regina zapata

WATERER

When I think about what an auntie is to me, I think about the privilege of helping to raise kids that are not yours. I think about the role model in a in a Tia.  I think about being almost a second mother. At least that's how I see myself to my, nieces and nephews and how I saw my aunties growing up.

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.