#24. Uplifting the Future While Preserving the Past Through Photography and Education with Lilly Pinedo Gangai

Welcome to this episode of the podcast, where we will be exploring the inspiring journey of a first-generation Latina entrepreneur, photographer, and higher education program director who is making an impact in her community by uplifting the future while preserving the past. My guest today is a trailblazer who has combined her passion for history through photography and education to empower and inspire Latinx youth and create memories for her clients. She discusses her journey as a first-generation college graduate, navigating the education system, creating a new program to support Latinx / Chicanx students, and the challenges she faced while starting her own business while juggling multiple responsibilities. Lilly shares her philosophy on photography and how her skills help her clients document the story of their lives. Join us as we delve into the topics of building supportive networks, finding mentors, and being a mentor. This episode is for anyone who is interested in learning about the power of education and photography in uplifting and preserving communities. Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of our guest and explore the impact that she is making in the world. Lilly Pinedo Gangai is the inaugural Program Director of the Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center at San Jose State University. She leads, coordinates, and implements culturally sustaining academic programs and initiatives that support and promote Chicanx/Latinx student success. In collaboration with various campus and community partners, Lilly is committed to improving retention and graduation rates for Latinx students by applying research-based best practices and models. Born and raised in San José, Ca, she is married to her wonderful husband of nine years, Chris. They met 12 years ago on Match.com. Yes- they met online! Her parents, sister, and husband are her biggest life supporters. She absolutely loves her friends and extended family. She is a life-long learner. She wants to know anything about everything. Although she earned her Master's degree in Education, she attended De Anza Community College to study photography- a hobby turned into a side business–while balancing a full-time job in higher education. She strives to tell a unique story through photographs and thrives as a busy-bee, but given this, she only photographs sessions on the weekends. Connect with Lilly: [email protected] [email protected] Website: https://www.goodoldaysphotography.com;  https://www.sjsu.edu/chicanxlatinxssc/index.php; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodoldaysphotography/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillypinedogangai/  SLR Lounge ——— Enjoy this Podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired & empowered! Questions? You can contact me through my website www.PocketsofKnowledge.com or find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/desireedstanley/. Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit the website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. If you enjoyed today’s episode of the Pockets of Knowledge Podcast, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends! ——— Please note that this episode may contain advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.