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Whittier College undergraduate student Yaneli Beltran worked in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier on the Nuestra Voz initiative to create a public exhibition of AI-generated images. 

Working as the community outreach worker for the StoryLab project has brought me so much joy!  I have learned so much, not only about myself but also about the incredible group that is Nuestra Voz which is a group made of mostly women who are learning computer literacy skills. They are learning about using generative artificial intelligence (AI) and also how to log into their email accounts and how to create slideshows in the Canva application. 

Recently we worked on an AI Art project where they had to use DreamLab, an AI image generator and for most of them it was their first time working with this technology. They had to create an image about their favorite childhood memory using Canva’s DreamLab to create images from text prompts. It was a long process but full of learning and laughs. I also had the opportunity to participate in the project and create my own AI generated image. It was really a special moment not only because we were able to share our final artwork with the group but also because the Nuestra Voz participants learned how to use a new form of technology to tell stories.

 This community learning group is a safe place where everyone’s opinion is heard. This is something I really love about this amazing group of people. They have welcomed me since the first day we met. I feel connected to this group because when we meet we come with the desire to learn something new. This group has given me the opportunity to contribute my knowledge while also helping me to gain skills that will help me in my future career. As a double major student in Graphic Design and Spanish,  the StoryLab program has helped me learn more about using creative technologies like AI image generators which will be helpful in my Graphic Design field.  I need to understand how this new technology will impact my field of study. As a Spanish major, my goal is to teach people how to speak and understand the Spanish language. I also want to help people in translating the language. 

When I attend the Nuestra Voz program I know I’m going to have a good day!  The participants have made it like a new home for me and I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me to share my knowledge with them but also they have taught me so much about myself and how I will use the skills I am building at Whittier College.

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YANELI BELTRAN AND NUESTRA VOZ

Yaneli Beltran stands in front of the Nuestra Voz exhibition on view in the Whittier College Library, May 2025. 

YANELI BELTRAN & NUESTRA VOZ

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