When I first joined Inner-City Arts’ Work of Art (WOA) program, I was driven by a simple curiosity: why do we create content, and how does it shape our world? What I discovered wasn’t just answers, but a clear path toward a career in the creative economy—one that allows me to make a real impact. WOA is a paid internship that equips Los Angeles teens with skills, training, and real-world experience. As a high school junior, I focused on performing and media arts, laying the foundation for my future in entertainment.
One of my most transformative experiences in WOA was working on Rated Z for Everyone, an original web series created by teens, for teens. Collaborating with young artists to bring our ideas to life revealed the power of media to connect people. Whether it was through the web series or live performances like Dragons Love Tacos and Zebra Chicken Variety Hour, I saw how storytelling—both digital and live—brings people together. These projects ignited my passion for creating content that makes people think, laugh, and view the world differently.
During my externship with Film Independent as part of the WOA program, I gained additional hands-on experience. I assisted in planning a K-12 educational event, scouted locations, and co-facilitated a short film screening for middle school students. This externship expanded my understanding of how media can be used to educate and engage younger audiences.
After Inner-City Arts, I sought to build on those experiences through internships that allowed me to explore the industry further. At Littleton Road Productions, I transitioned from the creative to the practical side of media. Writing coverage, managing production schedules, and shadowing meetings taught me how ideas move from concept to screen. Each task deepened my understanding of the entertainment industry and showed me how each detail contributes to the final product.
My time with Group Effort Initiative—an organization founded by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively to create opportunities for underrepresented communities in entertainment—broadened my view of the creative economy. I helped place participants into professional roles, drafted outreach emails, and assisted with event setups. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of creating pathways for emerging talent and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to opportunities in media.
Reflecting on my journey, Inner-City Arts wasn’t just a starting point—it was the foundation of my career. The skills, confidence, and passion I developed there continue to guide me. Moving forward, I’m excited to explore the intersection of media and storytelling, using that foundation to create content that not only entertains but makes a lasting impact. What began as a curiosity has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of meaningful storytelling, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
