​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Phoenix Arts and C​​ulture Department​​​​​

What you'll do

The student worker will work directly with the executive director and founder, Kema Charles engaging with youth in middle through highshool ages. You can expect to manage and create social media posts and reels etc. Additional responsibilities include event setup and break down. 

Desired qualifications

• Knowledge of social media plateforms like Instagram and FaceBook
  
• Experence with Apple Computers
  
• Experience with Adobe Suite​

Executive Director Kema Charles

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We are excited to host a student worker because we believe in nurturing emerging talent and providing real-world experiences that complement academic learning. We are most excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that a student can bring to our organization. Our motivation is rooted in our commitment to professional development and community engagement. By integrating a student worker into our team, we see this experience as a valuable opportunity for mutual growth—enhancing our team's skills while contributing to the student's career trajectory. The student worker will play a crucial role in supporting our projects, bringing new insights and energy that will benefit our organization and, ultimately, our community by fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.

​Professional Biography

I started my career in the entertainment industry in 1999. I have a degree in Media Arts from LA Valley College and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of West Florida. I provide the oversight and overall management, planning, vision, and leadership for all aspects of LCD.

Lights Camera Discover

Lights Camera Discover was founded by Kema Charles in 2011 with the goal of using the arts and digital media to provide every child with the tools to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty. Our no-cost programs teach youth filmmaking basics and how to use digital technology and equipment, as well as provide mentorship to help them succeed in their personal, professional, and academic goals. Lights Camera Discover currently serves more than 150 youth annually. In recognition of our programming, we have received multiple awards including the YWCA Tribute to Leadership Nominee, Phoenix Suns Golden Standard Award, City of Phoenix Mayor Awards Innovative Arts Organization Finalist, SXSW Community Service Organization Honoree, and the NBC Channel 12 non-profit spotlight.

In FY2023 (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023) Lights Camera Discover solidified partnerships with the Wilson Elementary School District and Osborn Elementary School Districts, both of which serve Phoenix students in grades K-8. These school districts assist our organization by hosting programming activities at neighborhood schools, allowing us to embed our unique programming activities directly into the communities we serve.

Lights Camera Discover’s mission is to develop a sense of pride, self-worth, strength, creativity, and appreciation of community in all the underprivileged youth we serve through performance and digital arts. We are driven to break the cycle of generational poverty by equipping the next generation with the educational foundation and passion to pursue a career in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) fields which have a beneficial community impact and can bring a positive future to the youth we serve.

Our goal is to change youth’s perspective and future through STEAM education specifically using the digital arts and media. We work to give youth a positive outlook along with the ability to freely express themselves, instead of making poor choices that lead them down a negative path.

To learn more about Lights Camera Discover, visit their  website at www.lightscameradiscover.org​.​

The Phoenix ArtCorps is a student employment program from the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture  that seeks to provide students with​ the comprehensive skills, mentorship, and experience ​they need to launch their arts and culture careers. Over the course of the 2024-2025 academic year​​, each student works 400 hours for $17/hr (around 15 to 20 hours a week), with additional stipends and professional development opportunities. To apply, students must be current or recently graduated undergraduate students at a community college, university, or other institution of higher education based in Phoenix (or live in Phoenix themselves). Applicants must be at least 18 years old. There are no other enrollment requirements. Students do not need to be majoring in the arts or similar fields to apply. To learn more about the program and browse positions, visit our website at http://phoenix.gov/arts/artcorps​. ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​

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