For Sara Skolnick, better known as DJ Riobamba, music serves as an avenue for activism. The community organizer-turned-DJ-turned-label boss has fused her family's deep connection to Latin music, Boston's underground electronic scene, el caribe's reggaeton, and dembow, as well as hip-hop, into many a noteworthy set. The daughter of immigrant parents, the Lithuanian-Ecuadorian, first-gen creative doesn't stray away from including a timely message (for example: combating anti-immigrant sentiments) into a mix. Riobamba — whose name is an ode to a central city in Ecuador — has furthered her advocacy of creating an equitable industry and providing opportunities to underrepresented music makers by founding her record label Apocalipsis. She's also coproduced Boiler Room's first reggaetón showcase, and shared the stage with the likes of Ivy Queen, Tego Calderón, and DJ Playero, to name a few.
