Local Highlighter Series

Federica Alice Carlino

In 2018 I started writing the script for my thesis film at the New York Film Academy in Burbank and that is when The Monster’s Club was born. From the very beginning I knew this film was not meant to be just a short or a simple proof of concept. Read more>>

Kevin Lau

I’ve always believed that success, on its own, teaches you very little. The real lessons—the ones that shape you—come from failure. Success is just the byproduct of hard work, dedication, learned behavior, and resilience. The gold is buried in the moments when you hit rock bottom—whether that’s in your career, your relationships, or your mindset. Read more>>

Nicole Cannon

It may seem as though some people are afraid to die, but in reality, they are afraid to fully live. Our time on this planet is infinitesimal compared to the vastness of the universe. We get to experience existence through out five senses, and if we are fortunate enough to remember we can keep one foot in the non-physical realms. Read more>>

Stephanie Jones

One fear that often lingers beneath the surface is the fear of not going for it, whatever “it” may be. The calling, the dream, the leap into something unknown. There’s a certain safety in hesitation, in waiting for the “right” time or more certainty. But underneath that waiting is often the quiet fear that trying and failing might feel heavier than never trying at all. Read more>>

Jessie Nagel

I co-host a music and collage night that is called ‘Not Quite Ready’ that brings people together to enjoy works in progress by musicians while they make collage-based art. It’s held in an interesting and historic space with a great vibe; we curate the music and provide the supplies along with drinks and snacks. Read more>>

Josh Ginsburg

I hope that people will one day tell others that I was a great musical storyteller and collaborator. If I get the privilege to be known for having these qualities, I will have been successful in my career. Media composition is firstly about working with a team to tell stories, and secondly about writing great music. Read more>>

Maria Ramirez-Adams

She was always taking photos! The photographs & films I’ve made are insights into my life. My portfolios are influenced by the places I’ve lived, the people I’ve met & what captures my interest. A print is like a gift. A moment captured in time, made into art that can be cherished. I hope people love the art I leave behind & appreciate the memories. Read more>>

Samantha James

I asked one of my former students and now a teacher at Sampul and a good friend, ‘besides my employees & families that are the heart of my business, what strengths do you feel like I have?’ Here was her response that meant the world; ‘I definitely would say that you’re an inclusive, caring and empathetic person. Read more>>

Makenna Perkal

For years, I struggled to extend empathy toward myself. When I launched <b>Anamorphosis Productions</b>, my mission was to tell stories that foster empathy for others. But five years in, I realized I hadn’t been practicing what I preached—I wasn’t offering that same grace to myself. It was a humbling realization. I was writing about compassion and kindness while quietly tearing myself apart. Read more>>

Romeiro (Rehd) Davis

My parents mainly taught me the most about hard work. My mother has always held down more than two jobs to give my brother and I a pretty decent livable upbringing while our father ventured to establish his music career. Read more>>

Ted Whetstone

As a kid, I wanted to be an inventor. I was mystified by electricity and magnetism, and I knew I wanted to create things that would give others the same “magic of discovery” those forces gave me. My heroes were Copernicus, Newton, Einstein, and Darwin. Read more>>

Gregory Beylerian

At first, this question might sound philosophical or poetic, but for me, it touches the very core of my life journey. From my earliest memories, I was drawn into a realm of creative play, a space of pure immersion where I would intuitively interact with materials, take things apart, and reassemble them in new forms. Read more>>

Laura Hunter Drago

As a child I was painfully shy, and in some situations was almost completely unable to speak. As an adult, I’ve learned to value my own voice and no longer hold the belief that I should stay quiet or that my words don’t matter. Read more>>

Lindasy Shaver

I’m gonna spin this to ‘Defining Words’, and say: KEEP GOING. I’ve definitely had to tell myself those words on more than one occasion, and in many different scenarios. From heartbreak, to feelings of failure, and even having to completely re-start my life at one point. Read more>>

Thu Saminathen

When I listen to music, time unravels. A single melody can suspend the clock a beat, a bassline, a lyric each one pulling me into a space where I’m no longer aware of minutes or hours, only the energy it holds. It’s in that space that I find the inspiration for my DJ sets. Read more>>

Sofia Haq

For a really long time I doubted myself. I found myself asking folks for permission when deep down I knew what I wanted and needed to do. I trusted others more than I trusted myself. A lot of those insecurities came from becoming an entrepreneur and all the uncertainty that came with it. Read more>>

Dane Morck

My Parents. Growing up, athletics came naturally, and that was often what took most of all of our time – so the both of them really deserve their flowers for keeping creativity alive in our household. It was important, and something they knew we enjoyed. Read more>>

Jeanette Yoffe

Yes! I’m absolutely tap dancing to work these days. Two major things happened this year that have filled me with deep joy and gratitude. The first is the publication of my new book, ‘The Traumatized &amp; At-Risk Youth Toolbox’. This book represents over twenty years of developing creative, trauma-informed interventions for children and teens in foster care and adoption. Read more>>

Valerie Marie

I recently wrapped my first lead role in a mini series, and it was honestly the best experience. I was tap dancing, skipping, and flying to set everyday. It wasn’t the fact that I finally booked something, it was the people involved in the project that made my experience as amazing as it was. Read more>>

Imani Williams-Sparks

I would immediately stop caring about what people say and do. I am working on it actively and can say that I’m doing pretty good. Although it doesn’t always stop me from moving forwards, sometimes I do get caught up. I’m sure I would accomplish a lot more in those last 10 years because of this. I think caring hinders a lot of people. Read more>>

Lucretia Tye Jasmine

That we must not exploit, harm, entrap, or eat animals, birds, bugs, or fish. That means: no dairy, no meat, no honey, no silk. No leather. No fur. That means buying and consuming only vegan and cruelty-free products including products such as make-up, nail polish, perfumes, cleaning supplies, musical instruments, shoes, jewelry and clothing. Read more>>

Brenda Magaña

My current 13 year plus relationship with my partner Jon has shaped me the most in how I see myself. He sees the best in me, believes in me and sees my potential when I don’t. Jon anchors me and brings clarity and encourages me when I need it the most. Read more>>

Bijan Machen

This is a beautiful question — one that asks me to peel back the curtain and speak quietly about the foundation beneath everything I do. Here are the truths that quietly steer my life and practice, things I feel in my bones but seldom state outright: Art is a form of service. Read more>>

Livia Shi

There are a few moments that come to my mind immediately in regards to this question. The first moment that I can recall feeling powerful was when I saw my first ground up architectural project come to life. It was a custom glass gazebo that I designed with free reign for a client in the San Fernando Valley. Read more>>