In the early 1970s, Gilah Yelin Hirsch was an artist whose paintings were widely recognized, but it was a time when art by women was rarely in major museums and exhibits around the world. In 1971, to draw attention to the sexism in the art scene, particularly in Los Angeles, Hirsch collaborated with a small group of women to found the Los Angeles Council of Women Artists (LACWA), which helped “pave the way to equality for women artists” everywhere, according to Hirsch. Hirsch has been invited to house her archive of original documents on the creation of LACWA at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art in Washington D.C. “It's really a tremendous honor, and I'm very pleased to ... Read More
Features
Alumna Markette Smith Sheppard Hosts ‘Great Day Washington’ in Nation’s Capital
“If you are willing to show up for the world, it will show up for you.” With that awareness as her guide, alumna Markette Smith Sheppard ('02, B.A., mass communications/French minor) more than “shows up” each day as host of the Washington, D.C. CBS affiliate morning show “Great Day Washington,” or for her organic cosmetics e-boutique Messenger Beauty. She also inspires others to use their talents to impact the world in their own way. “I haven't always had a job where I was so excited to come to work, but I truly am now and I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing,” said Sheppard. “I happened to be in the right place at the right time with the right skills to be able to do this ... Read More
A Toro Family: Manuela Aguilar, Political Science Major, Remains to Finish Degree as Daughters Graduate with Class of 2016
Jasmine Saldivar sat in the Loker Student Union eating and talking with a fellow Toro, until she was interrupted by a classmate who asked, “Is this your sister?” “Um, no, this is my mom,” said Jasmine, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) on May 20. She was a bit surprised by the question. Her mother, Manuela Aguilar, a current CSUDH political science major, was not surprised by the question. She was also used to being introduced to her daughter's friends on campus, in fact both her daughters' friends. Aguilar's other daughter, Tereelisa Saldivar, was also a student at CSUDH. She too earned her bachelor's ... Read More
Hollywood by the Horns Provides a ‘Voice’ for Student Storytellers
Fearlessly stepping up to the microphone without notes and in front of a live audience, 15 California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) students and two alumni shared dramatic, funny, and tear-jerking personal stories from their lives during the Hollywood by the Horns 2nd Annual “Story Slam” on May 7 in the Loker Student Union ballroom. To prepare for the Story Slam, the student participated in two workshops, “Finding Your Voice and Telling Your Story,” created to develop their verbal communication and storytelling skills through an examination and sharing of personal experiences, and “Deconstructing the Entertainment industry.” Each week throughout the spring 2016 semester, ... Read More
MSW Graduate Layla Sewell Works to ‘Awaken the Greatness’ in Local Communities
When Layla Sewell is out in the community and she hears someone say, “Look! It's Ms. Sewell!” it warms her heart –as it should having worked to warm the hearts of entire families for over 20 years. Sewell is executive director of the Awaken the Greatness Foundation (ATG), which she founded in late 2011. The Los Angeles-based non-profit facilitates, organizes and moderates workshops, classes and events that “enrich and improve the lives of African-American parents and youth.” “Working with young people just seems to come naturally to me. It's truly a joy,” said Sewell. “It's been a major part of my life for so long.” Along with her work for ATG, Sewell has been balancing her role as ... Read More