Alumni

Jonathan Aldana

Project Kid From: 1996–2003
Academics: Pursuing a double major in Dramatic Arts and Business Economics at UC Santa Barbara
Career Plans: To become a successful actor, of course.
Fun Fact: Jon was on Wheel of Fortune and won!

"I love the people here. The Project has always consisted of a really diverse collection of individuals, and everyone in Virginia Avenue Project is such a character!"

Project Kid From: 1996–2005
Academics: Pursuing an English major at Scripps College
Career Plans: To do something involving writing, possibly attend law school.
Fun Fact: Rochelle will be spending a semester studying abroad in New Zealand!

"Thanks to the Project, things like class presentations, speeches, and all the other parts of my life that require courage and eloquence are a piece of cake. I think acting in front of other people and seeing my own work performed on stage planted a seed of confidence in me that has prepared me for life."

Project Kid From: 2000–2006
Academics: Currently pursuing a Film major at UC Santa Cruz
Career Plans: Roby hopes to be a film director in the future.
Fun Fact: When Roby leaves college, he plans to acquire a tall ship and sail the world. On this trip he will shoot a film that he hopes will help him break into the film industry!

"Firstly, every single Ojai trip was fantastic. The Project taught me a lot about acting, which helps me as a director. Through the Project, I learned to take advantage of every opportunity given to me."

Project Kid From: 1996–2003
Academics: Graduated Berkeley with a degree in Political Economy of Industrial Societies
Currently: Associate with Business Development Group at Canyon Capital Advisors, a credit-oriented multi-strategy hedge fund that is headquartered in Century City with over $18 billion in assets. Treasurer of the Virginia Avenue Project Board of Directors.
Fun Fact: Robert founded his own fraternity, called Tau Kappa Epsilon!

"The Project has always been like a second family to me. I can see a Project member I haven't seen in years and it feels like we were never apart."

Project Kid From: 1992–1998
Graduated cum laude from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Graduated with a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Worked at The White House from 2009-2012 initially as Special Assistant to Deputy Chief of Staff Mona Sutphen and then as White House Deputy Director of Hispanic Media, Executive Advisory Board Member of the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy and LATINO Magazine contributor, Recipient of The Virginia Avenue Project's Community Hero Award in 2009
Currently: Senior Advisor, Innovation and Communications Strategy, Univision Network News

During her years with the Virginia Avenue Project, Alejandra emerged as a gifted writer with a great mind — very sophisticated for her years. She overcame great odds to get into the colleges of her choice and to give back in a meaningful way to the world around her. She approached the obstacles in her life with intelligence, deep thought and grace inspiring many of our young people who are coming along behind her.

"The Project was instrumental in helping me to develop the confidence to succeed in my life — academically, professionally and personally."

Project Kid From: 1997–2003
Academics: Graduated Cal State Northridge with a degree in Film Studies
Career Plans: Felicia's goal is to become involved in the creative and artistic process of film-making.
Fun Fact: Felicia attended Cannes Film Festival!

"At the Project I learned that creativity is never wrong. I have confidence in my abilities."

Project Kid From: 1992–2000
Academics: Graduated USC in 2004 with a major in International Relations, received Masters in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2009
Currently: Senior Administrative Analyst, City of Santa Monica
Fun Fact: Aranzasu spent six month teaching English in a low-income neighborhood in southern Brazil, and went to Machu Picchu!

"The Project really has to do with potential. The Project showed me that the limits you see are only those you impose on yourself."

Project Kid From: 1992–2002
Academics: Graduated from Cal-State Northridge in 2006 with a major in Chicano Studies and minor in Art
Career Plans: Alfonso is working as a social worker for a non profit organization, one that provides services for at risk youth in residential treatment.
Fun Fact: Alfonso recently spent 6 months in NYC. It was initially an attempt to move there, but ended up being more of a well deserved vacation!

"I love that the Project gave me a voice, and provided a stage for my imagination - whether it was through acting, writing or directing, the Project made me feel like what I had to say was always important. That definitely created a strong foundation that continues to guide me through life."

Project Kid From: 1997–2005
Academics: Pursuing a major in Dramatic Writing and a minor in both Africana Studies and Spanish at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts
Career Plans: Writing! Maybe playwriting, writing for film and television, or perhaps even poetry.
Fun Fact: Sahoua spent a semester studying in Ghana and traveling around South Africa!

"It was really exciting being Kid Patrol last summer, and being in charge of all the kids. It's interesting being on the other side of things, since I've been a young person in the Project so long and I've done everything a Project kid can do... maybe now I can start writing plays for Virginia Avenue Project!"

Project Kid From: 1998–2007
Academics: Pursuing a Psychology major at Reed College
Career Plans: To work in therapy and psychology research.
Fun Fact: Jessica was the school mascot in high school!

Project Kid From: 2000–2004
Academics: Pursuing a major in Theatre Arts at Drew University
Currently: Director of Development, The Virginia Avenue Project
Fun Fact: Simon has completed the Los Angeles Marathon twice!

"The Project has always facilitated experiences where I've encountered this kind of rush of excitement - and I will never forget that feeling. I am constantly trying to obtain that feeling even after the Project - meaning, I always strive to make decisions that express fully what I want and how I feel. The Project has taught me to be honest with my feelings, passions, dreams, and ideas, and it has taught me how to transform those things into reality in my life."

Project Kid From: 1998–2005
Academics: Pursuing a major in Culture and Media at Eugene Lang College
Career Plans: Entertainment journalism, or possibly pursue a career in Entertainment Law.
Fun Fact: Noah's dream is to write for Rolling Stone magazine!

"All of the peer interaction helped me become more outspoken; if it wasn't for the Project I'd probably be pretty reserved. Oh, and going up to Ojai was always great. I've got a lot of good memories from those trips."

Project Kid From: 1996–2001
Academics: Currently pursuing a major in Performing Arts at Manhattanville College
Career Plans: Chase wants to be an actor.
Fun Fact: Chase loves basketball (but likes acting even more)!

"The Virginia Avenue Project helped build my confidence, beyond just acting on stage. It helped me with my social skills by making me a more outgoing person. The Project gave me a chance to grow comfortably and artistically."

Project Kid From: 1998–2005
Academics: Currently attending Santa Monica College, major undecided
Career Plans: Colin is considering pursuing a career in business.
Fun Fact: Colin currently works for Westside Volvo!

"I remember my first time singing on stage! I really dreaded singing as a kid, but I had a song in my play; it was a great lesson in facing my fears."

Project Kid From: 1996–2005
Academics: Pursuing a major in Computer Science at Santa Monica College
Career Plans: To become involved in the computer sciences.
Fun Fact: Evan loves computers (can you tell?)!

"In a nutshell: I had fun. The whole experience was just a great time."

Project Kid From: 1993–2003
Academics: Pursuing a major in Business at NYU
Career Plans: To become involved in international marketing.
Fun Fact: Ambar spent a summer interning for a doctor!

"The Virginia Avenue Project is: emotion, exhilaration, and fulfillment. The Project has transformed me into a masterpiece."

Project Kid From: 1992–2000
Academics: Currently focusing on work, but planning on continuing college in the future
Career Plans: Works for the City of Santa Monica's Human Services Division offering administrative support for Senior Programs and various City Commissions.
Fun Fact: Adriana has traveled a lot recently, to New York, Italy, Spain, France, Hawaii and Mexico!

"I was a very shy girl, the Project exposed me to meeting new people, doing things I wouldn't normally do and took me places I will remember forever. The Project helped me come out of my shell and develop as a person."

Project Kid From: 1997–2004
Academics: Currently pursuing a Music major at UC Irvine
Career Plans: To become a professional musician.
Fun Fact: Kevin has received the Winifred Smith music scholarship several years in a row!

"The Project taught me how to overcome stage fright at a young age, which is an essential skill as a musician."