Portraits of the Valley

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around the Valley.

braidME

braidME is a next-level pop, dark-pop, and alt-pop artist from Ukraine, already commanding a dedicated fanbase of nearly 1.5 million followers. Her work has caught the attention of acclaimed artists like Rosalía, MARINA, and many more. Read more>>

Tanya Maida

It’s hard to answer this briefly, because the beginning of my journey as a photographer was so unexpected. I never really decided I was going to become a photographer, or even thought of it as this big lifelong passion from the start. Read more>>

Kristie Akl

kidSTREAM was conceived on a long, angry drive home to Ventura County. Earlier that morning, I’d arrived at our local children’s museum only to find it unexpectedly shuttered; a permanent closure I didn’t yet know was coming. To salvage the day, I drove my three sleeping toddlers an hour east to Pasadena’s Kidspace. Read more>>

Eileen Manoukian

For many years, I worked as a bank manager, and that experience gave me a strong foundation in leadership, responsibility, and working closely with people. Although I was successful in that field, I had always carried a dream of traveling the world. Read more>>

SkyPilot Theatre Company

SkyPilot Theatre Company is a nonprofit ensemble of actors, writers, and directors producing provocative, compelling, and challenging works for the Los Angeles theater-going audience. The company focuses primarily on new plays that explore socially relevant topics. Founded in 2004 by Bob Rusch, the company initially produced revivals, one-act plays, and workshops. Read more>>

Ronni Rice

I was born into a Mahj family – my Mom, Grandmother, Aunt and all their friends, played American Mahjong all the time. My Mom begged to teach me, but I thought it was an ‘old lady’ game, and had no interest. Read more>>

Charlie Duran

As a founder of Majestic DME, LLC, Charlie leads with authenticity and experience. He understands that true success isn’t about shortcuts or luck — it’s about learning from every challenge, mastering your craft, and using that knowledge to create lasting impact. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, yet driven by high standards, inspiring those around him to believe in their own potential. Read more>>

Mark Herrera

I began my career in the early 2000’s working in structural concrete alongside my brother-in-law and gradually grew my interest and knowledge of general construction. In 2016, I got married and moved to Burbank where I continued to manage construction projects throughout Los Angeles County. Read more>>

Mónica S Moncada

Corn and maize have always been part of my life. I remember our yearly month-long trips to Mexico after powering through a three-day, no-stop road trip to our pueblo (village) in Zirahuén in Michoacán, México (about four hours west of México City). Read more>>

Porsha Bryant

My name is Porsha Bryant. I was born and raised out of Los Angeles, California born in the 40s raised out the 60s.. my mother and father Gwen and Herk, you know Tuhlula Da Virgo is a nickname from birth. I was told my daddy named me that it means lady of the house. as I got older. Read more>>

Jake Heller

I’m a third-generation real estate developer. Growing up, real estate was the family business. After spending years on the development and operations side – working across 6,000+ units – I started noticing a gap. Everyone was talking about AI, but nobody was translating it into practical workflows that actually worked for CRE professionals. The tools existed. The use cases didn’t. Read more>>

Angelo Arce

My name is Angelo Arce and I have been performing live entertainment professionally for about 10 + years. I am a singer, pianist and also a producer in the industry. Read more>>

Mandy Balson

Books have always played a meaningful role in my life. As someone who is hard-of-hearing, books became a place where I could fully immerse myself without limitations. Reading gave me a sense of connection and imagination that shaped how I saw the world, and over time that love for stories only grew stronger. Read more>>

Jacob Vigil

My story started in the town of Arvada Colorado. I was a little kid who’s first friends were cartoons. Everyday I would watch these shows and be able to escape the real world. In that time i was able to smile and laugh and forget every worry, and somehow I knew I wanted to do the same thing for others. Read more>>

Victoria Martinez

I grew up in San Diego and did my first play in 8th grade-Hamlet. From then on I was hooked. In high school I did theatre all four years and when it came time for college I knew I wanted follow that passion. Read more>>

Georgina Elizabeth Okon

I distinctly remember my father telling me at the age of three, “Georgina, you were born in the UK, and you are going to go back.” THAT sentence stayed with me. As a child growing up in Nigeria, I knew that one day I would return to the UK. Read more>>

Dontrell Griffin

I was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised by my mom with my siblings. Every summer I’d come to California, Panorama City specifically, to visit my grandma and great grandma. We went to church every Sunday in Pacoima, and even back then when people asked what I wanted to be, my answer never changed. I wanted to be an actor like Denzel Washington & Will Smith. I didn’t know how I’d get there, but I knew that was it for me. Read more>>