Painting Over the Grey / Pintando Sobre el Gris
Welcome to this issue of VIVA NOLA, themed Designing the Future: A Blueprint for Resilience.
We believe creating your future requires both artistic vision and solid foundations. Our cover story celebrates Brazilian muralist Bruna Petalla, whose joyful art proves the future is what we choose to paint. This creative energy is echoed by Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston, who translates her expertise in DEI into her vibrant children’s book, Toodie and Roodie, the Foodies, exploring NOLA’s rich culinary heritage. Use this philosophy with our “Mural Thinking” guide for 2026 planning
This issue is a celebration of Latino enterprise and talent. We profile business leaders like Patricia Bendana and feature LCI Worker’s Comp and the new practice of Dr. Sonia Comas, showing how we build success in our language.
To our immigrant community facing current federal operations and their consequences: remember your strength, your unity, and your resilience. Your presence is the vibrant bedrock of this city’s future, and we stand with you.
May your 2026 be vibrant, audacious, and secure.
Sincerely,.
-AnaMaría
