SESSIONS
The Creative Path Summit offers a range of sessions across two days, designed to give you deeper insights into the creative industry and help you succeed in your career. Each session includes a short description, date, and time, with options for both in-person and online participation. When registering, please select the sessions that best fit your schedule and career goals.
Friday, November 15
After Registration and Check-In/Breakfast, all sessions take place HYBRID or in the Main Lobby University Commons.
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Registration and Check-In/Light Breakfast
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Summit Kick-off
10:15 am – 11:15 am
Alan Hunter, Co-Founder, President, & CCO of Petrol
Hybrid | General Audience
What Does Creativity Mean To You: Fueling Your Passion into a Successful Career
In this session, we’ll explore how creativity shapes personal and professional growth. Learn how to harness your passion, overcome challenges, and turn creative ideas into a thriving career. With insights from industry professionals, this interactive hour will inspire you to redefine success on your own creative journey.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Jessica Strelioff, Co-Founder, & Creative Director at Goodside
Hybrid | General Audience
The Ebbs and Flows of a Creative Life
Creativity can be a challenging path, especially when faced with obstacles. In this session, we’ll explore the resilience needed to pursue creative dreams, how to overcome setbacks, and the strategies to stay inspired in the face of adversity. Hear from professionals who’ve navigated tough times and learn how to keep your passion alive through any challenge.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch Break
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
David Block
Hybrid | General Audience
10 Essential Tools for Budding Graphic Designers
Explore the must-have tools every aspiring graphic designer needs to build a successful career. From software essentials to creative resources, this session will provide a comprehensive guide to the top 10 tools that will enhance your workflow, spark creativity, and help you stay competitive in the evolving design industry.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Industry Panel Discussion:
Lisa Feldman (Co-President and Creative Director of Aspect)
Tiz Simpson (Creative Director at Buddha Jones)
Will Ragland (Creative Director at Apple)
In-Person | General Audience
Beyond Graphic Design: Diverse Careers in Entertainment
Love movie posters and trailers? Join a panel of industry experts for a discussion about the exciting world of crafting advertising for Movies and Series!
If you’re curious about the magic behind those enticing previews you see in theaters and your social feeds, this event will surely offer valuable insights into this industry.
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Break & Open Registration for Professional Speed Interview
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Shally Juarez, Assistant Professor & Diane Delaney, Assistant Director CSUN Center On Disabilities
Hybrid | General Audience
Designing for Inclusivity: Creating Accessible and Inclusive Communities
Discover the principles and practices of designing with inclusivity in mind. This session will explore how to create accessible, user-friendly designs that empower diverse communities. Learn how to apply design thinking to break down barriers and ensure your creative work is accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive world.
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm
Student Panel Discusion:
Alexis Mejala
Olivia Lee
Summayah Waseem
Hailey Ulrich
Danella Soria
Hybrid | General Audience
Empowering Creativity: Harnessing AI to Develop a Brand
Join a panel of college students as they share their firsthand experiences using AI to create innovative brand identities and touchpoints. Discover how embracing AI as a collaborative tool can enhance the creative process, alleviate apprehensions, and inspire future creatives to confidently integrate technology into their work.
5:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Break and Registration for Professional Speed Interviews
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Light meals served
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Speed Interviews
*In person ONLY for all students.
8:00 pm
Wrap Up & Reflection Day 1
Saturday, November 16
After Registration and Check-In/Breakfast, all sessions take place HYBRID or in the Main Lobby University Commons.
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Registration and Check-In/Light Breakfast
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Welcome Back!
10:15 am – 11:15 am
BILLY SEABROOK, Global Chief Design Officer, IBM Consulting
Hybrid | General Audience
Technology and AI: Creative Perspectives and Opportunities
“Technology and AI: Creative Perspectives and Opportunities”
Explore the intersection of creativity and cutting-edge technology in this thought-provoking session. Discover how AI and emerging tech are reshaping creative industries, offering new tools and possibilities for innovation. Our expert speaker will discuss potential impacts on design, art, and media, providing insights for students, professionals, and educators alike. Gain strategies for adapting skills and leveraging technology to enhance creative practices while considering ethical implications.
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
PANEL –
Valeria Aguirra
Josh Fajardo
Jada Hernandez
Carla Jimenez
Hybrid | General Audience
From High School to Industry: Successful Student Journeys and Advice
Join four young creatives—two recent graduates and two soon-to-graduate college students—as they share their inspiring journeys in the creative field. This dynamic panel offers fresh insights for high school and college students, as well as educators. Discover strategies for navigating education, internships, and early career challenges. Gain motivation and practical advice on skill development, networking, and seizing opportunities in today’s evolving creative landscape.
Moderator: Ruby Cisneros, Sr. Manager, Talent Development at LA Tech
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch Break
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Neel Kar, VP, Innovation at PETROL
Hybrid | General Audience
Breathing with AI: Reflections from a Sabbatical for the Future Workforce
Join us for an insightful session where our speaker shares reflections from his recent sabbatical dedicated to exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industry. Discover key learnings and strategies for adapting to the evolving landscape of AI, and gain valuable insights on preparing your workforce for the future of creativity.
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Portfolio review session
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Hybrid | General Audience
Reflection
The “Reflection” session is designed for our graduating seniors to come together after their portfolio reviews with industry professionals in communication design. This gathering offers an opportunity for students to share their experiences, insights gained, and key takeaways that will not only enhance their portfolios but also provide a clearer perspective on their career paths in the communication design industry post-graduation.
During this interactive session, participants will engage in meaningful discussions, reflect on feedback from reviewers, and explore how their experiences can shape their future professional journeys. Through this collaborative environment, seniors will leave with renewed motivation, valuable advice, and stronger connections within the design community.
Join us as we celebrate growth, exchange ideas, and prepare for the next steps in our careers!
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
BREAK
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Light meals served
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Spotlight Showcase
Celebrating Senior Achievements
After two days of connecting with industry professionals and gaining invaluable feedback, it’s time for our graduating seniors to step into the spotlight and share their work. In this session, selected students will present their portfolios, showcasing their unique talents, skills, and creativity. Join us as they highlight their accomplishments and demonstrate the progress they’ve made on their journey toward the creative industry. Through these presentations, we’ll celebrate the hard work and dedication of each student, with moments for reflection and insights on the lessons they’ve gathered along the way.
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
SPEAKER
Nurturing Creativity: Strategies for Continuous Creative Growth
Unlock the secrets to sustained creative development in this inspiring session. Explore practical techniques for fostering innovation, overcoming creative blocks, and expanding your artistic horizons. Learn how to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace experimentation, and integrate diverse influences into your work. Discover strategies for lifelong learning and adaptation, empowering students, professionals, and educators to thrive in an ever-evolving creative landscape.