I am Nina Serrano, a poet, writer, storyteller, and independent radio/media producer living in Oakland CA. My poems and translations are widely anthologized in literary journals and anthologies.  Nina Serrano Radio offers my weekly segments from La Raza Chronicles, my monthly programs on Open Book, Poet to Poet and Radio Chronicles broadcasts on KPFA-fm, 94.1 radio.

I have won international film awards, including the Venice Film Festival prize for Directing for my work on the film Que Hacer/What Is To Be Done in 1971. I am a co-founder of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco’s Mission District, where I am still actively involved.

I have been a master storyteller in the elementary schools. I worked as a storytelling coach at Stagebridge for many years and serve as an educational consultant. My guide “Pass it On: How to Start a Senior Storytelling Program in the Schools” is entering into a second edition. I have been the director of arts-based school programs: Poetry in the Schools and Storytelling in the Schools.

I served for 8 years on the Alameda County Arts Commission.

Nina and descendants, 2011

Here I am with my descendants. I am the mother of two, grandmother of 6 and great grandmother of 4.

Translations

My journey as a poet led me into translations of poetry and prose from Spanish to English.  With a childhood familiarity with the Spanish language, Latino roots (Colombia), and deep interest in Latin American culture, I came to embrace the labor-intensive … Continue reading →

My Life in Radio

Fifty Years of Radio for the Community My radio work began in 1961 when during my first morning in California, I heard KPFA-FM, 94.1 Free Speech Radio (Pacifica Network) and immediately began producing drama and literature, children’s and public affairs programs. I … Continue reading →

Drama: A Life in the Theatre

Drama: A Life in the Theatre Drama for me began with my childhood love of performing on stage. As a young adult I taught creative dramatics in schools and community centers. I incorporated theatre into my social and cultural activism. … Continue reading →

A Life in Poetry

Writing Poetry Started in 1968 I began writing poetry in 1968 at age 36, when I wrote a video drama with Roque Dalton for Cuban TV. Dalton was an exiled Salvadoran writer living in Havana. My concern for his safety … Continue reading →