The editorial team has a special attachment to our new series, The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative, because so many of us feel that media portrayals of women have been too one dimensional. Today, women are doing incredible things in all fields – from science and technology to finance, law, business, athletics and more. With the Trailblazers series, we hope to highlight and celebrate female role models, encourage more equal and just representation in the media, and help foster a more tight-knit community locally helping women find mentors, business partners, friends and more.
Below, you’ll find some incredible trailblazers from in and around Pasadena that we hope you will check out, follow and support.
Dee Lee
I was a teacher for 13 years in LAUSD. I taught middle school. On the weekends, I always dabbled in the event industry. I loved photography. I was a second shooter. I lived for the details. I started doing events for family and friends. I got the itch when I planned my own wedding. I made my business official in 2016. Read more>>
Em Wright
After high school, I was accepted to ArtCenter College of Design to study photography and imaging, and I took my spider obsession with me. All the professors and students know me as the “Crazy Spider Lady” and encourage me to follow my love and passions for showing their beauty. I currently am a senior at ArtCenter and am the proud owner of three tarantulas, a jumping spider and a centipede I call “Little Footlong.” Read more>>
Inga Roberts and Taiina
Learning about each other, our sensitivities and how to be there for each other creatively. We work really hard haha, and just like Inga said, it really helps finding a partner who is on the same page as you and someone who cheers you on, like we do for each other. I think everyone’s advice is going to be based on their personal experience of being in the industry as well as their personality. Read more>>
Monique Rodriguez
In 2009 when I was working on completing my Bachelor’s degree at Long Beach State, my Internship Coordinator connected me to an LBSU Alumni who was an Event Manager at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Shortly thereafter, I interviewed and landed the internship. I started in Event Operations moving from Events Intern to Coordinator to Manager. I left twice to pursue a career in sales with American Golf and Lucky Strike Entertainment LLC. Read more>>
Nicole Bowman
Studying Literature solidified my passion and strength in writing, which partnered well with the endless amounts of reading, adding to my empathy and compassion for the human experience. I eventually went back to school because ever the faithful learner I wanted to study education, so I could share and inspire future learners. Read more>>
April Trettel
I have always been interested in both photography and birth. I attended a birth at the age of 11 because I thought it would be interesting to see. I did not pursue these as careers from the start however. I obtained a master’s in mental health counseling and am a licensed therapist. I loved having a job connecting with other people and helping guide others to improve their lives. Read more>>
Sarah Helt
I walked into my first ashtanga yoga class at 18 after I had moved from Iowa to New York City. It totally transformed my idea of what working out could be and what a self-care practice looks like. I was hooked by the athleticism, the strength, and peace of mind that I first gained. Read more>>
