Moderator:

Jannine Montauban, PhD

Dr. Jannine Montauban is professor of Spanish literature at the University of Montana. Originally from Peru, she has lived in MT for over 20 years. She has published two books on the Spanish picaresque novel El ajuar de la vida picaresca: reproducción, genealogía y sexualidad en la novela picaresca española ( Madrid, Visor, 2003) and La picaresca en la otra margen ( Madrid, Visor, 2010) in addition to numerous articles on women writers and playwrights of the Golden Age. Due to their common interest in the picaresque, her other line of research is the work of director Luis Buñuel. Her book El discreto encanto de Luis Buñuel: el arte de la transgresión will appear this year in Mexico, published by the Universidad Autónoma Ciudad de México.

Panelists:

Marilyn Gomez - 

Marilyn was born in Orange County, California, and was raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. In the summer of 2018, she relocated to Missoula with her two children, seeking a more relaxed lifestyle enriched by seasonal changes and outdoor adventures.

I am a committed community advocate for diversity and inclusion. I serve as an instructor at the Lifelong Learning Center, where I teach Mexican Cooking Classes. These classes emphasize Spanish language and cultural education for both adults and parent-child pairs.

As I like to put it, “My goal is to share my Mexican cultural values, including family unity, hospitality, generosity, a strong work ethic, and a sense of loyalty. These values are reflected in our art, music, literature, and food. For me, food is and will always be my connection to my roots, cultural heritage, and identity. Through my cooking, I aim to provide my children, family, and friends with the opportunity to experience and appreciate the gift and beauty of Mexican culture. It is my hope that my children will embrace their Latin culture and use their cooking skills to create new family traditions in all their future endeavors.”

Jordan Salazar -

“I was born and raised in the south side neighborhood of Billings, Montana. Being surrounded by Mexican culture, and being half Mexican myself, I quickly realized that community and food are two of my favorite things. I quit my job earlier this year to focus on those two things in an effort to disengage from capitalism, with the goal of feeding my community and using my passion and talent in the kitchen to live the life of my dreams.” —Jordan Salazar (home cook/activist)

Tara Weaselhead-Running Crane 

Tara is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe and a dedicated Domestic Violence Prevention Specialist at All Nations Health Center. With over a decade of experience in community care work, Tara has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Her expertise spans a wide range of areas, including substance use and suicide prevention, land-based prevention, and healthy relationships. Tara is passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to lead healthier lives and foster strong, supportive relationships.

As a fiercely protective mother, a nurturing auntie, and a dedicated advocate, Tara is committed to creating a safe and supportive community for all.

Lauren Orozco

Lauren Orozco is a Mexican and Cuban American from the heart of Southern California. She has worked for and held different roles in a variety of film festivals in California and Montana, including the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, AFI and TCM. Lauren is also a published poet and the head baker at Tandem Bakery. Her heritage, family and experiences between California and Montana and beyond inform her work. She enjoys being able to bring folks together in community over a shared love of food, culture and art.