Neo Medina: Advocate at Appleton Area School District and Artist at Someday Studios
Q: Looking back, what personal experiences or milestones have had the greatest influence on your professional success?
One of my favorites has to be the Paint the City project I created. It is such a large-scale community-based project that draws on the leadership of our youth in Appleton. I am honored to have been building a platform to amplify their voices and celebrate our community.
Q: What role do you think young leaders play in shaping the future of communities?
From my lens, we have an opportunity to guide and steer our community towards ideals to strive for. We spend the time building below the waterline, making connections, eliminating barriers and pushing for change so that the future means more love and more life.
Q: What’s a failure or setback you experienced that ended up being a stepping stone to something greater?
When I was 19, I landed in some pretty significant trouble with the law that really upended my life. It took a while, but looking back now I see that that part of my journey plays an integral role in who I am today. It motivates me to continue to live as an example of how our mistakes do not define us. It also has helped me into spaces of keynote speaking, and of course advocacy.
Q: What is one cause or issue that you’re especially passionate about, and why?
Advocacy for our children of color is incredibly important to me because I am one. While we don’t have all of the same stories, there are similarities. The lack of opportunity, and the lowered standards for achievement but heightened standards when it comes to consequences, are all the things I’m against. Whether it be through art, advocacy or both, I am doing my best to walk in my truth so children from similar places see that we can all make it.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about your field or industry?
I wish people understood what a powerful vehicle art is. Here in the Fox Valley, I am doing my best to cultivate our own little renaissance so that through public art our community can see and feel what it can do.
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