On February 24, LMU’s Career and Professional Development (CPD) hosted its annual Arts and Entertainment Mixer, bringing together students and alumni for an evening centered on connection, mentorship, and shared experiences in the industry.
Throughout the evening, students sat down with LMU graduates working at companies including NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Corporation, and Creative Artists Agency. Roundtable discussions, a keynote address, and open networking created space for candid conversations about career paths, navigating the industry, and building lasting professional relationships.
For many students, the opportunity to connect with alumni who once sat in their seats made the experience especially meaningful.
“Networking in this industry is incredibly important,” said David J. Porras, an MFA Film and Television Production student. “As a student, it’s exciting to meet alumni and hear the insights they have to share.”
Film, Television, and Media Studies student Maia Ward came hoping to connect with peers navigating similar questions about their futures.
“I wanted affirmation that I’m not alone in trying to figure out my path,” Ward said. “We’re all on different journeys and trying different things.”
That sense of possibility was reinforced by keynote speaker Lailanie Gadia ’11, founder of the production company Mango Stories. In sharing her career journey, from marketing to banking and eventually launching her own company, Gadia reminded students that career paths are rarely linear.
“It’s been a pleasure to build a career through an unconventional route,” she shared. “It all comes back to the foundation I built at LMU, being in service of others, building community, and supporting one another. This is your time to learn, grow, make connections, and find your collaborators.”
Reggie Golightly ’22 echoed the value of building connections. “Arts and entertainment is an ever-changing landscape, and it can be hard to find your community,” he said. “Events like this allow artists to share perspectives and support each other.”
Expanding on the idea of building community, alumni also highlighted their commitment to mentoring and sharing their experiences with the next generation of Lions.
“I came to share advice I wish I had heard when I was a student,” said Erica Sadeghani ’22. “And to stay connected with the LMU community while continuing to grow professionally.”
Matthew Troy ’25 added, “I’ve worked for some of the bigger entertainment companies, and I’ve really learned so much and gained so much experience…I come to these events to share what I’ve learned and try to help students still at LMU as much as I can. And it’s an absolute blast!”
Through moments like these: students asking questions, alumni sharing lessons learned, and new relationships forming, the Arts and Entertainment Mixer reflects CPD’s commitment to helping Lions navigate their careers with confidence and community.
By bringing students and alumni together in meaningful ways, CPD continues to strengthen LMU’s network of creatives and professionals, ensuring that Lions not only enter the industry but are supported by a community that grows with them long after graduation.
Special thanks to our campus partners, including but not limited to Alumni and Family Engagement, School of Film and Television, and College of Communication & Fine Arts.
