Last month, Carlos Portugal, director and one of the creators of the HULU original series “East Los High,” visited the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building to discuss his show.

Portugal’s visit was part of the Latino Thought Makers Series, which is currently taking place at the college. Directed and produced by Rick Najera, the series features Latino artists who come to discuss current issues that the Latino community is facing, all while pursuing their careers.

Two of the shows actresses, Andrea Sixtos and Vannessa Vasquez, also attended the event.

“It sheds light in entertaining ways on topics that need to be explored,” said Najera, who hosted the event, about the intense teen drama.

“East Los High” consists of an all-Latino cast, director, writers, and creators. The show started with Population Media Center, a non-profit organization that specializes in using entertainment-education to address global health issues. “East Los High” discusses topics such as teen pregnancy, sexuality, and domestic violence, all while giving a voice to Latinos as well as the LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community.

“We’re trying to tell our own story,” said Portugal about his show.

The show tackles issues that people need to be aware of. It tells about how a popular girl contracts HIV, while at the same time sending the message that this can happen to anyone. The series also discusses the importance of leaving an abusive relationship.

For season three of “East Los High,” which was renewed a week after season two premiered, Portugal said he wants to tackle the subject of police brutality on teens, an issue that has greatly impacted the nation.

The Latino Thought Makers Series will also continue with its next show this month.