We are heartbroken at NYTW about the loss of Diane. I am sending love and strength to Jose and Olga, in the hope that we may all meet again in person, before too long.

I met Diane in 1998...at the Hispanic Playwrights' Project. It was a playwright in my twenties...and this was the first professional foray in my life. And the place where I met so many amazing Latinx women that would become lifelong friends. The play was THE SINS OF SOR JUANA , directed by Lisa Portes, produced by Juliette Carrillo, starring Elizabeth Pena as Sor Juana and Diane Rodriguez as the sexy Vicereine. She was so kind to me off-stage and so fun and moving onstage. Diane was made to play a passionate Queen on stage and in life. Over our 25 years of friendship she was a cheerleader, a truth teller, and a path builder. When we were building the Latinx Theater Commons, I knew Diane's help and support would be crucial in making it a viable national organization. She was an actor, director, writer, and manager. She was an inspiring public speaker. She was like a Brilliant Godmother to so many ideas and projects. Plus, she was gorgeous and dressed with such elegance and flair. I have never seen sandals as funky and beautiful as the ones she wore. The world will miss her artistry, her activism, and her grace. Those of us that knew her will miss her warmth, her smile, her subversive humor, her advice, and her contagious optimism. Thank you Diane. Te extrano KZ