Denver-Based Latin and Hispanic Voices

Denver’s literary and arts community is enriched by the vibrant voices of Latin and Hispanic creators whose work reflects heritage, identity, and storytelling traditions with both local and global impact. From award-winning novelists to emerging poets and dynamic performers, these artists shape the cultural landscape of the city while amplifying Latinx experiences through fiction, poetry, scholarship, and performance. This season, we highlight five remarkable voices—each with a unique contribution to Denver’s creative fabric.

Manuel Ramos

• Background: An award-winning Chicano author, lawyer, and Denver native. He’s best known for his crime fiction and Chicano Noir.
• Notable Works: The Ballad of Rocky Ruiz, Angels in the Wind, Desperado: A Mile High Noir.
• Recognition: Recipient of the Colorado Book Award and an international Latino Book Award.
• Source: Colorado Humanities – Ramos bio

Mario Acevedo

• Background: Denver-based novelist and artist, Mexican American.
• Notable Works: The Felix Gomez detective/vampire series (The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, Rescue from Planet Pleasure).
• Recognition: His debut novel was named one of Barnes & Noble’s Top Ten Science Fiction/Fantasy novels of 2006.
• Source: Mario Acevedo official site

Luz María Umpierre-Herrera

• Background: Puerto Rican poet, scholar, and activist who has lived and taught in Denver.
• Notable Works: The Margarita Poems, I’m Still Standing: Treinta años de poesía/Thirty Years of Poetry.
• Recognition: Known for work at the intersections of Latina identity, queerness, and feminism.
• Source: Poetry Foundation Bio

Alejandra Trujillo

• Background: Denver-based bilingual poet and writer.
• Notable Works: Published in La Resistencia and other Denver Latinx literary outlets.
• Recognition: Emerging voice in the Colorado Latinx literary scene.
• Source: Denver Public Library – La Raza de Colorado Collection

Gabriela Cavallero

• Background: Storyteller, writer, and performer originally from Argentina, now based in Denver.
• Notable Works: Known for bilingual storytelling and performances across Colorado.
• Recognition: Brings Latin American folklore into Denver’s arts and literary spaces.
• Source: CU Presents