Julián Esteban
Torres López
BIO
AN INTRODUCTION
Julián Esteban Torres López is a Colombian-born polymath whose multifaceted career spans over two decades of groundbreaking work across an extraordinary range of disciplines. As a culture architect, multi-hyphenate artist, public scholar, researcher, innovative educator, and athlete, Torres López has consistently challenged conventional boundaries and reshaped narratives across diverse fields. His prolific output and expertise extend from academia and literature to podcasting, social justice advocacy, cultural transformation, visual arts, sound design, and competitive sports. This unique combination of intellectual, artistic, and athletic prowess marks Torres López as a true Renaissance individual of the 21st century, whose work continues to inspire, challenge, and transform contemporary discourse and practice.
His research endeavors have been supported by numerous prestigious fellowships and grants.
As a principal investigator, Torres López received multiple University Graduate Fellowships from the University of British Columbia, focusing on topics such as Colombia's armed conflict, conflict resolution, and human rights. He was also awarded the McNair Research Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education for his work on the historical and socio-political influences on African American poetry in the U.S.
As a co-investigator, Torres López has contributed to several major research projects led by Dr. James Rochlin at the University of British Columbia. These projects, funded by institutions such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Hampton Research Endowment Fund (HREF), explored topics including human security in the Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreement, 'Orientalism' in the Andes, and the environmental impacts of petroleum production in Ecuador.
Torres López has shared his research findings at international conferences and panels, including the 29th International Congress of the Latin American Studies Association, where he presented on U.S.-Colombian security policies and their impact on Colombia’s neighbors. His work has been cited in academic publications and books, contributing to discussions on decolonialism, humanism, human rights, security, and global conflicts.
Academic Background & Research
Julián Esteban Torres López is a Colombian-born polymath whose multifaceted career spans over two decades of groundbreaking work across an extraordinary range of disciplines.
As a culture architect, multi-hyphenate artist, public scholar, researcher, innovative educator, and athlete, Torres López has consistently challenged conventional boundaries and reshaped narratives across diverse fields.
His prolific output and expertise extend from academia and literature to podcasting, social justice advocacy, cultural transformation, visual arts, sound design, and competitive sports.
This unique combination of intellectual, artistic, and athletic prowess marks Torres López as a true Renaissance individual of the 21st century, whose work continues to inspire, challenge, and transform contemporary discourse and practice.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
& RESEARCH
As a co-investigator, Torres López has contributed to several major research projects led by Dr. James Rochlin at the University of British Columbia. These projects, funded by institutions such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Hampton Research Endowment Fund (HREF), explored topics including human security in the Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreement, 'Orientalism' in the Andes, and the environmental impacts of petroleum production in Ecuador.
As a principal investigator, Torres López received multiple University Graduate Fellowships from the University of British Columbia, focusing on topics such as Colombia's armed conflict, conflict resolution, and human rights. He was also awarded the McNair Research Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education for his work on the historical and socio-political influences on African American poetry in the U.S.
His research endeavors have been supported by numerous prestigious fellowships and grants.
Torres López has shared his research findings at international conferences and panels, including the 29th International Congress of the Latin American Studies Association, where he presented on U.S.-Colombian security policies and their impact on Colombia’s neighbors. His work has been cited in academic publications and books, contributing to discussions on decolonialism, humanism, human rights, security, and global conflicts.
LITERARY & ARTISTIC
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LITERARY & ARTISTIC
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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Torres López's creative works span an impressive range of mediums, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his commitment to challenging conventional boundaries. His artistic portfolio includes:
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Micro-fiction piece "Mother's Records, Mother's Books" selected for The Wigleaf Top 50 Very Short Fictions Anthology of 2021
"Uprooted from Medellín" named a Best of the Net Anthology Finalist in Fiction for 2023
Poetry collection "Ninety-Two Surgically Enhanced Mannequins" listed among the best poetry books of 2021 by BookScrolling
"Reporting on Colombia: Essays on Colombia's History, Culture, Peoples, and Armed Conflict" named one of the best new Colombian conflict ebooks of 2020 by BookAuthority
Multiple essay awards, including First Prize in the Rudy Dusek Essay Prize in Philosophy of Art
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Three decades of experience as an oral storyteller
Performances ranging from stage acting to slam poetry competitions
Critically acclaimed work performed throughout North American high schools, universities, and cultural institutions
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Released several genre-blurring concept albums as a solo artist, including "Sfumato," "Hirˌīth(Ē)Ə," "Liminality," "7-Self Panopticons," and "Constelación"
Collaborated on albums "náufrago in oleander" and "Ceiba's Palindromic Mirage on the Cusp of Sensitivity" as part of the duo ceibaobab
Experimental 19-minute audio story "Sleepwalking Through the 20th" named a distinguished finalist for Havik: The Las Positas College Journal of Arts and Literature's Experimental Award (2021)
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Managed 150 community mural projects across 25 U.S. states as a historical researcher and graphic design consultant
Wrote over 1,000 captions and colorized many images for digitally designed murals, bringing local histories to life
Created a notable mural commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act in Montgomery
Currently working on abstract, conceptual, experimental film projects to adapt and reinterpret his albums and aural art
Published sketches in a literary and art journal
Developing a visual arts book showcasing digital collages
Founded The Waysmeet Art Gallery, showcasing work of visual artists from the seacoast of New Hampshire
Managed a history museum featuring artifacts and artworks about the California Gold Rush, express post delivery, and banking
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Torres López's artistic work is characterized by its genre-bending, genre-defying, and genre-less nature. His creations across various mediums challenge categorization, exploring liminal spaces between established forms and pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Through his art, Torres López invites audiences to reimagine relationships, challenge narratives, and explore new ways of perceiving the world.
His approach to art is deeply rooted in a belief in its transformative power and its ability to transcend conventional norms. Whether in literature, performance, sound, or visual arts, Torres López's creations are meticulously crafted to reshape awareness and weave intricate journeys for his audience, inspiring them to think beyond conventional norms and envision new possibilities.
Torres López's creative works span an impressive range of mediums, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his commitment to challenging conventional boundaries. His artistic portfolio includes:
Literature:
Micro-fiction piece "Mother's Records, Mother's Books" selected for The Wigleaf Top 50 Very Short Fictions Anthology of 2021
"Uprooted from Medellín" named a Best of the Net Anthology Finalist in Fiction for 2023
Poetry collection "Ninety-Two Surgically Enhanced Mannequins" listed among the best poetry books of 2021 by BookScrolling
"Reporting on Colombia: Essays on Colombia's History, Culture, Peoples, and Armed Conflict" named one of the best new Colombian conflict ebooks of 2020 by BookAuthority
Multiple essay awards, including First Prize in the Rudy Dusek Essay Prize in Philosophy of Art
Oral Performance and Storytelling:
Three decades of experience as an oral storyteller
Performances ranging from stage acting to slam poetry competitions
Critically acclaimed work performed throughout North American high schools, universities, and cultural institutions
Music and Sound Art:
Released several genre-blurring concept albums as a solo artist, including "Sfumato," "Hirˌīth(Ē)Ə," "Liminality," "7-Self Panopticons," and "Constelación"
Collaborated on albums "náufrago in oleander" and "Ceiba's Palindromic Mirage on the Cusp of Sensitivity" as part of the duo ceibaobab
Experimental 19-minute audio story "Sleepwalking Through the 20th" named a distinguished finalist for Havik: The Las Positas College Journal of Arts and Literature's Experimental Award (2021)
Visual Arts and Public Art:
Managed 150 community mural projects across 25 U.S. states as a historical researcher and graphic design consultant
Wrote over 1,000 captions and colorized many images for digitally designed murals, bringing local histories to life
Created a notable mural commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act in Montgomery
Currently working on abstract, conceptual, experimental film projects to adapt and reinterpret his albums and aural art
Published sketches in a literary and art journal
Developing a visual arts book showcasing digital collages
Founded The Waysmeet Art Gallery, showcasing work of visual artists from the seacoast of New Hampshire
Managed a history museum featuring artifacts and artworks about the California Gold Rush, express post delivery, and banking
Torres López's artistic work is characterized by its genre-bending, genre-defying, and genre-less nature. His creations across various mediums challenge categorization, exploring liminal spaces between established forms and pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Through his art, Torres López invites audiences to reimagine relationships, challenge narratives, and explore new ways of perceiving the world.
His approach to art is deeply rooted in a belief in its transformative power and its ability to transcend conventional norms. Whether in literature, performance, sound, or visual arts, Torres López's creations are meticulously crafted to reshape awareness and weave intricate journeys for his audience, inspiring them to think beyond conventional norms and envision new possibilities.
His research endeavors have been supported by numerous prestigious fellowships and grants.
As a principal investigator, Torres López received multiple University Graduate Fellowships from the University of British Columbia, focusing on topics such as Colombia's armed conflict, conflict resolution, and human rights. He was also awarded the McNair Research Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education for his work on the historical and socio-political influences on African American poetry in the U.S.
As a co-investigator, Torres López has contributed to several major research projects led by Dr. James Rochlin at the University of British Columbia. These projects, funded by institutions such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Hampton Research Endowment Fund (HREF), explored topics including human security in the Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreement, 'Orientalism' in the Andes, and the environmental impacts of petroleum production in Ecuador.
Torres López has shared his research findings at international conferences and panels, including the 29th International Congress of the Latin American Studies Association, where he presented on U.S.-Colombian security policies and their impact on Colombia’s neighbors. His work has been cited in academic publications and books, contributing to discussions on decolonialism, humanism, human rights, security, and global conflicts.
ATHLETIC
ACHIEVEMENTS
Torres López's polymathic nature extends beyond intellectual and artistic pursuits to include significant accomplishments in sports and athletics:
Chess: Scores in top worldwide percentiles for puzzle-solving and rating
Baseball: Excelled during school years
Track and Field:
Standout performer in hurdles, relays, and decathlon
Coached athletes in Canada and the United States
Powerlifting: State champion, breaking records in bench press and overall weight lifted
Multi-sport athlete: Competed in cross-country, volleyball, javelin, stair climbing, and road and mountain races across multiple countries
Endurance sports: Qualified for the Rucking World Championships 50-miler
This diverse athletic background demonstrates Torres López's commitment to excellence in both mind and body, further underscoring his identity as a true polymath. His achievements in sports complement his intellectual and artistic pursuits, presenting a holistic picture of an individual who excels across a wide spectrum of human endeavors.
THE NASIONA:
PODCAST, MAGAZINE, & PUBLISHING HOUSE
In 2018, Torres López founded The Nasiona, a grassroots movement and publication that has become a powerful platform for amplifying marginalized voices. Through The Nasiona Podcast, which he hosts, writes, and produces, Torres López engages in in-depth, long-form conversations that investigate humanity, creativity, and journeys toward liberation. Some of his interviews are archived in notable cultural and historical institutions, including the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Nasiona Magazine and The Nasiona Publishing House further extend the mission of amplifying voices that challenge dominant narratives. As publisher and editor-in-chief, Torres López has overseen the publication of dozens of magazine issues and numerous books. Notable publications include Blue Blood: Essays And Poems by Robin Gow, Mixed by Nicole Zelniker, Vestiges of Courage: Collected Essays by Mireya S. Vela, and The Roots That Help Us Grow: An Authentic Voices Anthology, Volume 1 (in partnership with the Women's National Book Association and the Women of Color organization).
Through these publishing initiatives, Torres López provides a platform for individuals to express their true selves without fear, shame, or assimilation, particularly focusing on stories from those who have been systematically excluded from hierarchies of power.
CULTURE ARCHITECT &
DEI+ CONSULTANT
Torres López's work as a cultural architect and DEI+ consultant has had a profound impact on organizations across various sectors. As a senior DEI+ consultant, he has spearheaded cultural transformation initiatives for organizations including Thumbtack, SoFar Sounds, youB, Coursera, and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
In the corporate realm, Torres López has held significant positions such as Senior DEI+ Consultant at Yardstick Management, a prominent Black-owned management consulting firm. In this role, he has supported organizational strategy and promoted diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at some of the world's most renowned companies. Additionally, as the Managing Director of Strategy and Consulting at Conscious Thrive, Torres López has led impactful DEI+ training, workshops, and focus groups.
His approach to cultural transformation is rooted in a commitment to envisioning, redesigning, reshaping, and enhancing culture to empower individuals and communities. Torres López leads workshops and training sessions on anti-oppression, advocates for transformative change, and fosters meaningful relationships based on love, acceptance, and personal growth.
EDUCATOR &
PUBLIC SPEAKER
Torres López's impact as an educator extends far beyond traditional academic settings. He has served as a graduate teaching assistant for over 20 courses across various departments in the social sciences and humanities. As a sessional lecturer, he has designed and taught courses in comparative politics and South American politics.
His educational initiatives include moderating public discussions and debates, directing a federally funded TRIO program through the U.S. Department of Education, establishing academic conferences, organizing business conferences, conducting historical museum tours, and contributing to the Colorado Department of Education's "Specific Learning Disability Guidelines."
As a public speaker, Torres López has given talks and workshops on a wide range of topics, including "Decolonizing Storytelling," "Cultural Heritage Podcasting," immigration and border crossing, memoir as a political act, leveraging BIPOC identities in publishing, indigenous peoples before conquest in Colombia, narrative storytelling and social justice, and Colombian magical realism. These presentations, delivered at institutions such as Texas A&M, San Antonio, and California State University, Chico, have inspired students and professionals alike, encouraging critical thinking on complex social issues.
HISTORICAL RESEARCHER &
PUBLIC HISTORY CONTRIBUTIONS
Torres López's contributions to public history are significant and far-reaching. As a historical researcher and graphic design consultant, he managed 150 community mural projects across 25 U.S. states, collaborating with historical societies, libraries, and archives to uncover and present each community's unique legacy. This work included writing over 1,000 captions for these murals, bringing local histories to life in visually striking ways.
One notable example of his work in this area is a mural and accompanying legend commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, which vividly portrays the challenges faced and victories achieved in Montgomery, underscoring the journey towards racial equality and breathing life into pivotal moments of the US Civil Rights Movement.
HISTORICAL RESEARCHER &
PUBLIC HISTORY CONTRIBUTIONS
Torres López's contributions to public history are significant and far-reaching. As a historical researcher and graphic design consultant, he managed 150 community mural projects across 25 U.S. states, collaborating with historical societies, libraries, and archives to uncover and present each community's unique legacy. This work included writing over 1,000 captions for these murals, bringing local histories to life in visually striking ways.
One notable example of his work in this area is a mural and accompanying legend commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, which vividly portrays the challenges faced and victories achieved in Montgomery, underscoring the journey towards racial equality and breathing life into pivotal moments of the US Civil Rights Movement.
CONCLUSION
Julián Esteban Torres López's career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary excellence and the impact of challenging conventional boundaries. From his rigorous academic research to his diverse artistic pursuits, from his innovative podcasting to his transformative work in DEI+ consulting, and from his public history contributions to his athletic achievements, Torres López has consistently demonstrated a commitment to pushing the limits of human potential.
His work spans an impressive array of fields: academia, literature, podcasting, social justice advocacy, cultural consulting, visual arts, sound design, and competitive sports. In each of these areas, Torres López has not only excelled but has also sought to innovate and challenge existing paradigms. His unwavering dedication to amplifying marginalized voices, fostering cultural understanding, and exploring the boundaries of creative expression has made him a unique and influential voice in contemporary discourse.
As he continues to bridge gaps between academia, arts, activism, and athletics, Julián Esteban Torres López remains at the forefront of cultural transformation and social justice advocacy. His multifaceted career serves as an inspiration for those who seek to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries and make a meaningful impact across various spheres of human endeavor. Torres López's journey exemplifies the power of embracing one's diverse talents and using them in concert to create a more just, equitable, and creatively rich world.
Julián Esteban
Torres López
bio
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