Where Are They Now- Herry Fuentes

Raised in Eagle County and shaped by the experiences of growing up in a resilient immigrant community, Herry Fuentes is using storytelling to preserve history, amplify underrepresented voices, and explore the systems and experiences that shape mountain communities.

As a first-generation college student and Guardian Scholar, Herry’s journey reflects determination, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of representation. Today, he is the Co-Founder, Executive Producer, and screenwriter behind JHOVA Media, a Colorado-based production company focused on documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling rooted in social impact, community resilience, and cultural preservation.

Herry describes his work as creating films “about the systems people were never meant to navigate alone, the work being done, the history worth preserving, and the legacies that deserve to outlive the moment.” From a stack of research and a blank page to premieres and community impact, his storytelling aims not only to document experiences, but to shift perspectives, build connection, and create lasting change.

Herry is also a graduate of Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s inaugural Elevar cohort, a program designed to support emerging entrepreneurs and leaders through mentorship, education, and startup support. He joined Elevar after it was recommended by one of his film backers, Mike Rushmore, and quickly recognized the value of being in community with other Latino entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges and ambitions.

“Elevar was a very unique and rare instance to be able to talk to other Latinos who are starting businesses and building something of their own,” Herry shared.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the program has been the relationships built within the cohort. Herry credits the Elevar network as one of his biggest takeaways, highlighting how fellow entrepreneur Armando of Elevated Engravings has created the awards for the Junktown Film Festival for the past two years. More importantly, Elevar provided a trusted community of peers who understood the realities of entrepreneurship and could offer support, collaboration, and encouragement along the way.

“It’s reassuring knowing I have people like me I can call on to bounce ideas off of or feel heard,” Herry said.

Since graduating from Elevar, Herry has continued building a career rooted in purpose and execution, using film to elevate stories often overlooked in traditional narratives. His work includes The Invisible Patient, a documentary exploring the mental health crisis and barriers to care in rural Western Colorado, as well as Long May We Live, a legacy film honoring the history and people who helped build Colorado Mesa University.

Currently, Herry is leading production on One Valley, a documentary film created in partnership with Eagle Valley Community Foundation that explores Eagle County’s nonprofit ecosystem, the challenges local families navigate, and the people working every day to strengthen the community. Through the film, Herry is helping capture stories of resilience, sacrifice, opportunity, and belonging while highlighting the interconnectedness of Eagle County’s Latino and nonprofit communities.

For Herry, the project is deeply personal.

Growing up in Eagle County gave him firsthand insight into the stories that often go unseen in mountain towns — stories of hard work, perseverance, and families building a future for the next generation. Through film, he hopes to create space for people to feel represented while helping others better understand the richness and diversity that make Eagle County stronger.

“Herry represents the heart of what Elevar was created to support,” said Melina Valsecia. “Watching him grow from a young person in Eagle County into a filmmaker and entrepreneur committed to telling the stories of his community has been incredibly inspiring. Herry is using creativity, leadership, and lived experience to create meaningful change. Through One Valley, he is helping ensure that the stories, resilience, and contributions of our Latino community are seen, valued, and remembered for generations to come.”

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Herry shared that one of the greatest lessons he has learned is the importance of balancing passion with action.

“I finally feel like I am at a good cross-section between obsession and execution,” he said. “Elevar is one of the tools that aided in the execution part — where things get done. Learning this can be painful and full of friction. Elevar eases that. Nothing matters without execution.”

While his work continues to grow across Colorado, Eagle County remains at the center of Herry’s vision. Whether documenting local stories, collaborating with mission-driven organizations, or mentoring others in creative spaces, he continues investing in the community that helped shape him.

Through Elevar, Herry gained access to mentorship, business development resources, and a network of leaders who believed in his vision. Today, he is turning that investment into impact, proving that when communities invest in local talent and lived experience, powerful stories — and powerful change — can emerge.