Leenda Bonilla is a Bronx-born and raised visual artist who wants to highlight women’s work.

She loves the bata, a traditional dress historically worn by women in the Caribbean while doing houswork.

Bonilla’s mother introduced her to the bata, and since her passing, she’s cherished the memories she had with her mom and the batas she wore.

Bonilla now collects batas and each one has its own story.

She plans to create a visual art exhibit featuring the dresses and the stories behind each one.

“As a first gen Puerto Rican, that dress is symbolic for me to understanding my culture, preserving my culture, elevating the culture, and to not let it disappear,” said Bonilla.

She plans to have her art exhibit ready by 2026.