Laura Peña is a Dominican-American filmmaker, storyteller and passionate champion of every girl. She is the founder of She is the Universe: a storytelling, mentorship and community building platform that supports girls around the world to stand in their power and pursue their dreams. For the past few years, Laura has traveled across the world interviewing girls about their hopes, dreams, passions and struggles – and sharing their unique stories through film.
In this inspiring episode, Laura talks about her current and upcoming projects with She is the Universe, the impact of her work on women and girls around the globe, her favorite stories from interviews on six continents, and her steadfast belief in the ability of girls to change the world (when given the right tools and support). Let’s dive in!
Highlights:
Connect:
Website: www.sheistheuniverse.org
Instagram: @sheistheuniverseproject
Youtube: She is the Universe
Bio:
Laura Peña is a Dominican-American filmmaker, creative producer, motion designer, speaker, traveler, proud Latina and supporter of girls. As the founder of She is the Universe, a Global Movement for Girl’s Empowerment, Laura looks to inspire, and offer girls from around the world the support they need to stand in their own stories and to pursue their dreams, through storytelling, mentorship and community.
For the past few years, Laura has been traveling the world collecting stories of teenage girls on film. They share their dreams and struggles for a video series with stories of girls, told by girls. Laura encourages and supports girls to use their voice and change the world, using their own unique gifts. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she moved to the U.S. to attend Parsons School of Design in New York City in 2005. In 2014 she founded JelloMonsters, a creative Design Lab where she works with leading brands to create motion graphics. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and books globally.
Laura is also an international workshop leader and speaker who has shared her story at TEDx and Creative Mornings. She has been a digital nomad for about 6 years. Currently Laura spends most her time in the beach town of Cabarete, Dominican Republic, keeping the nomad lifestyle alive while building her dreams and weathering a global pandemic with patience.
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