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 Jean Schwarzwalder for being one of our Passionate Professionals!

Jean Schwarzwalder (Suzy Hotrod)

Photographer at Department of Environmental Protection

Jean celebrates her passion for the environment and love of NYC by using her creative skills as a photographer for the City of New York at the Department of Environmental Protection. A graduate of School of Visual Arts, she’s worked in publishing, studio management, in-house photography studios, and run her own freelance photography business. When not working she enjoys playing roller derby at Gotham Roller Derby, spinning records at WFMU, and supporting dog rescues.

Question & Answer

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

being adaptable and self sufficient

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

Choose something you love and learn how it can also be a working profession. Creative jobs require school and working professional connections. Make art for the love of it and also learn ways to have a career. There are many creative jobs adjacent to specially making your art.

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

Try new things. Your path will change in ways you could never imagine as you look back on it later.