About The GRID
The GRID Summits are the flagship events for the CCLL community, bringing together students from throughout California for a day of exploration and learning. Through workshops, pop-up storytellers, career panels, and project showcases, attendees can engage with peers and professionals.
In the 2025-26 academic year, GRID Summits in Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego partnered with over 60 creative professionals to inspire students from over 45 schools across California to pursue their goals and make an impact, reflecting CCLL's mission to build the next generation of creative thinkers and leaders by unleashing creativity and equipping youth with the skills and tools to thrive.
Thanks to all for attending the 2026 Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego GRID Summits.
See you next year!
The GRID Summits are dedicated to unlocking potential for young people by broadening their understanding of creativity and the diverse opportunities in creative careers.
Sample Program Agenda
The GRID offers a dynamic mix of sessions to inspire and prepare young creatives for future careers. Students can explore industry foundations through Discover Creative Industries 101, build essential skills in Building Blocks for Creative Careers workshops, hear real-life experiences in A Day In My Creative Career Life panels, and get personalized guidance in Live Career Counseling with Creative Careers Online. These sessions are designed to support students at every stage of their creative journey.
Hear from past participants:
“I would definitely recommend The GRID to my friends. It was a lot of fun and a great experience, and it exceeded my expectations.”
"The GRID was one of the best events I’ve ever attended. It opened my eyes to careers I never knew existed and introduced me to people working in truly creative fields. Now, I'm inspired to follow a creative path too!”
“It was amazing! I learned so much and it was so inspirational. Definitely worth the time!”
“I just want to say that The GRID was one of the best conferences I’ve ever been to! I can’t wait to be part of it again.”
2026 Presenters, Facilitators, and Speakers
Ada Tseng, Author & Podcaster
Angel Gonzalez, ReRock Basics
Anna Brucken Domecus, Fashion Desinger
Armen Karaoghlanian, Armenian Film Society
Aroma Antoinette, AroMa
Asaad Bruno Benmiloud, Chainstitch Fashion Designer
Bella Marinos, Ceramic Artist & Curator
Brandon Chin, Gensler
Briana Morris, B Mor Studios
Carene Rose Mekertichyan, Artist & Educator
Catherine M. Herbst, Woo Studios
Chas Smith, Beach Grit
Chris Rivas, Brown Literacy Movement
Cole Berggren, Blue Bear School of Music
Courtney Corey, Performing Arts Educator
Dave Eassa, Visual Artist
David Johnson, Gensler
David Kebo, Artist & Filmmaker
Diego Torres-Casso, Artist & Educator
Dominique Lesleyann, Choreographer
Drew Parker, Game Design
Edward Huang, Production Assistant
Eno Freedman Brodmann, Performing Artist
Erica D. Hayes, Lighting Director
Fiyin Gambo, Writer & Director
Gabe Agurcia, Ay Gabe!
George Jac, Filmmaker
James Vásquez, Performing Artist
Jared White, Filmmaker
Jeff Perlstein, SoleSpace Lab
Jessica Just, Creating Creators
John Drumright, Composer & DJ
Joy Gordo Herrera, Casting Producer
Julio Medina, Architect
Kaycie Satterfield, Musician
Keven Ulrich, Young Producers Group
Lauren Schulsohn, Range Media Partners
Lena Tavitian, Design Strategist
Liana Jaime-López, JAIME
Lilit Pilikian, Board Game Designer
Matthew 'Cuban' Hernandez, Street Poets
Melanie Castillo, Street Poets
Michael Lovan, Game Designer
Miguel Zazueta, Radical Ensamble
Mike Holguin, Musician
Miki Iwasaki, Artist
Mont Lee, Actor & Singer
Mylo Cardona, Oakland Theater Project
Nathan Harrenstein, IATSE local 122 San Diego Theatrical Training Corporation
Noah Ines, Composer
Quantal Langford, Graphic Designer
Saman Qadir, Photojournalist
Samvel Krajian, Composer
Sarah Bernstein, Musician & Producer
Sean Daly, Artist
Shari Holly, LA County Department of Arts & Culture/ Bloomberg Arts Internship Program
Shaun Tai, BRIDGEGOOD
Sophia Bromberg, Singer/Songwriter
Steph Groce, C4GS
Stephanie Vaz Ferreira
Tariq Stone, Filmmaker & Photographer
Ted Chin, TedsLittleDream
Tee Sandifer, Studio T Arts & Entertainment
Tony Washington, Illustrator
Uché Obim, Creative Strategist