Elizabeth Quila (Guayaquil, September 19, 1964) is an Ecuadorian writer based in Houston, Texas, renowned for her remarkable contributions to literature and the arts. Quila’s work spans various domains including literature, psychology, and cultural management. Her diverse achievements reflect her commitment to promoting Ibero-American literature globally and utilizing art as a medium for psychological healing and social engagement. Her novel, “El cadáver que envejece dentro de su tumba” (The Corpse That Ages Inside Its Grave) won 3rd place in the Latino Book Awards of 2020.
Early Life and Career
Elizabeth Quila’s journey began in Ecuador, where her early career involved roles as an editor, creative director, and university professor. She made significant contributions in the field of mental and psychological health at the Guayaquil neuroscience hospital, pioneering the integration of art in addressing conflicts and pathologies.
Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
In Houston, Quila has been instrumental in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. As president of the Sister Cities Association Houston-Guayaquil and a member of the Association of Hispanic Doctors in Houston (HAMA), she has fostered significant connections. Her most notable achievement in cultural advocacy is founding the Casa Cultural de las Américas, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and disseminating Ibero-American art in the United States.
Psychotherapy and EQ Resolutions
As a respected psychotherapist, Quila has given conferences worldwide, focusing on art as a therapeutic medium. She currently leads EQ Resolutions, a project that combines counseling, workshops, and psychotherapeutic conferences with an artistic focus, addressing various emotional and social issues.
Literary Contributions
Quila’s literary works are diverse, encompassing novels, short stories, and poetry. Her writing is characterized by a profound exploration of human experiences, often intertwining psychological and social themes.
Recognition and Honors
Quila’s contributions have been widely recognized. She has received awards in Madrid, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Houston for both her literary and psychotherapeutic work. On October 18, 2022, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, notably designated November 3 as Dr. Elizabeth Quila Day, honoring her impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
Works
- The Blind Gaze (Stories, 2009)
- Spells and Curses (Novel, 2006)
- Cristina (Novel, 2010)
- Travesti de Almas (Stories, 2013)
- El Culto (Novel, 2012)
- Oblivion (Poems, 2016)
- The Town of the Drowned (Novel, 2018)
- The Merciless Lover (Novel, 2018)
- El cadáver que envejece dentro de su tumba (Novel, 2020)
- Grandes en Casa (2022)