Aino Halonen is a Creative Technologist at BMW Designworks, currently finishing her bachelor’s at Santa Monica College. She specializes in turning science fiction into reality by prototyping applications of emerging technology to push what’s possible. As a neurodivergent queer woman in tech, she’s learned that authenticity and directness open more doors than polished networking. Her advice: show up as yourself, work on what you believe in, and build the proof that your ideas work.

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.

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.

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.

Hi! My name is Juliamarie Gutierrez. I am currently studying Communication Design at California State University, Northridge (CSUN)  with a minor in Interactive Marketing. I found my career path when I was enrolled in the Architecture, Digital Design, and Filmmaking (ADDF) Magnet at John F. Kennedy High School. That is where I found my passion for graphic design, and it encouraged me to pursue a design degree at CSUN. As a student, I have completed an internship with LA-Tech that was in collaboration with BMW Designworks, and am currently working as a Graphic Designer at the University Student Union (USU) on campus.

Liesel Plambeck is a multidisciplinary designer and artist whose work spans surface design, graphic design, and fine art. She began her career in-house for leading fashion and interior design brands before establishing her own independent practice, which she has grown over the past eight years. She is the founder of Magnolia Studio, a print and surface design studio, and most recently, Ceremony Studios, a creative studio launched this year that focuses on brand identity, creative direction, and branded content. Alongside her design work, Liesel maintains a deeply rooted fine art practice as a painter and printmaker.

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.

Neida Pichardo is a graphic designer at ROKiT where she is an in-house designer creating graphics for multiple lines of products and social media. She is currently also working on successful social media campaigns and branding for a non profit gala and is now pursuing branding and strategy. Through these experiences she plans to be an Art Director in the future.

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.

I’m a creative director, educator, and community-centered design leader bridging industry and academia. As Director of Education on the AIGA Los Angeles Board, I develop pathways for emerging designers through mentorship, programs, and partnerships that expand access and accelerate careers. As a founder, I lead brand strategy and visual identity projects for mission-driven clients, centering stories from Black, Brown, and underrepresented communities. I also teach design at College of the Canyons and business entrepreneurship and communications at International American University, where I guide students in entrepreneurship, branding, and creative strategy-advancing inclusive, industry-relevant education in Los Angeles and beyond.

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.

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.

I am a mixed-race Chicana designer, mother, and storyteller shaped by land, subculture, and ancestral memory. My creative practice is an act of cultural stewardship—rooted in care, community, and curiosity—using writing, typography, collage, ritual, and visual narrative to explore storytelling and positionality. I believe graphic design can do more than sell—it can affirm life, preserve memory, and connect people. My work is informed by publishing, intersectional feminism, motherhood, and gardening—all practices of tending, transformation, and patience. At its core, my work seeks to honor many voices, nurture collective imagination, and create space where community can thrive.

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.

Tom Sito is an animator and animation historian. He teaches animation at the University of Southern California. Awarded the June Foray Award (2011) from ASIFA/Hollywood. He has lectured on animation around the world and served as president of The Animation Guild Local 839 Hollywood. He was on the Board of Governors of the Motion Picture Academy, and an adviser on The Academy Museum of the Motion Picture.
His movie credits include Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Lion King (1994), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992). Dreamworks’ Shrek (2001), The Prince of Egypt, and Warner Bros.’ Osmosis Jones. His TV credits include HeMan and the Masters of the Universe (1983), SheRa Princess of Power (1985), and The Superfriends. His books include: Drawing the Line: The Untold Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson, Moving Innovation: A History of Computer Animation, and Eat, Drink, Animate, An Animator’s Cookbook.

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