A Regional Legacy Moving Forward

Carla Guajardo is a distinguished dance educator, choreographer, and executive leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of artistic excellence and social advocacy. As Chief Executive Officer, Carla integrates rigorous academic research with high-level conservatory training to redefine the role of dance in youth development.

She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a credential that informs her evidence-based approach to pedagogy and organizational leadership.

Carla's leadership is grounded in kinesiology and injury prevention, ensuring the next generation of performers is trained with a focus on longevity and physical wellness. She views dance as a tool for identity formation, social justice, community building, and self-advocacy for diverse youth populations.

As Teen Director at South Coast Conservatory, Carla mentors young dancers through professional auditions, elite collegiate dance programs, and the expansion of SCC's Teacher Apprentice Program.

Jena Minnick-Bull is an arts executive, educator, and community activist who has spent over three decades at the intersection of high-caliber performing arts and sustainable workforce development.

As the Owner and Director of South Coast Conservatory since 2002, Jena has transformed a local institution into a regional powerhouse while fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.

With an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology and a BS in Marketing, Jena brings fiscal stewardship and operational discipline to arts nonprofit work. Her career includes launching the Teacher Apprentice Program, supporting scholarship access, and expanding public-private partnerships through ELOP-connected dance and drama programming.

Through the Alliance, Jena is building a professional ecosystem that gives youth tangible pathways in the performing arts and reinforces the belief that the arts are an essential public good.

Amelia Martin is a seasoned arts administrator and educator dedicated to creating structured, high-impact pathways for youth in the performing arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from CSU Fullerton and is pursuing a master's degree in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University.

Since joining South Coast Conservatory in 2019, Amelia has served as Ballet Conservatory Assistant Director, Pre-Academy Director, and Academies Director, overseeing pedagogical standards and operational growth for students from early childhood development to pre-professional excellence.

Amelia manages the Before and After School Education program and College for Kids in partnership with Saddleback College. Her work helps expand dance education through collegiate-level community programs, public school scheduling, and accessible arts instruction.

As Secretary of the Board, Amelia provides administrative backbone for organizational transparency and sustainable growth while designing programs that are artistically vibrant and logistically sound.