About

Creative Path is more than a summit—it’s a growing initiative dedicated to helping students transform creativity into meaningful careers through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, accessibility, and industry partnerships.

Our Story

Student

Creative Path was created to bridge the gap between education and the creative industries. By connecting students with professionals and real-world experiences, we help prepare the next generation of creative leaders.

If you have questions, ideas, or would like to get involved as a participant, volunteer, mentor, community partner, or sponsor, please feel free to contact Professor Dave Moon.

Mission

To inspire, prepare, and connect students with the knowledge, experiences, and professional networks needed to launch meaningful careers.

Vision

To become a nationally recognized model for creative career development through year-round collaboration between education, industry, and community.

Creative Path Summit
by the Numbers

3 Years of Impact
Connecting emerging creatives with people, experiences, and opportunities that help shape their career paths.

435 Students Served
Students gaining career insights, professional connections, mentorship, and real-world experiences.

12 High Schools, Community Colleges & Universities
Building pathways that connect students across educational levels and creative disciplines.

23 Industry Speakers
Creative professionals sharing their journeys, expertise, challenges, and lessons learned.

110 Portfolio Reviews
Personalized industry feedback helping students strengthen their work, presentation, and professional readiness.

34 Mentors 
Professionals sharing their time, knowledge, networks, and guidance with emerging creatives.

68 Internships & Jobs Secured
Turning connections, preparation, and industry engagement into meaningful career outcomes.

15 Industry Partners
Organizations investing their expertise, resources, and relationships in the next generation of creatives

Core Values

Learn

Explore new ideas, technologies, and career opportunities.

Connect

Build meaningful relationships with professionals, mentors, and peers.

Create

Encourage innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

Launch

Prepare students to confidently transition from education into successful careers.

Success Stories

Our success is defined by the students who arrive seeking direction and leave with a clear path forward. Through direct mentorship, portfolio reviews, and speed interviews with industry professionals, attendees build the confidence and connections needed to launch their careers.

Sasha Leslie

Social Media Coordinator @ Twinspire

“My mentors at CSUN have taught me some of the most invaluable lessons about being a professional; they push students to take advantage of opportunities that wouldn’t be available to them otherwise. If it weren’t for the Communication Design Faculty, I wouldn’t have applied to intern with Twinspire, and that wouldn’t have led to my offer as a social media coordinator. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities, encouragement, and support I received during my time at CSUN.”

Katlyn Stadtlander

Graphic Designer @ Bandero Tequila

“My time at CSUN, the Creative Path Summit, and the incredible mentors/professors I found along the way truly shaped me into feeling belonging and purpose within the design industry. Choosing this challengingly worthwhile creative journey meant plenty of sleepless nights and hard work, but to put it best, choosing the “harder thing” ultimately leads to the most meaningful experiences. I am so grateful for the CSUN design community and everything big and small that has set me up for the amazing career doing what I love every single day!”

Grace Rothbart

Freelance Graphic Designer @ Please Take Over / FYM Agency

“Go out there, speak up, build relationships, and connect!! Without the relationships I built with my professors, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to intern with L.A. Tech and BMW DesignWorks. And without the support of the friends I made along the way, I wouldn’t have gained the confidence that helped shape who I am today. Creative Path Summit was a huge part of setting me up for success and helping me feel comfortable entering the workforce.”