Visionaries

Shelley Pierce

Dreamers

Dr. Bibhu Mohanty

Storytellers

Chitra Gopalakrishnan

Diane and Richard Beckman

Advocates

Ivy Gordon

The Beckman Schemenauer Family

Allize Jimenez

moderator

Eliana Allize (they/them) is a first-gen Nicaraguan-American multimedia artist and land worker based in San Diego. Their work explores Central American identity, grief, and diasporic experience as tools for healing and transformation. Rooted in ancestral knowledge and community care, Allize sees art as a form of documentation and resistance—reminding us to reclaim our narratives and co-create a future grounded in sustainability, connection, and joy.

Stephanie Guerrero Zuniga

Stephanie Guerrero Zuniga is a senior at E3 Civic High and youth leader at Outside The Lens. As part of the NextGen Voices program, she brings leadership into action—serving as Senior Council President, ASB class rep, and captain of the robotics team. Stephanie also serves on the board of MANA de San Diego, supporting Latinas pursuing higher education and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Marcie Frausto

Marcie Frausto is a Chicana graphic designer and illustrator rooted in San Diego. With a background in studio arts and graphic design from San Diego City College, her work merges typography, branding, and community. Marcie centers Chicano and LGBTQIA+ narratives, blending visual storytelling with grassroots connection. For over five years, she has used design as a tool for cultural celebration, identity, and empowerment in marginalized communities.

Omar Lopex

Omar Lopex is an artist and educator who has worked along the US/Mexico transborder region for over twenty years. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Transborder Film Foundation and serves on the advisory council for the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts at UC San Diego. Through his studio Standard Fantastic Pictures, Omar creates visually striking films that have screened at Cannes, Fantastic Fest, SXSW Sydney, and beyond.

Natalia Aguirre

Natalia Aguirre is a multi-media artist of Mexican, Guatemalan, and Salvadoran heritage, born in southeast San Diego and now based in the South Bay. Her work—ranging from body art and poetry to photography and film—honors her ancestry and cultural pride. By blending disciplines, she creates art that celebrates humanity, identity, and self-expression. Natalia’s practice is rooted in love for her community and the stories it carries.

Olimpia Vázquez Ojeda

Olimpia Vázquez Ojeda is a bicultural arts administrator from Tijuana with a background in anthropology and creative education. She currently manages programs at A Reason to Survive (ARTS) and previously held roles at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and BLCI. Passionate about equity and youth-centered learning, Olimpia creates accessible, transformative educational experiences. Outside work, she enjoys pottery, biking, and time with her dog Mica.

Amanda Dahlgren

Amanda Dahlgren is a San Diego-based photographic artist and educator whose work opens dialogues about societal values and ways of living. Her photography has been exhibited internationally and featured in numerous publications. Amanda teaches at San Diego City College and is passionate about mentoring students to express themselves through photography. She has also held leadership roles at arts institutions including the Athenaeum and the Museum of Photographic Arts.

Diana Benavidez

Diana Benavidez is a San Diego/Tijuana-based artist working with piñatas as a creative medium since 2015. A pioneer in this form, she combines traditional techniques with unconventional materials and sewing to explore identity and border culture. Her work has been exhibited internationally. Diana holds a Visual Arts degree from UC San Diego and currently serves as the Engagement, Learning, and Impact Assistant Manager at the Mingei International Museum.

Skylar Economy

Skylar Economy is an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker based in NYC, known for amplifying underrepresented voices. She’s directed and produced for CNN, Netflix, VICE, Vogue, and more. Skylar has directed award-winning projects and served in key production roles on acclaimed hybrid films. Currently, Skylar is directing two feature documentaries and leads successful video series for Architectural Digest, using storytelling to spark awareness and connection across diverse platforms.

Rich Soublet

Rich Soublet is a San Diego-based photographer specializing in portraits, headshots, and entertainment photography. His work has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Entertainment Weekly. For Rich, photography is about connection—building trust with subjects to create authentic, impactful images. Whether on set or in studio, his goal is always to capture a compelling visual story that resonates with viewers.

Brittany Prieto

Brittany Prieto is an experienced museum educator dedicated to youth-centered, inclusive programming. She began her career at The Met, where she helped launch Teens Take the Met and multi-generational festivals. Now at the Getty, Brittany oversees youth programs including Teen Gallery Guides and mindfulness initiatives. With degrees from Vassar and NYU, she brings a thoughtful, community-driven approach to empowering young people through creative museum experiences.

Victor De La Fuente

Victor De La Fuente is a performing and visual artist from the Imperial Valley whose work blends experimental comedy, improvisational dance, and performance art. He studied at UC San Diego, where he developed a unique style influenced by theater and video. Victor’s staged works and films are known for their playful inventiveness. He currently teaches filmmaking and cinematography to seniors at High Tech High Media Arts.

Susanna Peredo Swap

Susanna Peredo Swap is a filmmaker, journalist, and cultural producer with 25+ years of experience spanning the arts, media, and public engagement. She’s curated over 80 exhibitions, served on numerous boards, and currently co-leads Arts & Culture for World Design Capital 2024. As founder of Vanguard Culture, she brings creatives together across disciplines to spark collaboration, celebrate culture, and connect communities through the arts.

Elevating Young Artists & Amplifying Their Voices