REGINA ZAPATA

photography / family engagement / podcasting / animation

Regina Zapata is a dedicated educator, artist, and community leader based in Crookston, Minnesota. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Regina moved to Crookston at the age of twelve in 1995. She is the proud mother of four remarkable daughters and recently celebrated becoming a grandmother to a beautiful grandson—a role she cherishes deeply.

For the past thirteen years, Regina has served as a preschool teacher with her community’s Head Start program, nurturing young learners and helping lay the foundation for their lifelong success. Alongside her work in early childhood education, she has been an active member of In Progress for the past three years, embracing the opportunity to develop her artistic voice through words, photography, and video.

Regina values creative expression as a way to share stories, preserve culture, and build connections within her community. Passionate about uplifting others, she is committed to leading and supporting Latinx artists in Crookston, fostering spaces where their stories can be told and their talents celebrated. Whether in the classroom or behind the camera, Regina brings warmth, dedication, and a deep commitment to community empowerment.

qualifications

Regina Zapata is an experienced portrait and DSLR photographer with skills in capturing authentic, expressive images that celebrate her subjects and their stories. She is proficient in using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop to produce polished, professional-quality photos.

As a teaching artist with In Progress, Regina continues to develop her craft while supporting fellow Latinx artists in her community through mentorship and collaborative projects. Her background in early childhood education and community organizing equips her with strong communication, leadership, and facilitation skills—making her an effective advocate for creative expression and cultural empowerment in Crookston.

SKILLS

  • portraiture photography

  • dslr photography

  • adobe light room / adobe photoshop

  • podcasting

  • videography

  • claymation

  • community engagement

TEACHING / WORK EXPERIENCE

  • workshop artist for In Progress

  • program coordinator for In Progress

  • social worker for Polk County Family Services

LINKS