Fanita Banana is a music selector on vinyl. Her sounds are contemporary electronic beats from Latin America & beyond. She is part of Future Rootz collective & Lumpen Radio Djs. 

Documenting current events in public radio during her time at Radio Arte allowed Stephanie to creatively shed a light on social justice issues affecting Latino communities. A Mexico City native, Stephanie has also reported on issues including adult education, literacy, housing, mental health and migration, including working closely with community organizations Casa Aztlán, Frida Kahlo Community Organization, Elevarte Community Studios and The Resurrection Project.

She has collaborated with and contributed to publications including Extra Newspaper, Remezcla, Pilsen Portal, Gozamos and Revista Contratiempo. Her extended collaboration with Contratiempo since 2008, and as member of their editorial team since 2010, has allowed her to focus efforts on issues concerning Little Village and Pilsen’s immigrant community, development, arts and culture. Recently, she was part of the Social Justice News Nexus Fellowship at Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, Cycle 2 as a reporter and Cycle 4 as a youth mentor.

For Lumpen Radio (WLPN 105.5 FM, Chicago), she collaborates in the creation of content and produces multiple programs such as “The Ponderers”, “Contratiempo Radio”, and “Lumpen Disruption”.

She has led the audio-radio and journalism program geared towards young people at Yollocalli Arts Reach of the National Museum of Mexican Art, since 2014. Through this program she has empowered young people to create their own independent mediums, and through that, the voice of the youth has been amplified. She fosters opportunities for teens to experience hands-on journalism by publishing in various outlets and developing a weekly radio show, “Wattz Up!”, that airs on Lumpen Radio every Saturday.

@fanita_banana
http://stephaniemanriquez.com/