FBI National Citizens Academy

Little did I know, that my involvement in the Graphic Design, Latin and Business Communities would lead me to the FBI. I was on the board of AIGA, the professional association for design, Caesars Entertainment’s business resource group VIA, and my current board positions with my community HOA and ALPFA, the Association of Latino Professionals For America.

It was an honor to be one of 29 selected to enter the FBI program. Thanks to the Las Vegas Federal Bureau of Investigation for the great opportunity to attend and graduate from the FBI National Citizens Academy.

I look forward to sharing my personal experience and the knowledge I’ve gained through this training and education.

A few of the sports brands I’m currently working on. NASCAR has resumed with no fans in the stands. The Aviators and the minor league may not have a 2020 season. The Raiders are on schedule and waiting to hear more info about VGK.

NASCAR & Credit One

I'll have the opportunity to work with many exciting sponsorship brands. Today, driver of the NASCAR #42 Chevrolet Credit One Camaro stopped by our office for autographs, photos and he even raced two designers with the #NASCAR arcade racing game.

ALPFA - UNLV Panel Discussion

It was an honor to share the stage at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with Ana Munoz, Crystal Sunbury, Mitzel Medica Landero, MBA, CFE, CRMA, and Fernando Rocha. We had the opportunity to share our personal and professional challenges, inspiration and motivation. The importance of having mentors throughout your career, family support and the effects of planning short and long term goals. We also gave advice on dealing with obstacles, time management, and personal and professional challenges. Thanks to our ALPFA Las Vegas and UNLV ALPFA chapter, the students and professionals that attended our panel discussion.

If you would like more information on how you can get involved, please visit ALPFA Las Vegas

Spark of Madness - (CSN) College of Southern Nevada

I was invited to judge the CSN 22nd Bi-Annual Poster and Portfolio Design Exhibition, presented by Professor Dan McElhattan III. As a judge, our role is to give valuable feedback to the student designers, illustrators, photographers and interactive creators. Domsky Glass Studios hosted the event at their fabulous glass making gallery and studio.

The El Parasito poster was my favorite design. She had the best story, illustration design and presentation speech. The evening is filled with many student conversations and networking with other judges and staff.

Thanks to Dan and CSN for the invite.

Spread the Word - Community Book Preparation

A warehouse full of books are being cleaned and sorted for children, teens and adults. We had a great day with ALPFA Las Vegas and the volunteers for our Spread the Word, Community book preparation event.

BN Conference - Smiths Center

Las Vegas welcomed all the designers, creative and industry leaders for the Brand New Conference. The two-day event at the Smith Center highlights corporate and brand identity design with some of today’s most active and influential practitioners from around the world.

The Brand New Conference is organized and hosted by UnderConsideration co-founders Bryony Gomez-Palacio and Armin Vit.

 What a wonderful experience. I was proud to be part of the BN Conf team this year, I look forward to Austin.

Productivity Hacks presented by Amber De La Garza presented by ALPFA and Caesars VIA, sponsored by NV Energy and Caesars Entertainment.

We had a great time with the ALPFA and Caesars VIA team at Bally’s Hotel for our Productivity Hacks with our guest speaker Amber De La Garza.

UNLV - Creating a Student Chapter

I would like to thank the students of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and the professionals that attended our ALPFA, Inc - Association of Latino Professionals For America event.

Downtown Las Vegas has changed over the past 2 decades. Restaurants, bars, lounges, coffee shops and events like Market in the Alley and Life is Beautiful continue to redefine DTLV. Zappos, The Ferguson, PublicUs and Atomic Liquors bring culture and life to a neighborhood once littered with trash, drugs and empty buildings. I was fortunate to go to Vegas High School during a time when we were able to leave campus for lunch. After class, the five of us we would meet up and rush downtown for pizza, burgers or hot wings. All you could eat pasta drew us in every Thursday. This small mom and pops pizza shop took care of us. They never gave us a problem or a hard time, in fact they would spot us if we were short on cash. There were many small restaurants that looked out for the kids that ventured into the streets between bells. With that in mind, I always try to support small businesses, those starting something new and those looking to make a change. A few years back I drove my Buick past Vegas High. A reminder that old school quality and service never go out of style. As those downtown continue to engage and inspire, let’s not lose our sense of the past.

Women of ALPHA

I would like to thank all who attended and supported the Women of ALPFA professional networking & speaker session. The sold out event was a great success due to your support. Special thanks to our ALPFA board and committee members: Crystal Sunbury Ana Munoz Luis F. Rosa, CFP® EA Fernando Rocha Denise Estrada Nelly Anaya Cesar Gonzalez, Yesenia Killgrove, and Lilian Mendez. Thanks to our guest speakers, Martha Morales Marilyn Janssen Marissa Castillo Ashley Eddy and Darcy Wilson-Jones Thanks to our sponsor MGM Resorts International. Together we can make a difference in each other’s lives and in our community.

Community Vice President

ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) was the first national Latino professional association in the United States, established in Los Angeles in 1972. Throughout our 45-year history we have experienced steady growth and demonstrated consistent value. ALPFA continues to build upon its proud legacy with a mission: To empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy.

East Las Vegas Library

Honored to help Checko teach a photography and photoshop class today at the new East Las Vegas Library. Using the green screen, we taught them how to mask their image and drop it on a fun background.

This library offers all of the amenities of a modern 21st-century urban public library. WiFi, a Teen Sphere, Built From Scratch Tech Lab (including music production and video editing workstations, along with industry-standard DJ equipment and isolated sound booth for recording), and other hands-on tech opportunities.

International Fight Week Community Day

Over 60 UFC employees participated in International Fight Week Community Day by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations including Make A Wish Southern Nevada, the NSPCA, Three Square Food Bank , Shade Tree and Boys and Girls Club.

UNLV Main Frame

Thanks to Val and UNLV for inviting me to be one of the Creative Guest for Mainframe, their Graphic Design Capstone Event that showcases their students portfolio presentation.

Congratulations to the twenty-seven designers of the graduating class of the UNLV’s Department of Art, Graphic Design & Media program. The students work and presentation were strong and most importantly, they were very passionate.

AIGA Student Creative Review

AIGA Las Vegas presented their 4th annual Creative Review for Students at Switch’s InNEVation Center. At the Creative Review, participants receive valuable feedback from some of the top Las Vegas Valley Creative Directors, Art Directors, Studio Managers, and Lead Designers

I enjoy helping students along their path to greatness. I still remember the advice I received when I was young and I hope I can have the same impact.

Goodbye and an ADDY Award

A great way to end my 8 year career with Caesars Entertainment. We won a Silver American Advertising Federation ADDY Award for our 2019 New Years design. It was honor to work with Neha, Brooke, Amy, David, Chris, Bree and Dusty on this project. It was a bittersweet celebration, thank you. Caesars.