Meet Our Team

Administrative & Operations Leslie A. Ito(She/Her) Executive Director/President (626) 792-5101 x114 [email protected] About Leslie Prior to my role at the Armory, I was President & CEO of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and also held the position of Program Director for Arts and Health at the California Community Foundation, and Director of Grant Programs at the LA County Arts Commission. Earlier in my career, I served as Executive Director of Visual Communications and as Program Associate in the Media, Arts Culture Division at the Ford Foundation in New York. I currently serve as a Community Trustee for the Durfee Foundation. A native of Pasadena and a Yonsei, fourth-generation Japanese American, I attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business’ Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders. I received an M.A. in Asian American Studies from UCLA and a B.A. in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College. What is something you would love to learn? To speak and read enough Japanese to get around in the motherland. LinkedIn

Laura Hinojos (She/Her) Director of Facilities & Operations (626) 792-5101 x 127 [email protected] About Laura I have over 17 years of experience working in non-profit arts administration. Most of this time has been with the Armory, where I started in 2004 as a Gallery Attendant & Assistant, and then Accounting Services Coordinator. In March 2020, I began my current role as the Director of Facilities & Operations. I received a B.A. in psychology from San Francisco State and it was my college internship at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco that introduced me to the important role of non-profit arts organizations. I find strength in the way art can provide a voice and create connections. Outside of work, I enjoy warm cups of coffee, loving my two kitties, and singing 80’s love songs. What is something you would love to learn? How to play the piano.

Connie Ho (She/Her) Executive & Finance Manager (626) 792-5101 x145 [email protected] About Connie I have over 5 years of experience working in non-profits. Outside of work I enjoy experiencing the great outdoors. What do you value most? I value honesty and creativity.

Julia Valenzuela (She/Her) Custodian

Adolfo Garcia (He/Him) Custodian

 

External Relations

Andrew Gould (He/Him) Vice President, External Relations (626) 792-5101 x112 [email protected] About Andrew Driven by a commitment to the healing power of art and enriching our communities, I have worked in the nonprofit sector across Los Angeles County for over fifteen years. Prior to my service at the Armory, I served in leadership positions at the ONE Archives Foundation, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and Southern California Public Radio/KPCC. Earlier in my career, I created unique events that helped define the experimental LGBTQ+ nightlife scene of Los Angeles in the early 2000s, including a prominent weekly salon with international genderqueer performance artist Vaginal Davis and an acclaimed spoken word series with artist and no-wave icon Lydia Lunch. Although I have lived in California for more than two decades, I grew up and studied in the United Kingdom and travel back often to see my family and explore the ancient landscapes and megalithic ruins of western England. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Getting to know people in our Armory community, what drives them, what inspires them, how I can learn from them, and how they can make me think differently about the world.

Jon Lapointe (He/Him) Director of Development & Marketing (626) 792-5101 x 143 [email protected] About Jon I have over 25 years of experience working media design and nonprofit arts administration in Los Angeles County. A graduate of CalArts' MFA program in Art, I first learned of community-based arts organizations while working closely with the Institute's award-winning Community Arts Partnership Program (CAP). My wife and I both live in Pasadena and work in the city's vibrant nonprofit arts community.

Milly J. Correa Hernandez (They/She) Senior Communications Manager [email protected] About Milly I'm a passionate graphic designer, illustrator, activist, lifelong learner, and instigator of random acts of kindness. As a Humboldt State alumna, I've pledged to be mindful of the social and environmental impact of my daily actions and do my best to improve these in every aspect of my life. Whether through my job, freelancing, or passion projects, I communicate messages that bring awareness to causes that strengthen the community and better the world. I've designed for multiple galleries, small eco-centric businesses, non-profit arts and performing arts organizations, and universities. I currently volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Pasadena Humane Society, Pasadena City College, and the Humane League. During my free time, I enjoy vegan food, books, walks, yoga, picnics, DIY projects, plays, and relishing the mundane. What do you value most? Authenticity, being true to who you are including not saying you're okay when you're not okay. When you show up authentically, you create a space for others to do the same. Website |Linkedin

Amber N. Hawkins (She/Her) Development Manager (626) 792-5101 x141 [email protected] About Amber As a native of Memphis, Tennessee, I have carried my southern hospitality throughout my 15-year career in the nonprofit industry. My background in the arts has afforded me the opportunity to have a dynamic blend of experiences, from fundraising to digital design and everywhere in between! Prior to coming to the Armory, I worked in the entertainment industry. When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity? My mom was a home economics teacher , and she sewed all of our clothes. Just by watching her, I would make my Barbie's full wardrobes from her scraps. My sister was in charge of making our 3-story "Barbie Dream House" out of several shoe boxes and anything else we could find! Complete with an elevator, water bed, and pool.

Krystal M. Ramirez (She/Her) External Relations Assistant (626) 792-5101 x118 [email protected] About Krystal I'm a Los Angeles-based arts administrator and independent organizer in the contemporary sphere. Prior to joining the Armory, I served within multiple non-profit art organizations, including the Vincent Price Art Museum, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, UCR Arts, California Museum of Photography, Craft in America, 18th Street Arts Center, and Arts for LA. I occasionally collaborate with local artists to organize community art shows and vending opportunities. I received my BA in Art History and Administrative Studies from UC, Riverside, and have plans to expand on my educational journey. While pursuing curatorial and administrative work, I also practice different mediums during my personal time, including photography, ceramics, and a variety of craftwork. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Witnessing a guest connect with one of our exhibitions or when a student expresses how much they benefit from one of our courses. LinkedIn

 

Programs

Karen Satzman (She/Her) Vice President, Programs (626) 792-5101 x133 [email protected] About Karen At Armory Center for the Arts, I oversee all public-facing programming, from Schools and Studio to Off-Site Community and Exhibitions, and passionately believe in the power of art to transform lives. I joined the Armory in 2022, after over 20 years at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art where I grew my passion for making art accessible to all. I clearly remember my first museum field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as a 3rd grader and my wish is that everyone has the opportunity to make lasting personal connections to art. I studied Art History at UC Santa Cruz (go slugs!) and at the University of Madrid in Spain. I love slow stitching, making dioramas, family road trips, and pie. When you were growing up, what was your favorite creative activity? Making stuff. It is still my favorite thing to do.

Heber Rodriguez (He/Him) Director of Exhibitions (626) 792-5101 x 123 [email protected] About Heber I’m a Los Angeles-based curator, cultural producer, and creative who builds community around cultural practices. I produce events, exhibitions, and performances that offer opportunities for unique and memorable social interaction. My practice is informed by my experience growing up undocumented in Northeast Los Angeles. What do you value most? I value self-determination through knowledge and skill-building the most.

Danielle Hill (She/Her) Exhibition Coordinator (626) 792-5101 x117 [email protected] About Danielle I am a Cleveland-born artist and arts manager based in Pasadena, CA. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship from Baldwin Wallace University in 2019 and a Master of Arts in Arts Management from Sotheby’s Institute of Art at Claremont Graduate University in 2020. My background is in arts management, development, and collective, community-based arts engagement. I worked at Mayfield Senior School as the Development Coordinator and ZEAL Co-op as the Studio Incubator Program Manager. In my arts management practice, I collaborate with collectives and organizations that invest in the thriving of Black artists of the diaspora. Since moving to California, I developed a love of nature, especially mountains, and often paint and photograph candid moments of loved ones interacting with the world around them. In my free time, I can be found drawing or painting, reading a book, visiting art events, planning spontaneous road trips, or “mountain watching” with friends. What is something you would love to learn during your time at the Armory? I would love to learn how to develop film in the darkroom.

Lilia Hernandez (She/Her) Director of Community Programs (626) 792-5101 x 111 [email protected] About Lilia I deeply believe that creative experiences are essential for all human beings. The sense of wonder they create heals, inspires, and contributes to individual well-being and collective quality of life. Overseeing off-site, out-of-school programming provides an opportunity to connect across communities. A background in political science and photograpy have been helpful in helping to navigate the complexities that surface when working in a multitude of settings. What do you value most? Kindness, genuine inclusiveness, head space, heart space, and creative flow.

Joe Sanchez (He/Him) Community Programs Coordinator (626) 792-5101 x 120 [email protected] About Joe I have been a Teaching Artist in the Armory's studio and community-based arts education programs since 2012. Los Angeles-based artist, I earned my B.F.A. in California Institute of the Arts’ Photography and Media program; my current creative practice also includes photography, illustration, and graphic design.

Jocelyn Casas (She/Her) Studio Director (626) 792-5101 x 131 [email protected] About Jocelyn Hello there! I am a former Armory Teaching Artist, born and raised is South East Los Angeles. I am an arts educator and arts advocate. I received my MFA from Otis College of Art and Design in 2016, and have been with the Armory since 2017. My background includes training in trauma- informed and social- emotional wellness practices. These days, you can usually find me in my studio exploring and pushing the boundaries of painting, trying out new foods, and dreaming up exciting possibilities for our shared creative future at the studio. What's the most inspiring part of your job? Time and opportunities for collective learning and growth.

Corinne Dyson (They/She) Education Coordinator (626) 792-5101 x 119 [email protected] About Corrine I am an art educator and arts administrator from Altadena, CA. I graduated from PCC and UCLA, where I studied art and anthropology while working at the Fowler and the Natural History Museum. Prior to the Armory, I taught and organized art enrichment programs in the Pasadena area. In my current position, I’m bringing together my experience in the classroom and in museum art education to expand accessibility to our educational programs. Outside of work I attempt to master every sport, organize art and food events with friends, and work on my ceramics portfolio. What is something you would love to learn? Large scale mural and mosaic installation

Shoop Rozario (They/Them) Public Programs Associate (626) 792-5101 x 129 [email protected] About Shoop I am a graduate of Scripps College where I studied Social Movements. I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of and learn from a range of social justice centered organizations and collectives, including, Visual Communications, Farm2Power, United Cambodian Community of Long Beach, Materials & Applications, and Center for the Study of Political Graphics. I am now super grateful to be at the Armory as the Public Programs Associate! I am also an artist whose work is often in partnership with the community to center storytelling, build relationships, and share community + ancestral knowledge. In my free time I am a line cook, hiking to waterfalls, learning new crafts, foraging, playing video games, and parenting my puppy. What is something you would love to learn? I would love to deepen my knowledge of wildlife identification!

Alheli Tostado (She/Her) Visitor and Volunteer Manager (626) 792-5101 x 121 [email protected] About Alheli I studied Anthropology and Art History at UCLA, worked at the Hammer Museum after graduation, and have now been at the Armory for 4 years. I enjoy reading, cooking, and gardening in my personal time. What do you value most? Time.

Lauren Miller (She/Her) Lead Visitor Services Associate [email protected] About Lauren I am a multi-disciplinary artist from Los Angeles, focusing on documentary and archiving practices, video, photography, and print. I received my BA in Fine Art and BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. In my free time I enjoy reading non-fiction, listening to jazz and punk records, cooking for friends and family, and riding my bike or swimming. What is something you would love to learn? I would love to learn the photogravure printing process! Website

Julia Aguila (She/Her) Visitor Services Associate [email protected] About Julia Born and raised in the Philippines, I am a painter with a deep interest in exploring Filipinoculture through family. My heritage, as well as the stories of my family and relatives who have passed, are frequent subjects in my paintings, prints and photographs.I am also an '23 Alumni of the Art Program at the California Institute of the Arts. I began working at the Armory Center for the Arts as a Getty Intern in the summer of 2023, and I have also worked previously as a Curatorial Intern at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater. Outside of my role as a VSA, I enjoy watching lots of tv, playing video games, drawing, eating, and also sleeping. What are your future aspirations? Become a successful painter, live overseas and travel, hopefully teach, and can support many pets. Linkedin

Cristal Trujillo (She/Her) Visitor Services Associate [email protected] About Cristal Growing up in East LA/Boyle Heights, my passion for the arts has always been my driving force. High school introduced me to the magic of a teen zine workshop at the Armory – an experience that stayed with me. I attended UC Berkeley for my BA and delved deep into Art History. I've had the privilege of working at LACMA, BAMPFA, and remotely assisting the incredible Negarra Kudumu, curator and writer extraordinaire based in Seattle. In addition, I've volunteered with organizations like YouThink and interned with Exploring the Arts, further fueling my love for creativity and community. I also love to help small businesses with their brands through graphic design sometimes. Outside of work, you'll find me unwinding with friends, taking leisurely walks, and watching the sunset's glow (ideally) on grassy hills. What is something you would love to learn? I would love to learn how to sew someday!