Studio To Be is a creative media and consulting agency supporting artists, journalists and organizations with strategy, growth, and impact. The work we do is centered on collaboration, courage, and creating opportunities for women and BIPOC creatives in media.
THE TEAM
The Studio To Be team is a group of creatives and thought leaders with backgrounds in arts, nonprofits, journalism, and broadcasting.
Joaquin Alvarado, Co-Founder
Executive Producer + Strategy
Oakland born and raised, Joaquin is a proven and provocative media leader with over 20 years of success developing innovative approaches, programing and organizations. From strategy to sustainability, Joaquin has been a part of some of the most widely recognized and substantial initiatives in public service journalism and media.
Mihae Jung Lozano, Project Manager
Mihae brings an interdisciplinary and creative lens to problem solving. Her background firmly sits on public health, clinical social work, and policy advocacy, but also storytelling and narrative building which she studied. Outside of work, she teaches yoga, trains jiu-jitsu, and writes stories/essays.
Joel Juarez, Multimedia Producer + Director
Joel is a prolific filmmaker who also produces and directs Television Pilots and commercials for L.A. and Mexican production companies. Joel’s films have been aired on Showtime Networks, have won International Film Festivals, and he has been awarded multiple Director’s Guild of America Awards. Joel’s goal is to illuminate our understanding and place on our planet, forging life-long collaborations.
Athena Alvarado, Editor
Athena is a master of editing with a passion for all things film. She has an eye for detail and a knack for making even the most mundane interesting. When she is not sitting behind her gigantic monitors she is hanging out with her bunny, watching movies and making amazing cocktails.
Ken Ikeda, Co-Founder
Executive Producer + Talent
In his many lives, Ken has focused on infrastructure and pathways for change. His work as a nonprofit executive in media production, training and advocacy, has helped shape a network of co-conspirators, friends and courageous allies who contribute community and purpose to every experience. As former CEO of AIR, co-founder of a hip hop label, Executive Director of BAVC, head of a public radio/tv M&A operation, founder of a youth media organization for high schoolers, and architect of what is now NPR Live Sessions, the network is unique in its breadth. While life and work are intertwined, his world revolves around his partner and three boys in Oakland. When not with them, you might find him riding, breaking, and fixing motorcycles.