At Gloria Impactful Ventures, we believe in the power of storytelling to reflect the many forms of love, resilience, and community. We also believe that entrepreneurship, mainly when led by Latina women, mothers, and artists, can be an act of social justice. That’s why today we celebrate the power of sharing our stories and highlight Lucero Valle: photographer, designer, mother, a member of Austin’s entrepreneurial community for over 13 years, and the proud owner of Lucero Creative Studio.

Lucero is not just a long-time EGBI client; she’s a companion on the journey. She’s a woman who has built her business with intention, a strong social vision, and a heart always ready to give. As a photographer, Lucero has become known for capturing the strength and spirit of Latina leaders in Austin. But when you step in front of her camera, she becomes so much more than a photographer; she’s a mirror, helping her clients shine with the confidence they carry when doing what they love most. Close friends describe her as someone who brings magic and fun to ordinary moments. 

Her latest project, “Resilient Hearts: A Portrait of Love and Ability,” goes far beyond art on a wall. It’s a radical expression of love, a powerful tribute to diversity, and a celebration of human resilience. Through her work, Lucero is creating space for voices and stories that deserve to be seen, honored, and uplifted. But what truly sets Lucero apart goes beyond her creative talent; it’s her generosity and resilience. Always willing to share her experiences, knowledge, and time, Lucero is the kind of person who can lift your spirits with a simple voice note, making you feel seen, heard, and deeply part of the Austin community, no matter how packed her schedule is. She is your tribe, she makes you feel that you belong.

And though she’s been part of many impactful projects and was awarded “Businesswoman of the Year” in 2024 by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC), there’s one role that has her whole heart: being the mother of Alejandro, a wonderful 10-year-old boy who inspires her every single day. Being his mom is her most important project, and it shows in every endeavor she takes on, every smile that lights up her face when she talks about him, and every photo filled with love that Lucero shares with the world.

When Art Becomes a Platform for Visibility and Justice

“Resilient Hearts: A Portrait of Love and Ability” is a visual tribute to mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through each image, Lucero invites us to see the world through tenderness and commitment because, for her, portraiture is a political and deeply human act.

“This project was born from many conversations among women who wake up every day with love, even when their bodies are tired, even when the path is unclear. It’s a reflection of us, of what we do when no one is watching,” 

When Opportunities Arrive, Talent Blooms and Entrepreneurs Thrive

The exhibition was made possible thanks to a grant from the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department, an opportunity Lucero discovered through the EGBI network and transformed into a platform for visibility and representation. The City of Austin Nexus Grant supports emerging cultural and creative individuals or organizations to produce public projects and activities for Austin’s diverse communities.

“I submitted the idea to the City of Austin Nexus Grant, and to my surprise and joy, it was selected for funding. From the start, my dream was to create a space where children and mothers like us aren’t just seen, but celebrated in the best way possible.”

“Thanks to EGBI’s support, I was able to understand the language of the proposal, present my vision, and make it real. This grant allowed me not only to create art, but to open a space for dialogue, community, and truth,”

What Lucero Wants You to Take to Heart

Lucero, if you had to share five things you’d want the audience to take with them after experiencing “Resilient Hearts: A Portrait of Love and Ability”, whether it’s a feeling, a reflection, a visual detail, or a behind-the-scenes story, what would they be, and why?

1. Everyday Diversity:
“Color was my starting point, not as decoration, but as a symbol of diversity. I want people to understand that even one single color has thousands of shades, just like human experiences. That they see beauty in differences, not just between families, but within each story.”
2. The Silent Resilience of Mothers:
“We often imagine resilience as something heroic and visible. But often, it’s silent. It’s getting up after a rough night, continuing to show love when you’re exhausted, finding ways to be both a mother and a woman with another identity, and reinventing yourself every day. I want people to see and feel that. To recognize it.”
3. The Power of Maternal Love:
“There’s something universal in the bond between mother and child, no matter the circumstances. The love I saw and that we shared was in every hug, every glance, every gesture of simply being there. I felt deeply connected. I’m a mom too, and seeing that reflection in others was healing.”
4. The Importance of Real Inclusion:
“Often we don’t know how to help, or we don’t ask. I realized that during the sessions. Sometimes, just a little empathy and willingness are enough to make someone feel welcome. I hope this exhibition encourages everyone to look beyond, to ask, to include truly.”
5. Independence as a Collective Dream:
“What really touched me was seeing how these mothers plant the seed of independence in their children every day. Sometimes it’s emotional, sometimes physical, but the goal is to give them what they need so that, within their abilities, they can thrive. That moved me deeply: it’s not just love, it’s also preparation for the future.”

“I hope that whoever sees these images feels all of that. Because they’re not just photos, they’re moments that speak, that accompany, that embrace.”

Resilient Hearts: A Portrait of Love and Ability
📍 916 Springdale Road, Austin, TX, Canopy Art Complex – Building 5, Studio 110, Austin, TX 78702
📅 Sunday, April 27, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free
📞 (512) 825-9946
📌 Austin Cinemaker Space – Black Box

At Gloria Impactful Ventures, we celebrate not just the business Lucero has built, but how she’s built it: with heart, with purpose, and with a lens that uplifts those who are often unseen. This exhibition isn’t just art, it’s the incubation of dreams, community, and possibility. Thank you, Lucero, for showing us the beauty of looking with intention.

Gloria Impactful Ventures