This social justice work really does requires a community. My community in this case, are the administrators at the National School District. I sat down with them and interviewed the Superintendent, Asst. Superintendent and Director of Education to find out their thoughts on the impact my animation program would make in the school district. During the Red Carpet event at the Magnolia theater, we had five different showtimes. At the start of each showtime, I said a few words on stage and then started the show with this short clip. It gives great insight into why I am interested in taking this program nationwide.  (Video shot by Andrew Meer gotyourvibes@gmail.com) 

I've always heard that cold calling was dead and a waste of time for aspiring business owners looking to create great marketing strategies. The truth is, all you need is a good story. I blindly reach out to a contact I found online and pitched the importance of the program and the impact it would make in the lives of the children to see themselves be heard, validated and acknowledged by CNN. When you have a purpose, the stars begin to align in a way that not even your marketing strategy could prepare you for. Click the link below to hear the news coverage. 

Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right. Words I use for inspiration the moment before I step out of my comfort zone. This weekend I put on a film festival for 600 students who were part of my animation program. My 6 instructors, worked with 10 schools in the National School District to come up with their short films on social justice. NBC did an amazing story, see it here.

As I prepared for the madness of planning a red carpet event / animation film festival, I will admit that I was very nervous. This was such a new venture and clearly forced me out of my comfort zone. Every bit of support just helped to reinforce that this animation program is exactly what people have been waiting for. The San Diego Tribune did a remarkable job explaining the animation program in this in depth interview. Click on this link to read the full article: San Diego Tribune Article.