Exploring Life & Business with Bruno of Slauson Corridor / Be Creative STP Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruno.

Hi Bruno , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Los Angeles at a time when your environment could either define you or challenge you. I saw both sides early. I experienced the pull of the streets, the consequences of poor decisions, and the reality of a justice system that often feels closer to punishment than rehabilitation. But I also experienced mentors, second chances, and moments that forced me to take responsibility for my own direction.

My turning point came when I realized that my past did not have to dictate my future. I leaned into education, community work, and service. What started as a personal effort to rebuild my own life evolved into a commitment to reform systems that impact people like me every day.

Today, I serve in public roles focused on mediation, community engagement, and justice reform. I work to build bridges between institutions and communities, especially those that have historically felt unheard. I also lead nonprofit initiatives centered on art, opportunity, and access because I believe transformation is not just about policy. It is about culture, ownership, and voice.

My journey has not been linear, but it has been intentional. Every setback became data. Every success became responsibility. And now, my focus is simple: create pathways so the next generation does not have to learn everything the hard way.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. It has been layered, complicated, and at times uncomfortable. I have faced consequences for my own decisions. I have felt the weight of stigma. I have walked into rooms where people only saw my past and not my potential. Rebuilding trust, both with others and with myself, was not instant. It took consistency.

There were financial struggles. There were moments of self-doubt. There were times when progress felt slow and recognition felt nonexistent. Transitioning from surviving to leading required a mindset shift. It meant moving from reacting to life to intentionally designing it.

One of the biggest challenges was learning to navigate institutions that were not built with people like me in mind. Whether in higher education, public service, or nonprofit leadership, I had to learn the language, the systems, and the politics while staying authentic to who I am and where I come from.

But those struggles became assets. They gave me perspective. They gave me credibility in communities that value lived experience. And they gave me resilience. The road was not smooth, but it was necessary. Every obstacle sharpened the mission.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Slauson Corridor / Be Creative STP Foundation?
For the past fourteen years I have been leading Be Creative, STP Foundation, and the Venice Art Walls. All three organizations started with the idea that creativity and opportunity can change the trajectory of a community. We focus on public art, youth engagement, mentorship, and programs that give people a voice and a sense of ownership in their neighborhoods. People know us for turning creative expression into real impact, whether it is murals, community projects, or collaborations that bring people together.

What sets us apart is the way we connect everything. We do not just create programs we create ecosystems. We connect artists, residents, local businesses, and institutions so that every project leaves a lasting mark and builds community pride. We also lead from experience. We know the challenges and opportunities in the communities we serve because we come from those communities.

I am proud of the culture we have built. We value authenticity, collaboration, and opportunity. Our reputation comes from delivering projects that do more than beautify spaces. They empower the people who live there. Now we are launching our newest initiative the Slauson Corridor. It is our largest coordinated effort yet, a public art corridor designed to spark economic opportunity, preserve culture, and strengthen community pride. It is the next step for Be Creative, STP Foundation, and Venice Art Walls and the biggest chance we have to make a lasting impact.

For anyone reading this I want them to know we do more than make art or run programs. We create pathways, amplify voices, and build spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I see risk as a necessary part of growth. Taking risks is not about being reckless it is about stepping into opportunities where the outcome is uncertain but the potential impact is meaningful.

For me that has shown up in many ways. Academically pursuing my MBA at Pepperdine was a big step. It required leaving my comfort zone and pushing myself into new environments where I had to prove myself all over again. Professionally I have taken risks by teaching LAPD deescalation classes leading diversion programs and serving as a certified mediator for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. Each of these roles put me in spaces where every decision mattered and where I had to balance safety fairness and accountability.

I have also taken risks in civic engagement. Serving on three different Neighborhood Councils Venice Tarzana and Reseda meant putting myself out there being accountable to the community and often taking positions that were not universally popular. It meant navigating politics differing opinions and sometimes conflict all while staying focused on what was best for the neighborhood.

Across all of these experiences the risks I have taken have been calculated and purpose driven. They have taught me resilience the importance of listening and the value of stepping into leadership even when it is uncomfortable. I view risk as the bridge between where you are and the change you want to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://veniceartwalls.com/brunostpla
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruno.hernandez.la/
• Other: https://www.slausoncorridor.com