Felicia Shaw
Executive Director, San Diego Art Matters (SDAM)

Felicia W. Shaw is the executive director of San Diego ART Matters (SDAM), an organization that advocates for the nonprofit arts and culture sector in San Diego. With over thirty years of leadership experience, she has held various roles, including positions at the Women’s Museum of California and the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Felicia is dedicated to strengthening the arts community and promotes public and private investment in the creative ecosystem. She actively serves on several boards, including the Mingei International Museum and Moxie Theatre, and is the Chair of California for the Arts. A graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Communications, she has been recognized as a Black Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal and a “Woman of Accomplishment” by San Diego Metro. Felicia also supports civic causes through her involvement in the Southeast San Diego Rotary Club and the Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego.

Amanda Castro
ARTS Master of Social Work Intern

As a life-long resident of the South Bay, Amanda is thrilled to be an honoree at Bright Lights: Honoring Those Who Make an Impact. Amanda is a Masters of Social Work Intern at ARTS, taking on projects like the community resources guide, and supporting the coordination of the Juvenile Diversion Initiative (JDI) program, among other projects. In addition to her internship at ARTS, Amanda works for a Seattle-based non-profit called Sankofa Impact where she is an Administrative Coordinator. In her free time Amanda enjoys cross stitching, reading, and spending time with her dog, Penny. In her future, she envisions working closely with the South Bay community through non-profit programatic work. Amanda will be graduating from her MSW program at the University of Southern California this May.

Zaide Jurado
Recreation Supervisor, City of National City

Zaide Jurado was born and raised in South San Diego and has always been passionate about building connections and creating community. As a Recreation Supervisor for the City of National City, she leads the Fifty and Better (FAB) Program, crafting spaces where older adults can experience joy, belonging, and new possibilities. Inclusion is at the heart of her work, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued. She believes there’s a certain magic in bringing people together—whether through art, movement, or a simple shared moment of laughter. With a deep love for creativity, she finds inspiration in the small yet powerful sparks that happen when people connect, grow, and see new possibilities for themselves.

Steven Sanchez
Coordinator of Expanded Learning National School District

Steven, born in El Centro, California, has spent 26 years in Chula Vista with his wife and two sons. With 29 years in education, he has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and currently as Coordinator at the District Office. For 22 years, he worked in the National School District, including 17 years as a site administrator at five schools. He recently became the Coordinator of Expanded Learning, focusing on engaging learning opportunities and collaborating with community partners to provide innovative programs. A member of the National City Sweetwater Kiwanis Club, he supports children and families in the community and fosters connections among schools, families, and organizations to promote student success.

Adriana Quezada
ARTS on Campus Teaching Artist & ARTS Creative Collaborator

Adriana Quezada is a Mexican-born artist, illustrator, and educator whose work blends abstraction, vibrant color, and playful forms inspired by memory, mindfulness, and the beauty of small moments. With a background in graphic design and a focus on illustration and ceramics, her thoughtful, tactile practice often explores quiet observation and intentionality. She also teaches art to children and adults, creating welcoming spaces for creativity and exploration.

ARTS is thrilled to recognize Adriana for her inspiring work as a teaching artist in our ARTS on Campus program, as well as our very first “Creative Collaborator!” She has contributed her talent as an illustrator and graphic designer to the process, helping us develop the fun and creative branding for our Spring 2025 “Bright Lights” and “In Bloom” Youth Arts Festival events. Her enthusiasm and creativity have inspired us all.

Megan A.
ARTS on Campus Youth Artist

Megan is in the 5th grade at El Toyon Elementary. She enjoys art and creativity and loves doing projects that involve sewing, painting, and drawing. In her free time she enjoys sewing purses and drawing her favorite animals like pandas. Megan is excited to continue her work as an artist and creative with projects that involve all types of art forms. She enjoys visiting the pandas at the San Diego Zoo and having fun at Sea World.

“Megan A. is a bright light in the classroom—curious, creative, and always eager to learn. She brings a joyful energy to every project and collaborates beautifully with her peers. Megan has grown tremendously in her artistic abilities, and it's been a joy to watch her imagination come to life through her work. Kind, inquisitive, and full of heart, Megan is truly a gem of a student.” - Zadé Helena, ARTS on Campus Teaching Artist