On November 7, 2025, a line of excited creators and artists wrapped around the entrance of Snap Inc.’s Santa Monica headquarters. The Snap Foundation and the Creative Futures Collective welcomed illustrators, filmmakers, designers, writers, and emerging innovators to FUTURES SUMMIT LA25, a gathering built around one shared intention: creating a space where creativity and opportunity could meet. For a full recap of the Summit and all the incredible panels, read the official press coverage here.
Inside, the momentum only grew. Broad City creator and A League of Their Own star Abbi Jacobson took the stage for a lively discussion about creative courage, identity, and finding one’s voice in today’s changing media landscape. Later, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Jonze joined writer, director, and comedian Ayo Edebiri for a candid fireside chat, exploring how creativity can reshape cultural narratives and foster deeper human connection. Hands shot up across the room as attendees eagerly asked questions about craft, career, and finding their voice. The day unfolded as a rich experience of learning, mentorship, and inspiration.
FUTURES SUMMIT LA25 was more than a gathering. It was a tangible expression of the Snap Foundation’s mission to support young and underrepresented creatives. Throughout the day, panels and conversations offered honest insight into what it means to work in the creative economy. Speakers shared not only the rewards of creative careers but also the challenges, sacrifices, and perseverance behind them.
In the workshops and mentorship rooms, emerging creators received direct guidance that many had never had access to before. These sessions offered advice on building careers, navigating creative industries, and pursuing personal projects with confidence. Notably, CFC partnered with Proctor & Gamble x H&K to host a workshop on working with consumer brands. Three young creators won paid contracts to create social content for Swiffer at the Latin Grammy's (you can see a piece of the winning content here). Community spaces were filled with meaningful conversations and connections, and many young people met mentors or peers they could relate to. In every corner, the event’s commitment to opportunity, equity, and access was clear.
The Connection Lab was alive with activity, featuring portfolio reviews, live job listings, and one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry leaders from Snap, 101 Studios, Burson, and Big Machine Publishing. Panelists and judges also enjoyed exclusive wellness experiences provided by the national brand Pause Studios.
Several moments stood out, not only for their content but also for their emotional power. Across multiple panels, a recurring theme emerged. Creatives spoke openly about identity, survival, and staying true to your path even when only you can see where you are headed. The courage to be different and to honor your individuality became a powerful thread throughout the event.
Between sessions, emerging creators shared their own aspirations, including young artists hoping to build meaningful creative careers. These conversations reflected the broader spirit of the day: a community eager not only to succeed but also to uplift one another.
Highlights included the CFC Grant Pitching Competition, presented by MaCher, which awarded $18,000 in impact grants to Creative Futures Collective alumni whose work pushes the boundaries of creativity. Three finalists took the stage to pitch their projects in real time to a panel of judges and a live audience.
The $10,000 grand prize went to Los Angeles-based multi-hyphenate Natasha Ofili, a deaf actor, writer, and filmmaker. Her pitch for a horror film rooted in her lived experience was powerful and deeply personal. She spoke about growing up captivated by movies and longing to see stories that reflected deaf individuals like her. Her project aims to expand accessibility and representation in a film landscape where the deaf community is often overlooked.
When Natasha’s name was announced, the room erupted. Attendees rose to their feet in celebration of a creator whose voice deserves to be seen and heard. It was a moment of affirmation and community impact, and a clear reflection of the purpose behind the Summit: uplifting emerging talent and opening doors that have historically remained closed.
Finalists Steven Tucker of Chicago and Dhara Patel of Miami also received $4,000 grants honoring their work at the intersection of art and activism, further underscoring the breadth of talent and vision present at the Summit.
Throughout the day, the Summit felt like a living ecosystem of creativity inviting an exchange of ideas, shared contact information, and even compliments on one another’s vibrant fashion choices.
In the panels, speakers engaged in conversations about creativity, representation, and the evolving landscape of work in the arts and media. Speakers included industry leaders and rising talents such as Cindy James of Virgin Music, Erica Coates from the American Advertising Foundation, DIXSON of Roc Nation and Sony Music Publishing, Naiomi Glasses, a former CFC mentee and Artist-in-Residence at Ralph Lauren, Raven Jackson, Gabe Saporta of TAG Music, Brandon J. McLaren, Ke’Era Ingram of Weber Shandwick, Tumi Adelye from Snap, and Chris Ying of Momofuku and Majordomo Media.
A message echoed throughout the day. Your creative path belongs to you, and it is completely valid even if you are the only one who can see it. Hearing panelists speak candidly about trusting their instincts, taking unconventional routes, and embracing difference was powerful and encouraging.
The Summit wrapped up with the UnTalent Happy Hour, presented by Red Bull Records and featuring DJ Lauren Brinee. Drinks were provided by Tom Holland’s premium non-alcoholic brand Bero, Crowns & Hops, an award-winning Black- and Veteran-owned company, and The Evolved Co., makers of <33 Advanced Frequency-Enabled Water.
FUTURES SUMMIT LA25 showed that the creative community in Los Angeles is vibrant, eager, and ready to grow together. It also demonstrated that when young people are given opportunities to connect, access mentorship, and gain resources, they rise, connect, and shine.
This work does not end here. The Summit is part of the Snap Foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for young creatives. One of those ongoing resources is The Creator’s Compass, a weekly guide built to grow alongside young creatives. Each issue includes opportunities, practical tools, tutorials, jobs, and spotlights on creators doing meaningful work. It also shares stories that reflect real lived experiences and builds a community that supports creative journeys and future possibilities.
The day was a testament to the power of community, creativity, and intentional access. It highlighted how meaningful connections, mentorship, and opportunities can help young creatives thrive and shape the future of the arts. The Summit may have ended, but its impact continues as these emerging creators take their next steps, supported by mentorship, resources, and a community cheering them on. The Snap Foundation continues to nurture emerging talent through programs, grants, and initiatives that foster opportunity and growth.
