Reimagine Virtual Candlelight Vigil with Chiquis
Reimagine has been hosting candlelight vigils since March 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to break down taboos and hold space for all that we've lost. This gathering features Chiquis, a Latin GRAMMY award-winning musician, entrepreneur, media personality, and author of businesswoman, and New York Times best-selling author Chiquis. Written for young readers, her newest book, The Girls Who Sings to Bees (Macmillan, 2025) was inspired by the life and legacy of her mother Jenni, as well as Chiquis' own journey to overcome bullying and self-doubt. Our other featured guests are Dr. Manuel X. Zamarripa and Tlazoltiani Jessica Zamarripa, co-directors and co-founders of the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology & Community Wellness. Music provided by acclaimed vibraphonist Chris Dingman.
Chiquis, is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talents as a three-time Latin GRAMMY award-winning artist, businesswoman, author, and media personality. In 2013, Chiquis embarked on her solo music career, fulfilling a promise to her late mother, the legendary singer-songwriter and performer Jenni Rivera. Beyond music, with her top-rated podcast, "Chiquis and Chill," and a thriving social media presence, Chiquis continues to connect with millions of fans around the globe. Chiquis has also made her mark as a multifaceted entrepreneur and philanthropist. She has authored best-selling, inspirational books, including the memoirs “Forgiveness" and “Unstoppable”. Driven by a desire to give back, Chiquis established BossBee Nation, a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting young people in need. Through scholarships, fundraising initiatives, and advocacy programs, BossBee Nation addresses critical issues such as domestic violence, mental health, and education.
Dr. Manuel X. Zamarripa, co-director and co-founder of the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology, is a Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x psychology mental health speaker and educator. He speaks to professional, student and community organizations. Dr. Zamarripa often speaks on destigmatizing and decolonizing mental health in Chicanx/Latinx and BIPOC communities with a focus on bringing forth cultural strengths and resources. Dr. Zamarripa was awarded the University of Texas System Chancellor’s “Innovations in Education Award” (2007). In 2023, Dr. Zamarripa was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Education and was also awarded an American Psychological Association Presidential Citation for his advancement of Chicana/o/x Psychology. Manuel has been featured on NPR and in the L.A. Times. He is also a past president of the National Latinx Psychological Association.
Tlazoltiani Jessica Zamarripa is co-director & co-founder of the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology & Community Wellness. She is a cultural educator, mental health advocate, and keeper of our ancestral wisdom. She is a speaker, workshop facilitator and restorative circle facilitator on such topics as parent and family engagement for Latinx and BIPOC families, mental health advocacy and reconnecting to ancestral and spiritual wisdoms for individual and collective wellbeing. Tlazoltiani also has experience working with and speaking to adolescents, particularly marginalized teens regarding positive identity development. She is a longtime mami-activist, Danzante de La Luna, Temazcalera and community organizer working toward social justice within Chicanx, Latinx & BIPOC communities. She is a founding member of Academia Cuauhtli, a local Austin language and cultural revitalization school program for Spanish speaking Mexican American elementary students.
Known for his distinctive approach to a unique and beautiful instrument, vibraphonist Chris Dingman has worked with legendary artists Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, and many of today’s jazz, creative, and world music luminaries.
Working in NYC since 2002, Chris’s trajectory was forever changed when, in 2018, he improvised and recorded music as an act of care for his father in his final months of life. This music became the 5-hour extended album Peace. Since then, Chris has brought his special brand of healing music far and wide, from live sessions at Omega Institute and The Rubin Museum of Art, to talks for the Gold Foundation and the American College of Physicians. Since 2022, Chris has presented the seriesTransformations as a collaborator on Reimagine's event platform.
He has been profiled by NPR, the New York Times, AMNY. His healing solo music has been described by the New York Times at “hypnotizing” and by Jazz at Lincoln Center as “absolutely beautiful.” He has received fellowships and grants from Chamber Music America, New Music USA, South Arts, and the Thelonious Monk Institute.
About Reimagine
Reimagine is a nonprofit organization catalyzing a uniquely powerful community–people of different backgrounds, ages, races, and faiths (and no faith) coming together in the hopes of healing ourselves and the world. We specifically support each other in facing adversity, loss, and mortality and – at our own pace – actively channeling life's biggest challenges into meaningful action and growth.
