Rising Together Podcast

Episode 5: Designing with Heart: Jason Champion on Inclusivity, Creativity, and Community

In this episode, interior designer and nonprofit executive Jason Champion shares his journey of weaving creativity into community activism. He discusses his role in Project Pride Sarasota, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Jason reflects on his experience as a reality TV star on HGTV's Design Star and how authenticity fuels his work. He also explores the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the vital role allies play in fostering understanding.
 

Episode 4: Crafting Success: Building a Design Empire, Being a Latino Entrepreneur, and Breaking Barriers

In this podcast episode, Paul Gonzalez delves into his journey as a Latino man navigating his career in design and building his design firm. Growing up in Sarasota with Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian heritage, Paul reflects on how his cultural identity influenced his path. He shares how his upbringing in a predominantly non-Latino environment shaped his sense of self and entrepreneurial drive. Paul highlights his mission to challenge stereotypes and elevate the perception of Latinos in professional spaces. By integrating his cultural values of family and community into his businesses, he aims to foster a more inclusive and representative industry.

Episode 3: Navigating the Art and Business of Inclusion

This episode features a conversation with two time Emmy winner, Ringling College alum Sarah Kambara, who is now a producer at Chromosphere, discussing various topics related to art, design, inclusion, and personal experiences. They share insights on their background, career journey, projects, cultural influences, overcoming failures, and the use of AI in the entertainment industry. They emphasize the importance of self-care and offers advice to students. The conversation touches on diversity, storytelling, the evolution of the entertainment industry, and the impact of AI on creative roles.

Episode 2: Echoes of Resilience: Navigating Identity and Artistry with Mara Torres González

In this episode of, we sat down with Mara Torres Gonzalez, a gallerist, curator, and artist from Puerto Rico. The conversation delves into Mara’s experiences following Hurricane Maria, and how it shaped her perspective as both a person and an artist. As Mara settled into the artistic community of Sarasota, Florida, she candidly shares the hurdles she faced as a Puerto Rican living in the U.S. While the city boasts a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds, Mara sheds light on the stark realities of being a Latin artist in a predominantly non-Latin environment. In recounting her journey, Mara offers a compelling narrative that underscores the resilience and creativity. Her experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition faced by marginalized communities, both within the art world and beyond.
You can find all of our episodes, transcripts and lots of resources on our website at ringling.edu/risingtogether. Join us next time for more insightful discussions. Stay connected, stay engaged, and keep rising together with us.

Episode 1: Rising Above the Racial Issues of the Past to Inspire the Next Generation of Performing Artists

This episode delves into the transformative journey of Nate Jacobs, the visionary behind the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT). Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Nate shares his personal narrative, his earlier years at the Asolo Repertory Theatre performing the parts of servants and other like characters in supporting roles, and his experiences with racial issues in theater. The need and desire to change the cultural scene encouraged Nate to create a professional theater company showcasing all Black casts and narratives that resonated deeply with Black audiences.
You can find all of our episodes, transcripts and lots of resources on our website at ringling.edu/risingtogether. Join us next time for more insightful discussions. Stay connected, stay engaged, and keep rising together with us.