We were lucky to catch up with Jesus Luviano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jesus thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

In the heart of Los Cuachalalates, a modest rural town nestled outside Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico, where resources were as sparse as they were treasured, a young dreamer named Jesus Luviano discovered the beauty of simplicity. His parents, Pedro Luviano and Juanita Peña, imparted to him a fundamental lesson: to live with what you have rather than pining for what you want. Despite the scarcity surrounding them, they taught Jesus to find value in every moment and to embrace resilience and creativity.

Pedro and Juanita’s dedication went beyond mere words; their actions spoke volumes. As farm workers with education limited to second or third grade, they labored tirelessly, leaving their home and loved ones behind to create opportunities for Jesus that they themselves never had. Their sacrifices were profound, and their commitment to his future was unwavering. This support formed the bedrock of Jesus’s journey, enabling him to encounter exceptional educators who believed in his dreams and aspirations.

Guided by the warmth and wisdom of his grandmothers, who infused his upbringing with spiritual guidance and unshakeable morals, Jesus learned the values of modesty and care. This foundation was crucial as he embarked on his educational journey. Moving to the Central Valley as a teenager, he embraced the opportunities afforded to him at Sanger High School, Fresno City College, Reedley College, and ultimately, California State University, Fresno.

Jesus’s success as a dancer and music & fashion show producer is a testament not just to his own talent and dedication but to the immense sacrifices made by his parents. Their tireless work and belief in his potential set the stage for his achievements. Alongside his parents, his mother’s side of the family—his devoted cousins Guadalupe Maldonado, Elizabeth Peña, Melisa Peña, Diana Peña, and Edith Pineda—played an indispensable role in his educational journey. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and role-model presence were vital in helping him persevere when faced with challenges and doubts.

Today, Jesus Luviano’s accomplishments stand as a tribute to his family’s sacrifices and support. His journey from a small Mexican town to achieving notable success in production and performance reflects not only his personal efforts but also the profound influence of the values and love instilled by his family. Jesus’s story is a celebration of the strength of family bonds and the extraordinary impact of unwavering support and dedication.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Jesus Luviano is a distinguished Fashion Show Production Director renowned for his innovative impact on the fashion industry. Hailing from Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico, Luviano embarked on his career with a Cum Laude degree in Recreation Administration from California State University, Fresno, in 2017, specializing in Special Events and Entertainment Management. His foundational background in Choreography has further enhanced his unique ability to integrate artistic vision with meticulous event logistics.

Luviano garnered significant acclaim at *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*, where he played a pivotal role in the celebrated “12 Days of Christmas” segments, which won 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. This role allowed him to collaborate with a diverse range of high-profile celebrities and public figures, including Hilary Clinton, Will Smith, Dwayne Johnson, Julia Roberts, and the late Stephen Boss (“Twitch”).

He continued to elevate his career at Metropolitan Fashion Week, where, under the guidance of President and Founder Eduardo Khawam, Luviano crafted and directed groundbreaking events that transformed fashion shows into immersive global experiences. His visionary approach attracted top designers and key industry figures.

Luviano’s influence extends to Art Hearts Fashion, where, working alongside President Erik Rosete, he has produced major events such as Miami Swim Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week. His extensive experience is further highlighted by his roles at prestigious organizations including Warner Bros, ASM Global, the New York Film Academy, the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, and the San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust, Inc.

With ambitions to extend his impact to fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, and New York Fashion Week, Luviano remains committed to nurturing emerging talent and creating exceptional fashion experiences. His legacy is characterized by a visionary approach and a transformative influence on the global fashion stage.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2013, Jesus Luviano faced a career-defining moment that was both exhilarating and heart-wrenching. As he competed for a coveted dancing gig with Disney Cruise Line/Disney Dream, the stakes were sky-high. Thousands of dancers from around the world vied for one of just five spots, and Jesus’s talent shone through the competition. He made it to the semi-finals and then, against the odds, received the ultimate nod from the judges. “Disney said yes,” he recalled with a bittersweet smile. But there was one hurdle Jesus couldn’t overcome: his work permit. Despite years of relentless hard work, sweat, and sacrifices, his residency status prevented him from taking the job.

The rejection was a crushing blow. Jesus had moved to the United States from Mexico at just 14, driven by a singular dream to dance. Overcoming barriers of language, poverty, and a new culture, he had built a life from the ground up. Yet, this one missing piece of paper threatened to derail his dreams.

But Jesus’s resolve was unshakable. Instead of succumbing to frustration, he pivoted with characteristic resilience. He returned to the Central Valley, where he took on the role of After School Program Director at Parlier High School. The income from this position allowed him to support himself through college at CSU, Fresno, despite the challenges posed by being an AB540 student, who at that time didn’t qualify for financial aid. With his mother’s unwavering support, Jesus juggled full-time studies and a demanding job, eventually earning a degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis on Special Events Management, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

This dedication paid off when he landed an internship with Metropolitan Fashion Week Production in Los Angeles, staging high-profile fashion events. This role was a significant breakthrough, opening doors to new opportunities in the music & entertainment industry. Jesus’s journey, marked by an initial setback and a determined comeback, exemplifies his unyielding spirit and adaptability, transforming obstacles into stepping stones toward his dreams.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Jesus Luviano’s journey is a profound example of resilience, particularly within the context of being a DACA recipient. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, introduced in 2012, offers temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. This policy was a lifeline for many, providing them with the chance to pursue education and employment without the constant fear of being removed from the country.

For Jesus, DACA was a pivotal factor in his quest for higher education. As the child of farmworkers, he grew up in a world of financial constraints and hard labor. His parents’ relentless work in the fields provided a modest livelihood but left little room for additional support for his educational ambitions. With limited resources and the added complexity of his residency status, Jesus faced significant obstacles in funding his studies.

The DACA program, however, offered him a crucial opportunity. By granting him work authorization, DACA allowed Jesus to legally pursue employment, which was essential for supporting himself through college. Without this program, his path to higher education might have been even more fraught with difficulty, as securing legal work would have been nearly impossible.

Despite the challenges of being a DACA recipient—such as navigating limited access to financial aid and scholarships—Jesus’s resilience shone through. He balanced rigorous academic demands with multiple jobs to cover his tuition and living expenses. His determination to succeed in an environment marked by economic hardship and bureaucratic hurdles was unwavering. The ability to work legally under DACA was a game-changer, enabling him to gain the financial stability needed to complete his studies.

Jesus’s story illustrates how DACA not only provided him with a legal means to work but also empowered him to pursue his dreams against considerable odds. His dedication to his education, supported by the opportunities DACA afforded, highlights the profound impact such policies can have on individuals striving to overcome adversity. Through hard work and perseverance, Jesus transformed the challenges of his circumstances into a pathway for success, embodying the true spirit of resilience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @JLuvi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abc559?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jluviano

Image Credits
Photographer: Denni Christopherson