March 24, 2025

Meet the Expert: Becca Guzman, Richie Rue Productions

Can you describe your work as a storyteller and what led you on the path of video production and direction? 
I am a proud Latina director, producer, and owner of Richie Rue Productions. As a production company owner, I take immense pride in telling the stories of our communities. Growing up, I often heard the phrase, “calladita te ves más bonita,” but I grew tired of silencing my pain, my victories. Instead, I made it my mission to amplify my voice and share my stories through the content I create.

Today, I am honored to not only tell my own stories but to elevate the voices of others in my community as well. Motherhood has further inspired me to direct and share more narratives, as I want my daughter to grow up surrounded by a strong, supportive community and learn about the incredible women who have shaped her culture and upbringing.

What’s been your experience as a Latina small business owner and what values underpin your collaborations with vendors and clients? 
Being a Latina small business owner has been a challenging yet transformative journey. From understanding my own worth to navigating the need to “persuade” clients to recognize the value of my work—and compensate me accordingly—the process has often been emotionally and physically draining. Unlearning cultural narratives that taught me to simply be “grateful” for opportunities has been difficult, but it has also empowered me to foster a stronger sense of community.

I’ve worked to create an environment where my colleagues and clients build each other up—not just to move forward laterally but to genuinely progress together. While I’m deeply grateful for the incredible opportunities my production company receives, I know that the heart of my work lies in the community we’ve built. My professional relationships often mirror my personal ones: rooted in mutual respect, trust, and the desire to elevate one another. We recommend each other in rooms where we may not physically be present, and we champion each other’s growth.

Ultimately, my mission as a Latina business owner is to foster connection and empowerment—amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and creating spaces where stories from our communities are celebrated.

Can you share a bit about the challenges in telling organic and community-centered stories from your experience? 

In addition to the challenges of being fairly compensated for the authentic, culturally rich content and services I provide, I’ve often faced the struggle of breaking through the stereotypes others project onto me. I’ve found myself in rooms where I’m the only Latina, even when the script or project is centered around my culture. In those moments, I’ve had to navigate the delicate balance of ensuring my voice is not only heard but also respected—making sure my insights on how our narratives should be portrayed are the loudest and most thoughtful in the room.

It’s frustrating and disheartening that, while many acknowledge Latinas as strong leaders within their households, this same recognition often doesn’t translate to professional spaces. That disconnect—where our leadership and expertise are overlooked—remains a significant obstacle I confront regularly. However, I continue to push forward, determined to challenge those outdated narratives and create spaces where Latinas are celebrated as the leaders and innovators we truly are.

What is the role of people-focused visual storytelling on policymaking and public perception?
People-focused visual storytelling is incredibly powerful because it humanizes complex issues and makes them relatable. It goes beyond numbers and policies, putting a face and a voice to the challenges and triumphs of real people. When you can see someone’s story—when you can feel their emotions and understand their journey—it fosters empathy in a personable way that statistics simply can’t.

In my experience, storytelling has a unique way of shifting perspectives. I’ve seen how sharing authentic, heartfelt narratives can spark conversations and open doors to change. It reminds policymakers and the public that behind every policy decision are real lives being impacted. It’s not just about crafting beautiful visuals; it’s about using those visuals to create connection, understanding, and ultimately, action.

For me, the most rewarding part of this work is watching stories bring people together—whether it’s amplifying voices that have been overlooked or helping others see a new side of an issue. People-focused storytelling doesn’t just shape public perception; it builds bridges and reminds us of our shared humanity.

Are there any projects that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m so excited to continue my work with Latina Futures 2050 Lab! The powerful Latinas in LFL truly inspire me, and it’s such a privilege to work alongside people who are just as passionate about pushing our Latina voices and representation to the forefront.

On a more personal note, I’m also really excited about my latest passion project: a bilingual children’s gardening show! I want to teach kids—no matter where they come from—the joy of growing their own food. Imagine little ones digging in the dirt, harvesting veggies, and learning that they can care for themselves and their families in such a fun, meaningful way. It’s all about planting seeds (literally and figuratively!) for the next generation of green thumbs. I know the world doesn’t always prioritize the health of communities of color, so this is my way of giving kids the tools to care for their own future and maybe even spark a love for gardening along the way.

What advice do you have to share with emerging and existing content creators who care about the rights and status of historically excluded groups?
My advice to emerging and existing content creators is to embrace the power of your voice and use it with intention. When creating content that centers historically excluded groups, start by listening—truly listening—to the stories, needs, and perspectives of the communities you want to represent. Authenticity and respect should be at the heart of everything you create.

It’s also important to recognize your role as both a storyteller and an advocate. Your work has the power to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and shift public perception. Don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries, even if it means going against the grain. The content that creates lasting impact is often the content that dares to stand out.

Additionally, build relationships within the community. Collaborate with people who share your values, and always prioritize partnerships that elevate and empower others. Remember, the goal isn’t just to tell stories but to create spaces where others feel seen, heard, and valued.
Lastly, don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Allow yourself to grow, learn from feedback, and stay open to evolving your craft. At the end of the day, your commitment to uplifting marginalized communities is what will resonate the most. Keep showing up, keep creating, and trust that your work is making a difference.

There is such power in being able to tell and own your own story; how does Latina Futures work with you and your company to support leaders in expressing their truths?

There’s nothing more powerful than owning and telling your own story, and Latina Futures has been a key partner in helping me and others do just that. This organization creates spaces where leaders can express their truths authentically, and support us in amplifying our voices in a way that is both meaningful and impactful.

What’s especially powerful is that many of the women I’ve interviewed through Latina Futures work in spaces primarily dominated by white men. This makes our voices in these spaces even more crucial. Latina Futures is not just helping us tell our stories—this organization is ensuring our voices are heard and valued where it matters most.

For me, working with Latina Futures has reinforced the importance of authenticity and the power of storytelling to create change. It’s an honor to be part of a community that empowers us to express our truths and lay the groundwork for future generations of Latina leaders.