María Cira, A displaced Wayúu Venezuelan Woman

Investigative Journalist | Director | Producer

María Cira, is a Venezuelan Wayúu woman who fled the humanitarian emergency in her country, where food and medicine were scarce.

María Cira at the Americares Colombia clinic in Maicao, La Guajira.

Colombia Patient Highlight: Skarlett

Investigative Journalist | Director | Producer

Meet Skarlett, a Venezuelan trans woman who migrated to Colombia in search of safety and dignity amid the ongoing socioeconomic crisis in her home country. From the moment Americares opened its doors in Santa Marta, she became one of its first patients, receiving free medical care, psychological support, and essential medications.

For three years, Americares provided consistent and compassionate care, becoming a lifeline for Skarlett as she navigated both her health challenges and the realities of life as a trans migrant. Until her passing in 2022, the organization remained a steadfast source of support, ensuring she was treated with respect and humanity throughout her final years.

This story was produced to shed light on the intersecting struggles of trans women, migrants, and those facing critical health needs in humanitarian settings—highlighting both the resilience of individuals like Skarlett and the crucial role of organizations providing inclusive care.

Colombia Patient Highlight: Skarlett

“Caminantes: Human Stories That Cross Borders"

Director |Investigative Journalist | Producer

Awarded Best Editing of a Documentary at the 2023 Madrid International Film Festival, Caminantes: Human Stories That Cross Borders follows the harrowing journey of a group of Venezuelan migrants who, driven by desperation and hope, flee their homeland on foot in search of a better life. Navigating treacherous terrain and armed conflict zones, they confront an uncertain future marked by hardship, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Caminantes has been nominated and officially selected at prestigious film festivals, including the Barcelona Human Rights Film Festival (2022), McMinnville Short Film Festival (2023), Madrid Film Awards (2023), and the LA Latinx Film Festival (2023). A public service announcement (PSA) related to the film was broadcast on Directv, helping raise awareness across the Americas. Caminantes has reached over one million viewers worldwide, elevating the visibility of migrant stories to a global audience.

In recent years, millions of Venezuelans have fled turmoil in their country. Since summer 2018, Americares has been providing support to those who have settled in Colombia.