with-david-damian-figueroa/

Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of David Damian Figueroa