Category: Portraits & interviews

NWNY Graduate Spotlight: Diana Cespedes, a civil engineer from Costa Rica

Diana Céspedes’ story begins in Costa Rica, where she worked as a civil engineer for 18 years, developing a solid expertise in construction design. She poured her passion into large-scale projects, primarily in the residential and hospitality sectors. However, Diana decided to seek new horizons and chase her dreams in one of the most dynamic cities in the world—New York City. The move to NYC came with its own set of challenges. Diana quickly realized that her new environment tested...

Unraveling Narratives: Yana Schnitzler and the Journey of ‘Tales of a Phoenix: The Letting Go Project’

An intimate exploration of transformative stories of women around the globe, as conveyed by Yana Schnitzler. Responses edited for clarity by Arielle Kandel. Can you tell us why you started the “Tales of a Phoenix: The Letting Go Project” and what it’s been like to bring together stories from women all over the world? Embarking on the journey of “Tales of a Phoenix: The Letting Go Project” has been deeply moving and incredibly rewarding. The inception came about three years...

Interview with Korean-born artist Jiwon Rhie about her immigrant experience, how it influences her sculptures, and broader artistic practice in New York.

Jiwon Rhie is a multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work deals with ideas around boundaries, human relationships, cultural identities, and communication across installations, sculptures, and video. Exploring ideas through research and a project-based process, she visualizes personal and social experiences into art forms by capturing her sensitivity and a feeling of adaptation.

Food insecurity continues to increase in NYC – An interview with Aaliyah, a Manager at Food Bank for New York City

I first volunteered with Food Bank for New York City in July of this year, in the Community Kitchen and Pantry in Harlem, as part of the Grab-and-Go Pantry Distribution program. I had been looking for an opportunity to spend part of my weekends in a fruitful way, and support an organization whose mission I believed in. Through this experience, I have had the chance to register and greet members of the community, distribute fresh produce and pantry items, and meet and work with other volunteers who bring different backgrounds and stories but share similar motivations.
Last week, I sat down with Aaliyah, a Food Bank employee, to find out more about the organization and her experience working there.