MOSAIC EVENT
Our annual event inspires students by creating a space to experience storytelling through creative ideas and technology. Each year an eclectic group of speakers from the worlds of digital media, entertainment, and tech share inspiration and insights with students about their journey and the lessons they have learned along the way. Past guests have worked for Electronic Arts, NPR, HBO, Marvel Entertainment, Facebook, Netflix, and Spotify.
With a series of interactive workshops, we invite local professionals to connect students to the exciting work in digital media and technology happening in their own community. The Mosaic Event helps students understand how classroom learning can be applied to future careers they may never have considered.
The Mosaic Event also showcases Mosaic Mobile, an annual short film competition, where students create entirely on a mobile device, telling stories from their unique perspectives. The competition awards the largest cash prize offered to student filmmakers in Michigan.
2025 MOSAIC EVENT:
THE POWER OF VISION
WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Celebration Cinema GR North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE., Grand Rapids, Michigan
2025 Mosaic Event Speakers
The Mosaic Event creates a dynamic space where students experience the transformative power of storytelling through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
This year, we explore the Power of Vision, a theme exemplified by our mainstage takeover guests, 9B Collective. 9B Collective is the first Black-owned concept art studio made up primarily of BIPOC artists. Their goal is to provide a shift in the entertainment landscape by working towards true inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera.
9B Collective's founders will share stories of how their creative journeys began and where they led from this wide variety of fields.
Phillip Boutte Jr. – 9B Collective
Co-Founder, Concept Artist, Costume Designer at Skydance Animation, Producer
Mike Uwandi – 9B Collective
Co-Founder, Concept Artist, Art Director for Animation, Art Lead at Epic Games
Aldis Hodge – 9B Collective
Co-Founder, Artist, Actor, Painter, and sometimes the guy you see on TV
Past Speakers
Marisa Arbona-Ruiz
NBC Correspondent and NPR Music Critic
Jane Feldman
Award-Winning Photojounalist
Nate Hargress
Netflix Business and Legal Affairs Original Documentary Films
Mike Uwandi
9B Collective Co-Founder and Concept Artist
Phillip Boutte Jr.
9B Collective Co-Founder and Concept Artist
Aldis Hodge
Actor and 9B Collective Co-Founder
Rolando Gonzalez Runente Creative Director
Julien & Justen Turner
Dreadhead Films Co-Owners
Mimi Chakarova
Still I Rise Founder
Mariah Barrera
Filmmaker
Robert Butler
Easy Breezy Productions Owner
Lisa Oliver King
Branch Out Productions Co-Founder
Lisa Mathis Allen
Branch Out Productions Co-Founder
Carlos Rosas
MUV Chief of Production
Nikk Franklin
Live Sports Replay Operator and Producer
Ryan Stephens
Filmmaker, Producer, Post Production Supervisor
Peter Chhum
Senior Manager of Social Media Strategy, MasterClass
Lauren Adams
National Hot Rod Association Director of Photography, Feature Producer and Editor
Liz Polk
Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP
Cass Taylor
former Sports Marketing Manager at Adobe
Lohanne Cook
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
FOR TEACHERS
The immersive Mosaic Event provides an opportunity for students to see the work of talented local and national professionals. By hearing from guests on how storytelling influenced their lives and shaped their careers, Mosaic wants to work with you to help students who are inspired to seek avenues of storytelling in digital media and tech that may be right for them.