PASSIONATE PROFESSIONALS

The Queens World Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, The Gaia Zine and Epicenter – NY proudly announce PASSION in ACTION, a day-long mentoring event to bring high school and college students together with Passionate Professionals in the Arts, Sciences, Finance, Women’s Sports, Nonprofit Sectors and More.

The morning session of this day long event will concentrate on developing personal professionalism related to the arts including developing a mission statement, compiling ideas on how to promote your work and creating your back pocket networking tool kit. The afternoon is devoted to a round robin speed networking event so that all attendees have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with 3 different Passionate Professionals.

The morning will concentrate on developing personal professionalism related to the arts with the afternoon devoted to a round robin networking event so that all attendees, have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with 3 different Passionate Professionals.

Thank you to Carolina Valencia for being one of our Passionate Professionals!

Carolina Valencia

Director of Partnerships and Communications, Epicenter-NYC

Carolina Valencia is a longtime media and digital executive who has worked at The New York Times, Univision and The Recount. A native of Guayaquil, Ecuador who grew up in Queens, Carolina also worked for the NYC Council and NYC Kids RISE in the neighborhoods she’s called home and that were at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her career, she has implemented award-winning and revenue-driving efforts to further engage diverse audiences and initiatives to empower communities for the future. Carolina is fully bilingual and volunteers her time to efforts in support of older New Yorkers, youth, immigrants, and minority-owned small businesses. She is passionate about technology, music and baseball, and the convergence of digital and IRL experiences. When she’s not volunteering, working or traveling, you will find Carolina at music festivals and events or at a Yankee game.

Question & Answer

What is a personal character trait that you have leaned on in your career?

Curiosity. It is what has enabled me to be in roles that innovate and collaborate.

What is your best advice for young creatives who are thinking about college?

Be involved in different groups and talk to as many people in the field as possible––ask your teachers, family members, friends’ parents and chat with them about their careers.

What is your best advice for young creatives who are beginning their careers?

Be open minded, curious and ask questions. Never, ever assume. Don’t worry if an idea is not fully baked, just get started and have the conversations to get your ideas to where they need to be.