Meet Lauren Muniz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Muniz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lauren , great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

Taking risks has always been an integral part of my personal and professional growth. As the firstborn, I’ve naturally taken on leadership roles and embraced ambitious goals. A defining moment in my development was during high school when I set a bold objective to join the varsity basketball team as a freshman. Despite being significantly smaller and less experienced than the competition, I was determined to take this risk.

During tryouts, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Even though I didn’t make the varsity team, I was proud to earn a spot on the junior varsity team. This experience taught me the value of taking risks and handling uncertainty with resilience. Instead of letting disappointment deter me, I focused on making a positive impact as a supportive teammate and worked tirelessly to improve my skills.

That uncertainty proved worthwhile when I made the varsity team the following season. Reflecting on that experience, I often remind myself of my younger self’s ambition and determination. Whenever I face new challenges, I think about how my younger self approached risks and use that mindset to guide me through uncertainty.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My professional journey began in 2014 with Think Together, a nonprofit focused on after-school programs, where I discovered my passion for the arts. This initial experience led me to work in in-home behavioral therapy for children on the Autism Spectrum. While this role didn’t directly involve the arts, I found creative ways to use media as a therapeutic tool, which reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the arts.

I eventually pivoted to the film festival world, joining NewFilmmakers LA. At NFMLA, I am thrilled to be part of a team that champions emerging and underrepresented talent. The most exciting aspect of my role is contributing to a community that fosters growth and creates opportunities for our alumni. Whether they achieve big milestones or take small steps, being part of their journey is incredibly fulfilling.

In addition to my work with NewFilmmakers LA, I started a monthly music series called Living Through Sound. The series is dedicated to showcasing music from around the world and highlighting new and emerging artists. Through this project, I am able to share my love for music, connect different cultures, and bring people together.

Overall, my professional focus is on supporting and celebrating creativity, whether through film, music, or other artistic expressions. I’m passionate about creating platforms that amplify diverse voices and bring new talents to the forefront.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities have been most impactful: curiosity, adaptability, and self-care.

Curiosity has been a driving force throughout my career. Early on, I didn’t have a clear career path, and I initially struggled to choose a major in college. Eventually, I chose Sociology, which fueled my innate curiosity about society and human behavior. Later, I made a significant shift to Film, TV, and Media Studies. This change proved to me how staying curious and open to new interests can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

Adaptability was equally crucial. My journey involved switching majors and exploring different fields. Embracing these changes, even when they seemed unconventional, taught me that flexibility and willingness to explore new areas are vital for growth and discovering what truly resonates with you.

Self-care is the third quality that has shaped my path. It’s important to engage in activities that recharge and nourish you.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to embody the values of discipline and perseverance through their own lives. My father, a California Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, demonstrated the importance of hard work and dedication, showing me what it means to strive for excellence. My mother, the youngest of eight children in a Mexican immigrant family, illustrated the power of resilience and determination, proving what a woman can achieve with commitment and effort. Their examples have been a constant source of inspiration for me, shaping my own approach to challenges and success. I’m incredibly proud to call them my parents and grateful for the path they’ve paved for me.

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