SCU First-Gen Scholars Learn Creativity & Leadership at Canva Create

Experiencing Canva Create

• 🚀 Diego Acevedo, a senior studying communications and graphic design and part of the LEAD Scholars Program, attended Canva Create, an event focused on marketing and design.
• 💡 Initially nervous about networking at his first professional conference, Diego found the atmosphere welcoming, which helped him overcome imposter syndrome.
• ✅ Sharing the experience with other LEAD Scholars from similar backgrounds made the event more meaningful and provided a sense of comfort and confidence.

Immersive Event Atmosphere

• ✨ Canva Create transformed Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles into an immersive experience with ball pits, seesaws, and creative sets, making each session feel like a literal show.
• ⚡ The opening session in the YouTube Theater was surreal and electric, featuring live music, visuals, and a curated selection of diverse speakers.

Key Insights and Inspiration

• 🧠 A powerful moment came during Jon Batiste’s session, which emphasized tapping into one's own story and background to find an authentic voice and use one's persona as fuel for creativity.
• 📈 Diego gained new perspectives on the future of design and marketing, seeing program updates firsthand and realizing there is a place for him in the industry.
• 🤝 Meeting passionate and creative people working in his desired fields made his future career path feel very real and achievable.

Impact and Future Outlook

• 🌱 Returning to campus, Diego felt inspired and motivated to connect with people and grow in the design and marketing space, equipped with new tools and insights.
• 🎯 He plans to use the insights, connections, and energy gained from the trip as fuel to build his desired future post-graduation.

Advice for Professional Conferences

• 🗣️ Diego advises first-time attendees to "tap into the nerves" and approach the experience with curiosity and an open mind, focusing on learning rather than being the most skilled.
• 🔑 Attending professional conferences like Canva Create is meaningful and impactful for first-generation college students, opening doors and providing motivation to pursue career goals.