How One 826LA Alum Is Shaping a Creative Future

While soaking in the magic of Bob Baker Day at LA State Historic Park, Mike Dunbar, our spirited Programs & Operations Manager, had a delightful run-in with former student Kimberly! Two years post-graduation and full of surprises, Kimberly shared a peek into her latest adventures—read on to see where life has taken her!

After graduating from high school in June 2022, Kimberly dove headfirst into the creative world, armed with curiosity, drive, and a passion for visual storytelling. “I was drawn to Visual Communications because it seemed like you could take it in several directions,” they said. “Don’t we communicate visually all the time in life?” That open-ended potential is what led them to pursue an Associate of Arts degree at FIDM Los Angeles.

Visual Communications, as they quickly learned, could unlock careers in creative direction, experiential events, merchandising, and more, essentially any profession where ideas are turned into visual experiences. For someone like Kimberly, who’s always been interested in concept development and execution through the arts, it was a perfect fit.

But their journey didn’t stop in the classroom.

In October 2022, just a few months after starting at FIDM, Kimberly joined the very first Teen Council at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The Council was a youth-led initiative that gave members a hands-on look at how museums operate, with an emphasis on family programming and educational outreach. “It helped me understand the inner workings of the Academy itself,” they shared. “I stayed until I reached the adult age limit in fall 2024.”

By spring 2024, they had made their way to a new stage, literally. As part of Netflix’s STEP Program, Kimberly served as a Production Assistant Intern for The Upshaws Season 4, working right on the Sunset & Bronson lot, just steps away from their old high school. “It was surreal,” they said, reflecting on how far she had come since her days as a student dreaming of a creative career.

After receiving their AA in June 2024, they returned to the Academy Museum, this time as a Programming and Public Engagement Intern, a position funded through both the Getty Marrow Undergraduate Internship Program and the Academy Gold Rising Program. “For eight weeks, I helped produce and develop public programs, workshops, summits, events, and film calendars,” they said. “It was truly the best experience, it set me on a path to want to become more involved in museum education, community impact, and accessible arts education.”

Today, Kimberly is building their professional portfolio, fine-tuning their resume, and working with mentor Dawn Bailie, CEO of BLT Communications. Together, they’re diving into the marketing side of the entertainment industry, learning the strategies behind film campaigns and how to bring movies to audiences in meaningful, impactful ways.

And even with a packed schedule, Kimberly still finds time to nurture their creative soul. When they’re not working part-time to pay off student loans, they’re making music or helping put on local music shows throughout the city.

Reflecting on the earlier days of their journey, they credit the 826LA and Paramount program as a key turning point. “It gave me a much-needed creative outlet when I was younger,” they said. “I’m so proud and happy to have been a part of it, and I’m very excited to see what comes next for it.”

As for what comes next for Kimberly? With a resume this impressive, a clear passion for community-based arts, and a deep commitment to creative storytelling, we’re certain it’s only the beginning.