We asked some of the most talented folks in the community to talk to us about projects they’ve worked on that they still think about, projects that really meant something. Have you had such an experience? Are you looking for inspiration for your next project? Check out the stories below, they are exciting, entertaining, and most importantly – inspiring.
Philippe Ernewein
In college, I read Gary Snyder’s book of poems called Turtle Island. One of the quotes and guiding principles from that book is, “Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there.” That resonated with me, and it made me wonder where I could find my place on the planet where I could dig in and take responsibility. Read More>>
Chanelle James
The most meaningful projects that I have worked on are writing and publishing my books of poetry, Intuitive Ramble & The Phoenix Tapes. My first book of poetry opened the door for me creatively, because this was the first time I ever had anything published professionally. My poems were discovered by a publishing company that allowed me free creative reign. Read More>>
Rey Grandoit
Own your Inspirtation is a movement and creative project led by Rey Grandoit also know as Rey Grand, built around the idea of unlocking the power within yourself. It’s about mindset, resilience, and purpose — transforming struggle into strength and vision into reality. Through music, storytelling, and motivational art, OYI encourages people to think bigger, believe deeper, and rise higher no matter their circumstances. Read More>>
Titan Lightfoot Carrillo
It’s always been my dream to be a writer who creates with other writers. The dream has been a long time in the making, but recently, I was able to take the first steps with the launch of Alien/Robot Press, a print I now use to reach readers and writers from Houston, Texas, or even the South in general. Read More>>
Daniel Rocha
The Hand That Feeds The Hand That Feeds is one of the most meaningful projects I have ever created. The inspiration behind this piece comes directly from my life and the industry I work in. Read More>>
Rachel Kaplan
A central theme in my children’s books is the importance of accepting differences and showing kindness towards others. Having been bullied and feeling like an outcast when I was young , I know how deeply it can hurt to feel excluded. Those experiences inspired me to create stories that encourage inclusion, compassion and friendship. Read More>>
Jasmine Harris
The most meaningful project was my first collection, Y|24 Collective. It represents the birth of me as an artist and the moment I began to truly understand my voice and purpose through creation. Each vessel in this collection holds deep personal significance. I named every piece intentionally, allowing each design to express a fragment of who I am. Read More>>
Chihyang Hsu
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was curating exhibitions for Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) in New York City and Ruomu Gallery in Taipei. Both projects connected artists and ideas between Taiwan and the U.S., which are the two places that really shape who I am. Read More>>
JJ Tintiangco
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is The Art of Becoming: Self-Loving Coloring Workbook, which I co-created with two Filipina women my mentor Glenda Macatangay MSW a licensed therapist and my best friend Shannon Deloso M.Ed, an educator. What started as a shared vision between friends turned into a powerful mental health tool used in classrooms, community spaces, and therapy offices. Read More>>
Janet Kawada
I’ve worked on two long term projects. One has been documenting time by creating a physical representation of a time period. For over 15 years, I wound balls of string to document different periods of time in my life. Read More>>
camila alvarez
It’s so hard to find honest work in general these days, much less work that is not just honest but actually means a lot to you and feels important against the weight of this heavy world that gets thrown in our faces every time we look at our phones. Read More>>
Tony Peroni
Recently my friend and I were riding our motorcycles home one night and were involved in an accident. Both bikes were totaled, i had a few broken bones but my friend lost his life. Read More>>
Juan Delgado Martinez
Fashion has always been more than fabric — it’s a language of expression, empowerment, and connection. Through Delgado New York and FNO Westchester, I’ve had the privilege of turning that language into a force for good. One of our most meaningful collaborations has been with Sleepy Coffee Too, a local café and foundation that champions inclusion by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Read More>>
Hannah Gerrard
As a freelance professional dancer, artist and performer, I have had the privlege to be involved in many different meaningful projects. When I was in full time ballet school, I thought my dream was to be in a full time ballet company. Read More>>
Sophia Montano
Our first release was a song called The Laughing Man and it’s success surprised everyone. We released it first because we all felt like it was our strongest song, but we didn’t anticipate how it would resonate with people around the world. We have over 45,000 streams on Spotify alone, and almost 2,000 plays on the music video. Read More>>
Danchi Zhao
I believe every project offers a unique perspective. As a production designer, I’m drawn to stories that truly resonate with me, where I can contribute through distinct visual language. This summer, I joined the art department of an experimental short film that taught me a lot and allowed me to explore creative possibilities within space. Read More>>
Monica Rosenfeld
My most meaningful project to date is the one I’m working on now – Stories that Stir®. It’s an in-person event concept whereby six ordinary, yet extraordinary people from all walks of life share a raw and personal story linked to the theme of the event, which is always a universal topic such as TRANSFORMATION, COURAGE, CONNECTION, etc. Read More>>
Emily Nolan
I would definitely have to say the two plays I was in this summer for the women’s playwright collective Not Forgotten play festival! Read More>>
Xavier Ah-Hot
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the one I’m building right now: The Legacy Load. Read More>>
Allison Mei-Li
I think the most meaningful projects are the ones you can’t help but create, the ones that tug at you until you finally begin. My debut poetry collection, <i>A History of Holding</i>, did exactly that. Written through the lens of motherhood, it’s a meditation on time, love, and loss—an exploration of what it means to be a human while raising one. Read More>>
Benjamin Black
“I’m Black, Y’all!” was the first play, I wrote, produced and directed after I graduated. It holds close significance to me because it was my first full-length original play, but I was also amazed by how good it turned out to be. If I had nothing to do with “I’m Black, Y’all!” and I saw it, Read More>>
Chantaul
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my upcoming children’s book, My HBCU Helped Me Become A-Z Alphabet Book. It was born from my life as a single mother of two amazing kids; my daughter, who lives with two seizure conditions and continues to shine with courage, resilience and joy, and my son, whose intelligence and curiosity inspire every page. Read More>>
Thomas La Padula
One or two of the first paintings were posted on Instagram, and it was seen by an editor of a publishing company that specialized in military history. He askedme to write a book about Richthofen with my art as the focal point. So what became a self-interest project turned into a book. Read More>>
Kalen Lister
I write this ten days out from my first full album release in over a dozen years. In addition to the 12 song album (6 previously released songs in a stripped down form and 6 new tunes), I’m releasing a zine with accompanying lyric artwork for each and every song. Read More>>
Vince Jordi
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is my debut album, called “The Dawn of a New Day”. Having an actual LP that I can listen to whenever I want and have people connect with at the same time is such a thrilling experience. Read More>>
Danii Roundtree
The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is my current upcoming album. This has been a 5-year creative process that has pushed me to grow immensely, and I am so excited to finally begin sharing this body of work that I have poured my heart and soul into. Read More>>
Breigh Hammel
I am releasing my new single called “sosmall” and it is about my journey with producers, music industry executives, and managers making me feel like I was not good enough as is. It is an anthem for anyone who cares a little too much about what someone in their life thinks about them, and the power dynamic of wanting that validation, that “pat on the back,” but never getting it. Read More>>
Josh Hickman
My most recent book Forgetting: The Trials and Triumphs of Caregiving for a Difficult Parent with Dementia has been my most meaningful project, personally. Read More>>