Mariano Avila
Inclusion ReporterMariano Avila is WGVU's inclusion reporter. He has made a career of bringing voices from the margins to those who need to hear them. Over the course of his career, Mariano has written for major papers in English and Spanish, published in magazines, worked in broadcast, and produced short films, commercials, and nonprofit campaigns. He also briefly served at a foreign consulate, organized for international human rights efforts and has done considerable work connecting marginalized people to religious, educational, and nonprofit institutions through the power of story.
Mariano was born in Mexico City, Mexico, where he learned the value of civic engagement and public discourse. His life and work have taken him from refugee camps in Palestine to garbage-dump communities in Egypt, Guatemala, and Mexico. He has met presidents and dignitaries from several countries, as well several international celebrities.
Mariano is a graduate of Calvin College and has an MFA in creative writing from Warren Wilson.
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In this special episode, we wish farewell to George Walker III, host of WGVU's Cultural Ingredients who is moving across the country to Napa Valley,…
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Today marks the 51stanniversary of the Loving vs Virginia case which legalized interracial marriage. Ebony Road Players, the Grand Rapids-based black…
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The Grand Rapids Area Chamber officially endorsed Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley who is seeking the republican nomination for Governor. Rick Baker,…
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It all starts outdoors at 5:30 this evening--That's when the Lunar New Year’s Celebration at Gillette Bridge along with the dragon parade will take…
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Last week, Grand Rapids City Commissioners voted to restart the search for a new City Manager, the most powerful non-elected official in the city. To…
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The Grand Rapids City Commission voted to restart the search process for a new city manager, the most powerful, non-elected position in city government.…
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Larry Nassar, the sports doctor who was convicted for molesting 190 girls and women earlier this month has been making headlines nationally. Katie Strang…
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“When you read that there were 190 women sexually abused, that’s a number. It is something entirely different to see a young girl with bangs and braces,…
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As part of GVSU’s MLK Day celebration, twitter maven and racial inclusion advocate April Reign came to west Michigan. April Reign is best known for her…
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“You are the lowest form of human life that I have been able to observe and see. You are a monster, and quite frankly, you are evil. What you did was…