Julia Carrillo: “Soy Chingona” Founder Reclaiming Power for Latinas in the Heartland
Julia Carrillo arrived in Omaha at age 17 and today she leads one of the Midwest’s boldest cultural movements for Latina empowerment. As founder of the Soy Chingona brand and co-creator of Midwest Chingona Fest, Carrillo is reshaping how Latina identity is celebrated—and challenged—in Nebraska’s heartland.
The term chingona, a feminine form of chingón, carries weight: it’s a reclamation of language often deemed vulgar when applied to women. Carrillo, along with co-founder Fabiola Lomelí, set out to change that. In her view, it means being bold, tenacious, and unapologetically strong.
Midwest Chingona Fest, launched in October 2022, is the physical embodiment of that mission. The festival spotlights Latina entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural leaders in a space that uplifts and unites. Over 70 vendors have participated in recent years, showcasing everything from handcrafted goods to Latin-inspired cuisine, all in a context that affirms identity rather than tokenizes it.
Carrillo leads with authenticity. She builds brand partnerships with outlets like Telemundo and nurtures local connections. She’s also created other signature events like Midwest Tacos & Tequila Fest, amplifying Latin culture across genres.
Her presence is also deeply personal. Through the Soy Chingona Instagram page, she speaks directly to her community, sharing reflections, challenges, and uplift. Her posts often blur the line between public figure and peer, with an honesty that resonates.
For Latinas in Nebraska and beyond, Julia Carrillo is a symbol of reclamation: of voice, of identity, and of power. Whenever she says soy chingona, she isn’t just defining herself; she is inviting others to declare that they are too.
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