Luisa Cámere Quiroz
Ambassador of Peace
and a Symbol of Culture, Art, and Literature Worldwide
Poet, Visual Artist, and Prominent Educator Continuing to Promote Culture and Peace Internationally
Interviewed by: Donia Sahib – Iraq
Luisa Cámere Quiroz
also known in the United States as Luisa Miletich , is a multifaceted cultural figure from Peru, blending poetry, visual arts, and education. Born in Lima in 1951, she grew up in an environment rich in Peruvian, Italian, and Spanish heritage, which nurtured her passion for literature and the arts from an early age.
With over 30 years of experience managing educational programs for children in Peru and the United States, and having received numerous international awards, Luisa has become a symbol of cultural, literary, and humanitarian work. She is deeply committed to women’s rights, environmental protection, and spreading a culture of peace worldwide.
In this exclusive interview, we explore her personal and cultural journey, how she integrated her passion for literature and the arts with her educational and social work, highlight her expertise in managing educational institutions, and discuss her contributions to humanitarian causes, her notable awards, artistic and intellectual vision, and the messages she seeks to convey to inspire future generations toward a more conscious and creative society.
---
1. Ms. ,Luisa we would like to begin by getting to know your personal and cultural identity. How did your upbringing in Lima, Peru, shape your passion for writing, art, and culture?
*"I'm very proud of my ancestral Peruvian, Italian, and Spanish roots. This blend of cultures, known as syncretism, is at the heart of my artistic identity. I feel that my love for visual arts comes from my Italian ancestry, while my passion for literature flows from my Peruvian-Spanish heritage.
Growing up in the Peruvian countryside was essential to my lyrical development. The sounds and scents of that natural environment allowed me to absorb beauty through observation and curiosity—I imbibed, like a bumblebee, the nectar of art’s nourishment everywhere. This connection to nature nurtured my emotions, empowering me to express myself with freedom and purpose, inspiring me toward poetry from an early age.
Furthermore, my mother was a major influence as an educator. She was a visionary leader who, after becoming a widow, founded her own private school. She cultivated an environment where we were not only educated academically but also artistically, with an early emphasis on music, dance, and theater. I was immersed in the essence of creativity and critical thinking. My artistic path was forged in this unique blend of cultural heritage and the nurturing environment my mother created."*
---
2. You have managed educational programs for children in Peru and the United States for over 30 years. How has this extensive educational experience shaped your vision of literature and art as tools for building a culturally educated society and nurturing conscious generations?
*"My career as an educator is a natural extension of my upbringing, as I come from a family of teachers. My mother, a well-educated teacher, was my first great inspiration. During my early years of training in Peru as a primary school teacher, I focused on fostering a love for reading, poetry, and the arts, alongside academic development.
When I moved to the United States, my focus evolved toward the holistic education of early childhood. My experience in this field taught me to view each child as an integral being, influenced by the philosophies of Piaget, Vygotsky, and Montessori. Literature and art are not just subjects, but essential tools that nurture sensitivity, creativity, and critical thinking.
As a director and school supervisor, I ensured that every child had access to the right resources, promoting inclusion and addressing individual needs and interests. This experience solidified my belief that an enriching educational environment, which prioritizes artistic and literary expression, is key to shaping conscious generations and cultivating a culturally educated society where creativity flourishes in all areas of arts and literature."*
---
3. You are a prominent activist in the fields of women’s rights and environmental protection. How do you balance your literary work with social activism, and what is the core message you wish to convey through your works?
*"As a poet and cultural promoter, I believe we are a product of our time and space. We absorb the world around us, and for me, that means responding to pervasive issues of social injustice and environmental degradation.
My literary work serves as a platform for my activism. Despite living in the 21st century, women continue to suffer from violence, abuse, and injustice fueled by deeply ingrained patriarchal systems. My poetry collection, Mutilated in a Thousand Ways, gives voice to women's call for liberation, empowerment, and a rightful place in all social, political, and economic spheres.
I see my poetry as a form of activism. Through my roles as Cultural Ambassador for Utopia Poética Mater and President of CIESART in the United States, I organize and participate in cultural events that champion women's rights and raise awareness.
My work also advocates for environmental protection. I contribute to anthologies and cultural initiatives that promote social commitment to our ecology, raising voices against environmental degradation caused by war, greenhouse effects, and economic mismanagement.
Ultimately, the main message I wish to convey through my work is the promotion of a culture of peace, where both women and the environment are respected as an imperative. We deserve to live in a world free from violence and in harmony, guided by justice and respect for all living beings."*
---
4. What international awards and certificates of recognition have you received, and which of them holds special significance for you, representing the pinnacle of achievement in your creative career?
*"For an artist and cultural promoter, recognition is a powerful motivator. My work is driven by an altruistic spirit, and these awards and certificates are a testament to the perseverance, integrity, and commitment I bring to my mission of serving others through literature and art.
Each award holds a special place in my heart. I am deeply grateful for every one of them, as they honor specific works or altruistic endeavors. I am proud to share some of my awards and recognitions:*
Awards and Recognitions:
Estrella del Sur de Uruguay al Mundo (2023)
Medalla Vargas Llosa AEADO (2023)
The Best Coordinator, Panorama 2024 by Writes Capital Foundation
The Golden Book 2024 por Cargaditos de Amor / Writer Capital Edition
Premio La Pluma de Oro por ALFA Monsefu, Perú (June 2024)
Doctor Honoris Causa por AEDO Universidad César Vallejo (2023)
Premio Manuel Equihua Estrella (2024)
Premio Cristal 2024, Palacio de Medinaceli, España, CIESART
Premio Internacional William Shakespeare, Altruism category (Spain, Peru, Switzerland, 2024)
Premio Internacional Literario “Patricio Vivanco Williams,” CIESART (2024)
Doctor Honoris Causa por CIESART, Palacio de Medinaceli, Soria, España
Premio Palma del Mar a la Gestora Cultural, CIESART, París, Francia (2024)
Medalla CCI Utopía Poética Universal, Michoacán, México, Manuel Equihua Estrella
---
5. As a member of international cultural institutions such as PEN and CIESART, and in the Writers Capital Foundation and the Panorama International Festival of the Arts, how do you perceive the role of cultural institutions in supporting literature and the arts in the contemporary world?
*"Each institution I am part of has a strong influence on the development and promotion of literature and the arts.
The PEN International Peru's Commission of Women Writers, led by poet Marita Troiano, promotes works written by Peruvian women, organizes activities that encourage writing and reading, and establishes communication systems connecting all Peruvian women writers.
CIESART (International Chamber of Writers & Artists) is legally established in Spain, Peru, and soon Switzerland, operating with full transparency. Its global president is Lili Baylón. CIESART advocates for, defends, and disseminates art and culture, educating for peace and representing writers, artists, and cultural managers worldwide.
The Writers Capital Foundation is an international non-profit literary organization presided over by Preeth Padmananham Nambiar. Its principal aim is to unite writers and creators globally, share experiences, and inspire artistic expression.
The Panorama International Literature Festival (PILF) 2025 theme, “Jalam: The Drop of Life,” explores water’s profound significance as a vital element for existence and as a symbol of resilience and renewal."*
---
6. Tell us about the main ideas presented in your new book Gazelle in Silver Filigreed, which is scheduled to be released on September 23.
*"Gazelle in Silver Filigreed is more than a poetry collection; it's a spiritual and artistic journey, written in both poetry and prose.
The “Gazelle” represents beauty, grace, and the fleeting nature of life and emotions—the spiritual essence of humanity in a chaotic world.
The “Silver Filigreed” symbolizes intricate, delicate craftsmanship. As a writer, I weave complex and intimate themes through words, much like a Jewelry Designer creates elegant jewelry.
The book is a dedication and a tribute to the sacred journey in a woman's life. It is dedicated to her mother, as well as to others who have influenced her life. Additionally, it is a call for a more spiritual and humane transformation in the world, exploring the mystical, erotic, and existential, celebrating love, respect for the Earth, the cosmic, and a longing for peace and reconciliation."*
”I am currently organizing the logistics and sending invitations to ensure the successful presentation of the book.”
---
8- As President of CIESART in the United States and General Director for Latin America of the Panorama International Festival of the Arts 2025, how do you balance your administrative responsibilities with your literary creativity?
*”I have always had high ambitions and a winning mindset. I consider myself multifaceted and achieve my goals through hard work and perseverance.
I manage my time effectively, prioritizing personal and cultural activities. Often, I ‘steal time from time’ and write late at night when the world is asleep. Solitude and tranquility are my allies; during these hours, creativity flows unhindered, and I feel divinely inspired, in harmony spiritually, physically, and mentally in my writing.”*
---
9- How do you see the role of media and journalistic interviews in supporting culture, literature, and the arts globally?
*”In a world connected globally through technology, media and interviews are vital platforms for leaders, poets, educators, and artists to gain visibility and dissemination.
I thank you, Donia Sahib, for your interest in my cultural work and for this opportunity to share my contributions to literature and the arts with the world.”*
---
10- Amidst your busy schedule of writing and cultural administration, what advice do you give to young creatives aspiring to combine art with social and cultural responsibility?
*”Seek your passion in literature and the arts, as they are powerful tools to overcome emotional challenges. Literature enables you to engage with different realities and see yourself as the hero of your own story.
Creating poetry, prose, or theater helps express emotions and experiences artistically, developing skills and talents, and shaping the future of distinguished writers and artists.
Books provide youth with a safe space for reflection, exploration of perspectives, and understanding the world. Through literature, we can all contribute to a global culture of peace and transform society academically and artistically through the power of words.”*
تعليقات
إرسال تعليق
اترك تعليقا يدل على انطباعك ورأيك بالموضوع