Innovation Statement

In our world storytelling serves as a powerful agent of change. Since I was young I've had a deep concern for the unheard voices and the narratives that go untold in film. This has given me the drive to do whatever is in my power to change that. As an aspiring filmmaker, my passion lies in harnessing the medium of film to illuminate these overlooked stories and provide a platform for those whose voices are often marginalized by mainstream media.

Having been born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, a community filled with diversity yet grappling with limited resources and societal recognition. I've witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals whose stories are too often left in the shadows. Whether it's the immigrant family striving against all odds for a better life, the LGBTQ+ youth navigating the complexities of identity in a conservative environment, or the Indigenous communities fighting tirelessly to preserve their cultural heritage amidst erasure, the tapestry of narratives waiting to be brought to light is both rich and urgent.

My vision extends far beyond mere representation; it encompasses a future where film serves as a potent catalyst for social change and empowerment, particularly for those historically sidelined or silenced. There are many not just around the world but in our own backyards who may never have the chance to make their ideas a reality. Central to this vision is not only amplifying voices but also equipping individuals from all walks of life with the tools and resources needed to transform their ideas and experiences into tangible impact.

The convergence of storytelling and social justice serves as a blazing beacon of hope and possibility, igniting a passionate commitment within me. I firmly believe that within this intersection lies the transformative power to dismantle the systemic inequalities entrenched within our existing power structures. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, we not only illuminate the pervasive injustices they endure but also plant the seeds of empathy, understanding, and collective action. This fusion of narrative and advocacy forms the bedrock of my filmmaking ethos, propelling me forward on a mission to challenge the status quo, inspire change, and champion the voices of those too often relegated to the margins of society.

As an innovator in the realm of filmmaking, my core values are rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I firmly believe that every individual's story deserves to be told with dignity and respect, and I am committed to creating a media landscape that reflects this ethos. Through my work, I aspire to cultivate an environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel not only seen and heard but also empowered to shape the narratives that define their lives and communities.

My journey as a filmmaker is propelled by a steadfast commitment to effecting positive social change. I recognize the immense power of storytelling to bridge divides, challenge entrenched norms, and inspire meaningful action. By leveraging the unique capabilities of film as a medium, I seek to spark conversations, provoke introspection, and ultimately, contribute to the creation of a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.

In pursuit of this vision, I am dedicated to forging partnerships and collaborations with communities and organizations committed to social justice and authentic storytelling. I understand the importance of approaching this work with humility, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, and I am committed to continually learning and evolving as both a filmmaker and an advocate for change.

The Teams Innovation classes at UCCS offer a transformative experience where students collaborate on client team innovation projects, mirroring real-world scenarios. In this class, students don't just simulate real projects—they work directly with real people to achieve tangible goals for their businesses. Throughout the semester, students delve into the principles of teamwork and project management, crucial skills for success in any field. These projects span business, technology, or a blend of both, providing students with a diverse array of challenges to tackle.  

Students are encouraged to seek out resources to address any skill gaps necessary to meet the project's requirements. This proactive approach not only enhances individual learning but also strengthens the team's collective capabilities.

Throughout the semester, teams cultivate essential soft skills such as effective communication, active listening, and embracing diverse perspectives. By appreciating differences and staying true to their authentic selves, students maximize their contribution to the team's success.

At the culmination of the project, teams prepare a final client report, ensuring that deliverables meet the client's expectations. 

 Teams class provides a platform for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, offering invaluable hands-on experience. By collaborating with diverse clients and teammates, students not only hone their technical skills but also cultivate the interpersonal skills necessary for success in their future endeavors. Working directly with real people to meet their business goals adds a layer of authenticity and urgency to the learning experience, preparing students for the demands of the professional world. 

In the Innovation program at UCCS, each student is required to take the Innovation Teams class three times, each at different levels of complexity and responsibility. This progressive approach ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of teamwork, project management, and leadership skills throughout their academic journey.

During my time in the program, I had the honor of working on three distinct projects, each offering unique challenges and learning opportunities. 

As the team lead for our collaboration with Hope Mountain Behavioral Health, I gained invaluable experience in project management, leadership, and client communication. Taking on this role allowed me to refine my skills in guiding a team towards a common goal, ensuring cohesion and efficiency throughout the project. Additionally, being the lead provided me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of client needs and expectations, fostering stronger client relationships and delivering results that exceeded their expectations.

As the team lead, I spearheaded our collaboration with Hope Mountain Behavioral Health, a journey dedicated to amplifying its mission of transforming mental health care. Our primary goal was to infuse their vision into every aspect of our Instagram presence, ensuring alignment with their exacting standards. Through meticulous research and insightful discussions, we gained a profound understanding of Hope Mountain's mission, values, and objectives to spread the word about its affordable mental health care service. This deep comprehension permeated our content strategy, resulting in an Instagram page that not only met but exceeded the client's expectations, magnifying Hope Mountain's mission in every post.

Crafting an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly Instagram page was our next endeavor, closely integrating it with the corresponding Facebook page through Meta Suite. We not only created an interface that reflected Hope Mountain's brand identity but also provided comprehensive guides on utilizing Instagram and Meta Suite effectively. Drawing inspiration from prominent Instagram pages, our team delved into the imaginative process of generating compelling content. Each team member contributed unique concepts, presenting a rich array of creative possibilities to Hope Mountain. Their feedback helped refine our content, aligning it more closely with their brand essence and preferences. Together, we created an Instagram presence that not only captures Hope Mountain's essence but also inspires hope and connection within the community.

While my primary focus was on the creative aspects of our collaboration, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of digital marketing strategy, audience segmentation, and campaign optimization. By working closely with the Pack-n-Go Girls team, I not only honed my creative skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for the role of storytelling and emotional resonance in effective marketing. 

Throughout our engagement with Pack-n-Go Girls, our team was instrumental in elevating their digital marketing endeavors by leveraging creative content and strategic campaign planning. With a deep understanding of the brand's ethos and target audience, we collaborated closely to develop visually captivating and emotionally resonant advertisements across various social media platforms. By infusing each ad with compelling storytelling and vibrant imagery, we aimed to not only attract attention but also foster genuine connections with potential customers.

Our efforts extended beyond mere advertisement creation; we worked tirelessly to empower Pack-n-Go Girls associates with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex landscape of social media advertising. Through comprehensive guidebooks tailored specifically for Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, we provided detailed step-by-step instructions, ensuring that associates could confidently set up and manage their own advertising campaigns. By demystifying the process and offering practical insights, we equipped them with the skills needed to maximize their reach and engagement in the digital realm.

Furthermore, our collaboration extended to the development of strategic social media campaigns designed to resonate with Pack-n-Go Girls' diverse audience segments. By crafting content that spoke directly to parents, grandparents, and educators, we aimed to create meaningful connections and drive engagement. Through meticulously planned campaigns that spanned seasonal promotions, evergreen content, and targeted outreach efforts, we sought to increase brand awareness, foster community engagement, and ultimately drive sales.

Joining the team for our collaboration with Eko Restoration marked my inaugural experience, where I embarked on a journey of discovery, uncovering my passion and talent for creating social media content. Throughout the project, our collective focus was on crafting an accessible website for Eko Restoration, emphasizing user-friendly navigation and visually appealing elements. Additionally, we tailored advertising strategies across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads, aimed at bolstering Eko Restoration's online presence effectively. 

As a result of our efforts, we successfully prepared a fully functional website primed for launch, adorned with engaging visuals that encapsulated Eko Restoration's brand identity. Alongside the website, we curated a suite of social media content and advertisements, furnishing Eko Restoration with a robust online arsenal to engage their target audience. This formative experience not only honed my skills in content creation and digital marketing but also underscored the significance of strategic planning and collaborative effort in achieving project milestones.

Contributing to the Eko Restoration project as part of my inaugural team was a transformative journey, igniting my enthusiasm and setting the stage for future endeavors. It illuminated the power of teamwork and creativity in effecting positive change for our client, leaving an indelible mark on my professional growth.