INDUSTRY MENTORS

High-profile and highly experienced industry professionals will lead these sessions, offering invaluable insights to prepare you for your career. This includes our lineup of speakers, portfolio reviewers, and speed interviewers—all eager to support your journey into the creative industry. Be sure to learn more about each mentor and their expertise.

Speakers

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Lindsey Heisser

Senior Manager, Global Philanthropy, Snap Inc.

Bio

Lindsey Heisser is the Senior Manager of Global Philanthropy at Snap Inc., where she drives the company’s global social impact strategy to expand access to STEAM education and develop equitable career pathways for underrepresented students. A champion of workforce development and economic mobility, she harnesses the power of public-private partnerships to create systemic change and build diverse talent pipelines for the future of tech.

At Snap, Lindsey leads signature programs including Snap Academies, Snap Lens Labs, and Snap AR Lens Challenges. These initiatives deliver hands-on, project-based learning opportunities that empower students to unlock their creativity, develop in-demand technical skills, and step confidently into careers in the tech industry and beyond.

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Sean Arian

Executive Director of LA-Tech.org

Bio

Sean Arian is a seasoned executive and
nonprofit leader whose career bridges
innovation, public service, and equitable
workforce development. As the Executive
Director of LA-Tech.org, he leads groundbreaking initiatives to create
economic opportunities for historically
underserved communities, collaborating with top tech companies and civic leaders.
Previously, Sean founded Bixel Exchange,
an incubator for tech talent, and served as
Vice President of Innovation and Emerging
Technologies at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, helping to shape
the region’s startup ecosystem and expanding access to tech careers for diverse
talent. Sean’s commitment to impact extends to his work with McKinsey & Company, where he delivered strategic operational solutions across industries. He also held the post of Director of Economic Development for the Mayor of Los Angeles, driving policies that supported clean technology and the city’s innovation economy.

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Ivan Salazar

Senior Manager of Innovation at LA-Tech.org

Bio

Ivan Salazar is a committed professional with a passion for connecting the tech industry with the Los Angeles community. As the Senior Manager of Innovation at LA-Tech.org, he oversees pilot programs, such as the Rising Internship, held throughout the year, and helps establish an apprenticeship model. Ivan has reviewed over 1,000 internship applications, contributing to a 90% retention rate for interns. He also facilitates internship placements with partner employers, supporting emerging talent.

Prior to this, Ivan served as a Program Manager at City Year Los Angeles, where he supervised AmeriCorps Members in driving educational programming for middle school students. As an Inclusion Specialist at Bright Star Schools, he guided over 50 high school students in creating personalized roadmaps to stay on track for graduation and transition to college. Ivan volunteered as a Community Program Manager with SOMOS.Tech and as a mentor with Heart of Los Angeles.

Ivan’s expertise includes program management, external partnerships, and training facilitation. He is dedicated to creating impactful learning experiences and driving program excellence.

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Claudia Ramos

Creator/Owner at Hola Mijas Bonitas 

Bio

Claudia Ramos is a Los Angeles based artist, illustrator, and founder of Hola Mijas Bonitas, a brand celebrating diversity, positivity, and self-love through stationery, stickers, apparel, and more. Inspired by her Salvadoran roots, Claudia creates her “Mijas” illustrations to represent different skin tones, hairstyles, and cultural backgrounds. Her work also highlights social issues, including her collaboration with CHIRLA (CHIRLA – The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) on creating stickers:  Immigrant Power, I welcome Immigrants, and Keep Families Together. 

With over 20 years in the creative industry from fashion to the toy world like American Greetings, Forever21, eHarmony, and Hasbro Claudia’s art has been featured on Ryan Seacrest HomeTown Hustler, Telemundo, Univision, L.A. Times, BuzzFeed, ABC 7 News, Wacom, and more. Through her work, she empowers the next generation, inspires self-expression, and brings joy and representation to her community. 

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Tomasz Opasinski

Creative Strategist at Adobe

Bio

I unite design, engineering, and research to build Future Creative Tools.

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S. K. Ramesh

Professor Electrical & Computer Engineering and Director “SECURE” for Student Success Program at CSUN

Bio

S. K. Ramesh has almost four decades of experience as a Professor of Electrical Engineering, department chair and dean in the CSU system beginning his career at Sacramento State in 1987 before moving to CSUN in 2006. At CSUN he founded the nationally recognized AIMS2 program (2011-22), and the SfS2 program (2023-28) at CSU Northridge to champion student success with support from several grants from the US Department of Education. He is an IEEE Fellow recognized for contributions to entrepreneurship in Engineering Education , and Past President of ABET, the global accreditation organization for programs in engineering, technology, computing and STEM disciplines. He received his B.E. (Honors) degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Madras, and his M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

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Erick Olivares

Founder of Turn7 Digital

Bio

I’ve built my career leading digital projects and teams that bridge creativity with technology. As the founder of Turn7, I oversee strategy, operations, and client growth across web and marketing initiatives. Outside of work, I spend my time outdoors—hiking, camping, and traveling to new places that keep me grounded and inspired. And when the season’s on, you’ll probably catch me trackside at the next Grand Prix.

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Cynthia Tizcareno

Designer at Meow Amor Creative 

Bio

I’m Cynthia designer and owner of Meow Amor Creative. I started my business in 2017 as a fun hobby until it became my full time business in 2021. I love creating cute cat themed stationery and accessories for fellow cat lovers.

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Sasha Leslie

Communication Designer at Twinspire: Together We Inspire

Bio

I’m a creative at heart, designer by name. By blending art and design, we can shape standout visuals that will leave an impression and build meaningful connections with those around you. My work has helped clients boost social media engagement by 2000% and I’ve had the chance to have worked with merchandise studios for apparel design.

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Philip (P.J.) Vizmanos

Motion Designer at CSUN

Bio

P.J. Vizmanos is a motion designer studying at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He currently works with IntersectLA, where he contributes to design, videography, and motion graphics projects. Beyond that, P.J. creates educational content online teaching video editing techniques and visual effects to empower aspiring editors to elevate their craft. He also develops and sells custom-coded tools designed to make their creative process more efficient and accessible.

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Olivia Lee

Animator & Illustrator at IntersectLA

Bio

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Angi Rassam

Designer & Illustrator at IntersectLA

Bio

Hi! I’m Angi! I’m a passionate and dedicated Communication Design student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and a proud first-generation college student. My journey in design began in high school through the Academy of Art and Technology (AOAT), where I was first introduced to the creative potential of the field.

Since then, I’ve continued to develop my skills and experience by contributing to CSUN’s design agency, IntersectLA, and by honing my abilities in visual design and creative strategy. My goal is to create thoughtful, engaging designs that empower people to express themselves in ways they may not have been able to before.

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Riley Cunanan

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Bio

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Joshua Reyes

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Bio

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Juliamarie Gutierrez

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Bio

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Gaston Bitar

Chief Human Resources Officer at Legendary Entertainment

Bio

Gaston Bitar is a transformational HR executive with deep expertise in building, scaling, and evolving world-class people strategies across the global entertainment industry. Currently serving as Chief People and Culture Officer at Legendary Entertainment, Gaston oversees all facets of human capital management, including talent strategy, DEI, organizational design, succession planning, workforce transformation, employee engagement, and ESG leadership, across the company’s film, television, digital, and publishing businesses.

Throughout his career, Gaston has shaped the people agenda at many of the industry’s most iconic companies, including The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Samuel Goldwyn, and Eastman Kodak. He has been a key driver of major organizational change through mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and business reinventions, earning a reputation for balancing strategic vision with operational excellence.

At Legendary, Gaston joined during a period of immense disruption and led the company’s pandemic-era response, swiftly implementing remote work, health and safety protocols, and workforce continuity measures. Since then, he has driven enterprise-wide modernization, elevated inclusion and representation, strengthened leadership pipelines, and built a high-performance culture rooted in agility, accountability, and shared values.

Gaston has played a central role in some of the most complex integrations in recent industry history, including Sony’s acquisition of MGM, Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, and key talent-led deals in gaming, animation, and digital content. His leadership extends across union and non-union environments, domestic and international operations, and every major entertainment format.

A native Angeleno and UCLA graduate with a dual degree in Economics and International Area Studies, Gaston is a bilingual leader and active participant in professional networks including HARRT at UCLA, SHRM, NHRA, Evanta CHRO, and i4cp. Known for his calm presence, trusted counsel, and ability to bridge creative ambition with organizational discipline, he is passionate about shaping the future of work in entertainment and championing cultures where people and performance thrive.

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Tina Hsing

Director of Panda Cares at Panda Restaurant Group 

Bio

Tina promotes giving through Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group, by establishing a caring presence in communities where Panda Restaurant Group’s guests and associates live and work. She leads efforts surrounding Panda’s social responsibility commitment. As the head of Panda Cares, she maintains relationships with communities, corporations, and charitable organizations, manages the Panda Cares food donation program, and oversees internal and external communications to promote Panda as a brand of giving and caring.

Powered by a global family of associates, Panda Cares® has raised more than $415 million and dedicated countless volunteer hours to better the health and education of over 16 million youth and support communities in need since 1999. Panda Cares lives into its mission of inspiring better lives by giving back to its local communities and shaping a brighter future for generations to come through volunteer services, funding, and meal donations. Areas of focus include character building, academic access, college access and success programs for students, and whole person healing for patients. In 2021, Panda Cares Centers of Hope were created for patients and students nationwide as a space where they can heal and learn.

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Michael Paciello

Chief Accessibility Officer of AudioEye

Bio

Mike Paciello is a pioneer and leader in the field of web accessibility and digital inclusion. He has dedicated his career to making the web more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, as well as for older adults, low-literacy users, and people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Portfolio Reviewers

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Rubaie Jaffer

Senior Graphic Designer at Marini SkinSolutions™

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Kris Tibor

Creative Director at Hamagami/Carroll, Inc. 

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Wil Lemus

Partner / Creative Director at Hustle LA Creative, Inc.

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Krizia Carungcong

Design Assoc Manager Packaging Design at Mattel Inc.

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Aaron Alzaga 

Plush/Soft Goods Designer at Hugfun International

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Jose Salas

Freelance 3D Artist

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Carla Jimenez

Jr. Graphic Designer at Labeltex Mills

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Greg Lindy

Creative Director at Lux Typographic + Design

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Sam Gutiérrez

Associate Creative Director at Pair of Thieves

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Carissa Jackson

Self-Employed Illustrator 

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Elena Hughes

Creative Director & Founder of Hues Design

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Guia

Cartena-Forsberg

Print Production Designer at Westcott Press

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Carlos Sosa

Business Analyst in UX Design at Sony Pictures Entertainment

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Kristal Grantham

Lead Graphics Artist at Khaos Digital

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Robert Sliger

Creative Director/Designer at  Impex Records

Speed Interviewers

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Ian Solano

Communications Specialist at Pacific Council

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Elizabeth Hinojosa

Product Designer at Microsoft

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Steve Chan

Senior Creative Director at Paramount+ 

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Dave La Cava

Co-Founder of Bluecap Studio

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David Mascarina

Senior Manager, Creative and Brand Experience at Data.org

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Teresa Tonai

Director of Production and Finishing at  Zealot

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Max Murillo

Senior Marketing Designer at Pawlicy Advisor

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Elena Hughes

Creative Director & Founder of Hues Design

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Gaston Bitar

CHRO, Legendary Entertainment

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Virginia Tanawong

Sr. VP HR, NBCUniversal (retired)

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Samantha Lomeli

Production Artist at Midnight Oil

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Nicole Rietveld

Project Assistant at Design Workshop, Inc.

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Kristal Grantham

Lead Graphics Artist at Khaos Digital