Gia Del Pino is taking on a new assignment at Arizona Arts as the Student Programs Coordinator for the JustArts Fellows, after nearly two years as the marketing specialist at the Center for Creative Photography.
Del Pino earned her MFA at the University of Florida in art and technology and is currently working on her PhD at the University of Arizona School of Art, studying Art and Visual Culture Education.
The JustArts Fellowship, co-developed with students and Dr. Amy Kraehe, launched in 2022. The program empowers students to address campus challenges through the arts.
In her new role, Gia will work closely with emerging artists and scholars, supporting their exploration to create a better, more just world on-campus and beyond.
Tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to this position?
In my role as Marketing Specialist at the Center for Creative Photography (CCP), I managed digital content and strategic communications, collaborating closely with curatorial and educational teams to amplify our resources. This experience has deepened my commitment to narrative change and community empowerment, which I’m eager to bring to the JustArts Fellowship.
I deeply appreciate how this program fosters a sense of belonging and empowers students to become agents of change. I’m excited to contribute my skills in communication and community engagement to support and elevate the impactful work of the JustArts Fellowship.
How does the JustArts Fellowship empower students?
The JustArts Fellowship is all about empowering students to tackle the issues that matter most to them. I love that it’s an opportunity to dream up creative solutions, collaborate with peers and Arizona Arts mentors, and turn those ideas into something real. I appreciate that Fellows receive a stipend and a dedicated project budget, making sure financial barriers don’t stand in the way of their visions.
For me, the JustArts Fellowship isn’t just about creative projects—it’s about building connections, amplifying student voices, and making the university a more welcoming space where everyone can thrive. I can’t wait to see what this year’s Fellows will create and accomplish.
How do you support JustArts Fellows in their projects?
We support our Fellows primarily through regular meetings. We bring in outstanding guest speakers who provide practical advice and inspiration. We provide one-on-one mentoring sessions and connect our Fellows with departments across campus, giving them the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences and strategies they can carry with them beyond the classroom.
A couple of the especially impactful speakers were Elena Calderon, a graduate assistant, who specializes in arts-based research and Feng-Feng, founder of the Chinese Chorizo Project, who offered insights into community activism and social impact work.
What advice would you give to prospective applicants?
My advice would be to dream big and apply. We are still taking applications for next year.
How has the JustArts Fellowship’s influence extended beyond campus?
Many JustArts Fellows projects have centered on community issues. Last year, Diego Gonzelez built last connections within local schools by bringing dance and movement to their classroom. Anna Peng combatted social isolation with music programs designed with elders in the Chinese immigrant community. This year Ruben Reynoso broaden access to community-created zines through his digital archiving workshop.
These projects not only educate and inspire but also forge meaningful connections between the campus and the community.
What excites you about the future of the JustArts Fellowship?
Inspired by the Well-Being Project, which offers profound insights on this topic, I’m reminded of a powerful quote:
“Change makers are on the front lines of the world’s biggest challenges. They are activists, community health workers, social entrepreneurs, teachers, nurses, social workers, and much more. Their work helps build a more caring and healthier world, but it comes with great risks. Change makers often face burnout—both personally and in the communities they serve.”
Supporting students as change makers isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about prioritizing their well-being and helping them sustain their passion and creativity. It’s a holistic approach that will continue to shape and strengthen the program’s impact.