Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529398
MOTIONPICTUREC O S T U M E R S .O R G 17 networking, support, and to celebrate their contributions. Led by IATSE members, but not officially a part of IATSE, the leadership structure is intentionally fluid, allowing members to step up or step back as their time and interest allows—an absolute must for entertainment freelancers whose employment can be feast or famine. "We invite people to our meetings. And we say, 'Hey, we're organizing this event. Does anyone want to be involved,'" says Martín. The collaborative leadership structure works: Flash-forward to 2024, and the ILC is thriving. The ILC leadership currently includes Local 705 member Alma Lucero Acosta, as well as Local 44 food stylist Luis Castro and Local 706 make-up artist Sabrina Cruz Castro. Acosta describes having felt a similar impulse to bring Latinos together in social events after attending a Local 705 event in 2022. "I saw at the Custom Made Tea Party that for some reason, all of the brown kids sat at the same table, only a few of us knew each other, and we just naturally gravitated toward each other. So, then I thought, "Okay, we really need something social like this where there's more of us." Soon after, she connected to Martín and the ILC. The ILC strives to be a support system for all Latinos working in the entertainment industry. From its inception, the Caucus focused on inclusivity, choosing the name "Latinx"—adopting a gender-inclusive and gender-expansive description of the diverse group of people who have roots in Latin America. The ILC welcomes all the crafts in IATSE, as well as crew members who have not yet joined the union. Recognizing that newcomers to the industry need support and advice, nonunion people are invited to ILC events. These events include social get-togethers Alma Lucero Acosta doing last-minute alterations. PHOTO: (TOP) LARA ALEXANDER-HALL; (TOP RIGHT) KAREN TRAN; (BOTTOM RIGHT) YUAN HUA THUESON JEN MARTÍN Jen Martín is a Women's Finished Costumer with more than 11 years of experience as a professional Local 705 Costumer. As a child, she was inspired to emulate the clothing she saw in old Hollywood movie marathons which led to formally studying sewing and pattern making at LA Trade Tech. Her work ethos involves acceptance and collaboration to create exceptionally effective teams. ALMA LUCERO ACOSTA Alma Lucero Acosta is a Women's Custom Made Costumer with more than 12 years of professional experience, getting her start at Bill Hargate Costumes as a stitcher. Growing up, Alma was attracted to the dark aesthetic of Tim Burton and Colleen Atwood films, mesmerized by the blend of whimsical gothic horror, period, and fantasy. She taught herself the basics of sewing while in high school, and then studied costume technology at the Theatre Conservatory at DePaul University. She has a small obsession with all the tools available to Costumers, endlessly seeking out what others have in their kit, and sharing her favorites with her colleagues.