Fun Starters

Getting to know the human side.

Main Course

A quick deep dive into the day-to-day job.

Tell us about yourself and your job.

I am a Professional Artist that works in traditional and digital formats. I work for a community arts non-profit that specializes in maker education utilizing recycled materials.

As a Program Manager, I develop curriculum and work directly with community partners in coordinating events and facilitating educational programming.

How did you end up in your field? What do you like about it?

I started my journey in education while studying in school. I was a teaching assistant for various professors in the Fine Arts department at Otis College. I minored in Community Arts Engagement which introduced me to experimental forms pedagogy and provided the opportunity for me to work with teachers in the community.

What interests me about my field of work is being able to connect with an array of educators from a spectrum of institutions. It's been an amazing opportunity to collaborate with educators and programs across Los Angeles.

What does a typical morning look like on the job?

A typical morning involves setting and reviewing goals for the rest of the day. It’s a time when I can connect with my colleagues and work on curriculum development.

Cool, then what does a typical afternoon look like?

On a typical afternoon, you can find me teaching kids how to create kinetic sculptures with recycled materials.

What types of projects and meetings are you involved in?

My work is project-based working directly with community organizations and institutions. Our meetings can range from planning and preparing for future events, to reflecting on current achievements or opportunities, and sometimes we make cool stuff.

Who do you collaborate with within meetings and projects?

I work directly with the Executive Director on logistical planning for project management and curriculum development. I also work directly with an operational manager coordinating facilitators. We meet very often!

Dessert

Now for some juicy insights in the tea room.

What's the most challenging thing about your job?

Teaching kids can be very challenging, but still fun!

What are some characteristics that can help someone succeed in your role?

Excellent time management skills and highly organized.

Any advice on how to stand out and get hired for those just starting off?

You should develop a habit of writing professional emails. I also recommend some degree of computer literacy and a working knowledge of office suites and communication networks. It can be a bonus if you have programming or design skills too.

What's something that surprised you about your job?

There is a large concentration of great minds that have come together to build and maintain this community organization. It's amazing meeting artists, engineers, educators, and scholars.

What do you see your next step being?

I want to continue teaching art and working with the community. I will continue to tinker with art and technology. I want to continue to network with professionals and collaborate on experimental projects.

Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who wants to do what you do?

Stay motivated and don't let inevitable failures or moments of slower-moving progress deter you from pushing forward.

Drinks

Chat more over coffee or tea?