In this episode we're joined by filmmaker, organizer, novelist, visual artist, and self described conjurer of stories, Paola Mendoza. For more than two decades, Paola has used every tool she can get her hands on.

Film, theater, public art, organizing, and literature to tell stories that expand our understanding of who counts, who belongs.

The daughter of Colombian immigrants, she's dedicated her artist force of nature life to portraying America's vital immigrant communities with dignity, complexity and humanity at a time when those qualities are often under attack.

In our conversation, we'll explore:

• the roots of Paola's story making practice,
• the role of art in resisting authoritarianism,
• what Paola's novel Sanctuary can teach us about building communities of care, dangerous times,
• and how artists across the country are using the 2026 World cup to create a powerful counter narrative through the no Ice in the cup campaign.

This is a conversation about storytelling, solidarity, and the enduring power of imagination to help us build the world we want to inhabit.

Notable Mentions

People

Paola Mendoza⁠: Colombian-born filmmaker, author, artist, and cultural organizer whose work focuses on immigration, belonging, democracy, and social change through storytelling.

Abby Sher⁠: Award-winning writer and co-author of Sanctuary, the young-adult novel that imagines a future America shaped by authoritarianism, immigrant persecution, and grassroots resistance.

Jordan Seaberry⁠: Artist, organizer, and founder of The Ulysses Initiative whose work bridges civic engagement, public art, and democracy-building. He coordinated the commissioning of artists for the No ICE in the Cup campaign.

Organizations & Initiatives

No ICE in the Cup⁠: A national artist-led and community-based campaign using art, storytelling, sports, and public action to promote belonging and oppose immigration enforcement activities connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Horizons Project⁠: A cross-ideological coalition of organizations working to strengthen democracy and prevent authoritarianism through civic action, strategic coordination, and public engagement.

The Center for the Study of Art & Community⁠: Bill Cleveland’s long-running organization dedicated to advancing arts-based community development, cultural organizing, and social change.

Publications

Sanctuary⁠: Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher’s bestselling novel set in a future America where undocumented immigrants are hunted by the government and communities must rely on mutual aid and solidarity to survive.

Solis⁠: Mendoza’s companion novel to Sanctuary, expanding the story’s exploration of authoritarianism, resistance, and immigrant survival.

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