Programmed and Introduced by Rita Casaverde, Executive Director of Diversity Coalition of San Luis Obispo

About the Film:

A scrappy group of rebels band together for a near-impossible mission to steal the Death Star plans, knowing the effort could cost them everything. Set just before the events of the original 1977 film, the story grounds galactic warfare in sacrifice, espionage, and hard-won hope. Directed by Gareth Edwards and starring Felicity Jones and Diego Luna, it remains one of the saga’s most grounded and emotionally resonant entries.

About the Speaker:

Rita Casaverde is a community leader and advocate based in San Luis Obispo County. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, her work has centered on community organizing, social justice, and expanding representation in local decision-making. As Executive Director of Diversity Coalition, she builds and sustains spaces for women of color and BIPOC leaders to connect, organize, and address concrete local inequities.

One of her favorite lines from Rogue One is, “Rebellions are built on hope,” a reminder that lasting change is often driven by collective action, persistence, and people willing to step forward even when the odds are against you.