Stephanie Agudelo
Stephanie Agudelo is a multidisciplinary creative professional specializing in event coordination, curation, and photography. As the Event Coordinator at Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, Stephanie designs impactful and immersive experiences that connect the public with contemporary glass art while amplifying the voices of emerging artists. Her work reflects a strong commitment to community engagement, accessibility, and meaningful cultural dialogue.
Stephanie is also the founder of Populoum, an independent curatorial initiative that produces pop-up exhibitions and collaborative art events in unconventional spaces. Through Populoum, she uplifts underrepresented creatives and builds opportunities for authentic artistic expression outside traditional gallery settings. Her curatorial practice blends storytelling, vulnerability, and experimentation—offering a fresh and inclusive approach to how art is experienced.
In addition to her curatorial and event work, Stephanie is an accomplished photographer whose vibrant, fashion-forward imagery explores themes of identity and emotional resonance. Her work has been featured in both national and international exhibitions and publications. Driven by a passion for community-building through the arts, Stephanie continues to bridge grassroots energy with institutional platforms, fostering spaces where creativity and connection thrive. She welcomes collaborations and conversations around art, culture, and creative entrepreneurship.
• University of South Florida
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to see and cultivate potential — in ideas, in spaces, and in people. Vision has guided me to build platforms like Populoum and my work at the Imagine Museum; community has been at the heart of everything I’ve done, from elevating emerging artists to collaborating with local talent; and positivity has helped me stay open, resilient, and creative even when challenges arise. Together, those qualities have shaped how I move through my career and create opportunities for others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that when one opportunity closes, another one opens. It taught me not to get stuck on setbacks but to stay open and proactive. Every time a door closed in my career, it created space for something even more aligned with my goals — from curating my first pop-ups to now co-creating a gallery space in St. Petersburg.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust your vision and lead with it. Build authentic relationships rather than chasing clout, and don’t be afraid to create your own platforms if the doors you want aren’t open yet. Your perspective is valuable, and the industry needs fresh voices.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is standing out in a crowded, fast-moving creative landscape — but that’s also the biggest opportunity. Audiences are hungry for authenticity, collaboration, and community-driven projects. Artists and curators who think beyond the white-cube model and center inclusivity can really thrive right now.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Vision, community, and positivity are at the core of everything I do. They guide how I build partnerships, how I support emerging artists, and how I approach my own creative practice. Those values keep me grounded and aligned in both my career and personal life.
