Her Story
About Amanda
Amanda Banuelos has been active in arts education since completing her undergraduate degree in 2016. Following her graduation during the pandemic, which included a virtual walk and a year-long job search, she joined a non-profit print studio in Chicago as Education Manager. In this role, she oversaw all educational programming, managed materials, developed community engagement initiatives for high schools and group classes, and taught art classes herself. She has since returned to California, where she was born and raised, and now teaches art classes and programming to children after school while also working as a swim coach, instructing group and individual lessons focused on swimming skills and safety. Banuelos earned her undergraduate degree from UCSC and her masters from SAIC. Her professional goals include teaching at the collegiate level, gaining recognition as an artist through exhibitions, grants, and residencies, and publishing two books she is currently writing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to take the path that maybe seems a little bit outside of where you were initially aiming for. I’ve found a lot of amazing opportunities by taking something that I didn’t feel was something I wanted. Through these opportunities, I’ve met somebody, or connected with somebody that's taken me to my next step. Do not be afraid to take something that's not necessarily in your field because you have no idea where that's going to lead in the future.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, I feel as though there are a lot of opportunities being sent out into the digital ether- but it’s rare that you hear anything back. This stands for job opportunities and art opportunities alike. Additionally, I think AI has kind of put a damper on any application status; there’s a lack of human eyes, hands, and thoughts behind any application review.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Concerning work and personal life, I feel the main value cross over between the two is consistency and intention. I always aim to be who I genuinely am, whether that concerns professional opportunities or family life; I don’t want any person in my sphere to question who I will be any given day.
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