What if creativity could change someone’s entire future?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Diane Strand, an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of JDS Creative Academy, to explore how the arts are opening doors for foster youth, at-risk teens, and neurodiverse adults.

Diane shares her journey from working on major productions like General Hospital and Friends to building a mission-driven organization that blends creativity with career development. Through hands-on training in visual, performing, and digital arts, she’s helping individuals gain confidence, skills, and real-world opportunities.

You’ll learn:

• How the arts can create real career pathways
• Why inclusion is a powerful business strategy
• The truth about dyslexia and creativity
• How small opportunities can transform lives
• Ways to support and get involved

Links Mentioned:

• https://jdscreativeacademy.org
  
  
• https://jdsstudio.live
  
  
• https://digifesttemecula.org
  
  

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