Alumni Success

Tell us about your involvement at SCC. 

My participation in SPPF provided me with an in-depth experience of how government works and culminated in my travel to Washington, D.C., where I had the opportunity to lobby members of Congress on higher education issues that mattered to me. It was also affirming to be honored at Excellence Under the Stars for my hard work and talent, and to be asked to submit a speech for consideration to be the SCC Commencement Student Speaker. I was recognized for my investment of time, energy, and talent in my schoolwork, and for that, I am most grateful.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Working full-time, I knew that someday I would return to school. Relatively new to married life, still working part-time and consumed with the role of caregiver for my mother (who was recovering from brain surgery), I realized that I needed to do something for myself. I had always loved riding horses and realized that my interest in horses could be an outlet and an opportunity for personal and professional growth, not to mention some much-needed self-care. Thus began my educational journey at SCC with a focus on Equine Science.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory is a one-to-one meeting with the SCC President, Dr. Jan Gehler, upon being selected to participate in the Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF). This opportunity was both rewarding and validating. Taking a class from the State Historian, Marshall Trimble, was also a very impactful experience. I was elated to receive one of his books, an acknowledgment of my commitment to learning all about Arizona history.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

My employment and caregiver responsibilities necessitated taking one or two classes a semester. At this pace, it was a long and challenging journey as I juggled multiple roles of employee, student, wife, and caregiver. While at SCC, I focused mostly on my Equine curriculum; however, I had several stand-out professors in my core education. I loved film, Spanish, English, and my amazing speech class with Professor Judy Balan.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC gave me the confidence to navigate life. I learned to ask questions and advocate for myself and others. I have continued my advocacy role as a Volunteer with Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, my appointment and service to both the Parks and Recreation Commission and Tourism Development Commission for the City of Scottsdale.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

I received several scholarships while at SCC as an adult re-entry student. My philanthropic spirit exemplifies my gratitude. I am now the proud donor of two scholarships established in 2021 to memorialize my parents and extend to others the financial support I received along my educational journey. These scholarships are: Robert Henry Karla Scholarship - Fish and Game, Sustainability, and Animal Husbandry, and Peggy Jane Karla Scholarship - Equine Science.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC.

Upon retiring after 30 years of service with Grainger Industrial Supply Company, I pursued my interest in travel and am now an independent Travel Advisor with ties to Virtuoso, providing the best travel experiences for my clients. I have volunteered with the Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship program for over 20 years. Camelot offers horsemanship-related services to children and adults with physical disabilities, a bridge leading to a life of freedom and self-fulfillment.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? 

The warm embrace you will receive from professors, instructors, counselors, and the staff is amazing. Everyone at SCC is ready to make your dreams come true. You are ageless as a member of the SCC campus community. I am very grateful to all the people who supported my journey. As someone who has invested significantly in the care of others, it’s very affirming to receive the care and support offered at SCC.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I attended SCC from 2000 to 2002 in the film production program and graduated with an Associate of Science degree, earning high honors. It was an incredible program and exactly what I needed at that stage in my life.

I was fortunate to learn from passionate instructors who took both the craft and the industry seriously. Eric Studd is one name I still remember, but truly, every instructor in the program made an impact. The program balanced creativity with practical production skills and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The film production program.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

One of my most impactful memories was being on campus on September 11, 2001. It was a difficult day for everyone, but I remember feeling grateful to be surrounded by the SCC community. The conversations we had in class that day, and the perspective our instructors shared, left a lasting impression on me.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

The program gave me the skills and confidence to move to Los Angeles after graduation and begin working in production. My career ultimately evolved into marketing and large-scale events, where I spent two decades producing global projects and living in cities like Los Angeles, London, and Las Vegas.

One of the most meaningful outcomes from SCC has been the network I built there. Many of the people I met during the program are still friends today, and several of us continue to work in production in different forms.

Another interesting thing about my journey is that my film degree has been a constant safety net. During major industry disruptions, the 2009 recession, the shutdown of live events during COVID in 2020, and a corporate layoff in 2025, I was able to return to film production work. Those technical skills have supported me throughout my career.

Please describe your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

Most of my time was focused on the film program itself. I also worked while attending school, so I wasn’t heavily involved in extracurricular activities. However, I was very committed to my studies and graduated with high honors.

The film program was very hands-on, so much of the learning happened directly through production projects and collaboration with classmates. Even without many extracurricular activities, the program itself created a strong sense of community and teamwork.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

After graduating from SCC, I moved to Los Angeles and began working in film production. Over time, my career expanded into experiential marketing and global events, where I spent nearly twenty years producing large-scale projects for companies such as Panasonic, Dell, Disney, NBC Universal, Dassault Falcon, and Bombardier.

My work has taken me to cities around the world, including London, Saint Petersburg, Cape Town, and Singapore, where I’ve led creative and production teams delivering global brand experiences.

Today, I run my own consulting studio focused on experiential marketing and event strategy, while also continuing to collaborate on film and animation projects.

After this recent career transition, I also decided to finish my undergraduate degree. I’m currently a senior at Western Governors University and expect to graduate at the end of this term. I plan to continue with an MBA to further strengthen and future-proof my career.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

SCC is an excellent place to begin your journey, whether you are pursuing a career-ready program like film production or culinary arts, or completing general education before transferring to a university.

It’s an affordable way to build real skills, explore your interests, and gain momentum toward a career. In today’s world, having a degree helps open doors, and SCC is a great place to start building that foundation

How has SCC helped influence your success?

It has helped tremendously! Having teachers that are so supportive and encouraging changes everything! My experience at ASU was not the same, I enjoyed my time at SCC more.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

The teachers cared about giving the best education and wanted to watch you grow. No matter who you are, you were welcomed with open arms and taught how to be the best version of yourself.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

It was amazing! I loved every part of it. My teachers set me up for success and did everything they could to teach me how to be the best designer.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

It has brought me a lot of value. It taught me to think professionally before being out in the field and how to be professional when the time came.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Meeting Peggy Deal. She absolutely changed my life and will always be one of the most important moments in my life. She is so caring and dedicated to her students, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the support and care she provided. Appreciate everything you have while you're at SCC, you will miss it beyond belief!

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

I came back to visit maybe 1.5-2 years ago! I got to see Bernie and the new classroom too. I was welcomed with hugs and it felt amazing to be back.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

You will not get an education as great as this anywhere else. I went to ASU too, and my time there doesn't even come close to this. The friends I made, projects created, connections achieved, are completely unmatched. I would come back in a heartbeat! SCC made me who I am today, and seriously changed my life for the best. Some people frown upon going to a Community College, but it was the best experience I ever had in my life!

What are you doing now and for whom?

Always an enthusiastic professional, I recently established my own freelance graphic design business, Jules Design Studio, LLC. Working steadily with small business clients with branding and marketing collateral, I recently signed on to be a corporate freelance for bigger companies like Fox Restaurant Concepts and True Food Kitchen. Projects range from designing animated social media graphics, everyday print ads, promotional items, web and digital ads and even some typographical murals that go inside the restaurants. This contractual work gives me the benefit and security of working for big companies, but still be my own boss.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

By completing my AA in Film Production and expanding my portfolio, I got accepted into the prestigious USC (University of Southern California) School of Cinematic Arts.

Please tell us about your experience at SCC.

I really enjoyed my time at SCC. The opportunity to work on many classmates' student films, as well as making my own, provided me with a strong foundation for starting my professional career in entertainment.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

I won Best Short Drama at the SCC MPTV (Motion Picture Television) Film Festival in my senior year. I still have the award in my office!

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

My time at SCC provided me with my first experiences running film sets, which I’ll never forget. From directing to boom operating, I got to try everything. Building a portfolio of films and scripts was invaluable and helped me transition into the competitive film industry in Hollywood.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

AA Film Production

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC.

I recently launched a virtual reality game called The Phoenix Gene on Meta Quest and SteamVR. In 2026, I will begin launching a six-book series from the same franchise. I've already published six books, created and executive-produced TLC's hit show, My Giant Life, which aired for 3 seasons, as well as A&E's Born Behind Bars. As Vice President of Film & TV for AfterShock Comics, I adapted comic books optioned by Hulu, Legendary, and Universal. I produced the Oscar-qualified animated film, The Wrong Rock, and have been involved in numerous international co-productions. And it all started at SCC!

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

Attending a community college was the best decision because it was an affordable option and provided the opportunity to build a strong base. I saved a fortune by going to the University of Southern California (USC) for two years instead of four, and I was able to experiment and find my voice while learning the basics of film production in a safe and inclusive environment before moving to Hollywood. Without the confidence I learned at SCC and the opportunity to expand my portfolio, I would have struggled to find my place as quickly.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC offered an affordable path to go to school. The ASU transfer pathway was very straightforward; I was able to start my education in community college and finish at ASU. If it were not for SCC, I would not be where I am today.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I took various classes from DJing to biology to nutrition. SCC offered a wide variety of programs to help me find my passion. I enjoyed the campus, staff, and my classmates.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Location and affordability.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

Discovering my passion for nutrition. Props to Robert Martin for being an awesome nutrition professor! I really enjoyed all of his classes.

After leaving SCC, did you get a job or did you transfer to a university?

I Transferred to ASU

What are you doing now and for whom?

With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Arizona State University, I’ve been a registered dietitian for over six years, offering evidence-based counseling that’s approachable and effective. I specialize in working with busy professionals ready to prioritize their health. My focus areas include improving energy levels, creating balanced eating habits, managing stress, and building a healthier relationship with food. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Nutrition Coach, I've guided countless clients towards healthy and sustainable lifestyles through personalized nutrition plans and motivational coaching.

I’m also proud to bring a creative edge to my coaching thanks to my 17-year career as a DJ aka DJ Hemmesphere—an experience that helps me connect with clients juggling irregular hours and high-pressure lives. Outside of work, I’m still spinning records and chasing adventures. Whether I’m DJing a set, traveling, or enjoying a Sunday brunch with friends, I’m always looking for ways to embrace balance.

I became a dietitian because I believe health should never feel out of reach, no matter how fast-paced or unconventional your lifestyle. Whether I'm behind the turntables or supporting clients in their health journeys, my mission remains the same: to inspire, uplift, and bring joy to those I serve.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

There are many different classes and options at SCC. The campus is well-kept and conveniently located off the freeway. The faculty is helpful and supportive. I enjoyed my time at SCC.