✨May 8th Event, Ft. Phil Sakanashi and Joe Hernandez-Kolski!☀️
• – • CTRL Collective Pasadena
A two-time HBO Def Poet and Emmy Award-Winner, Joe Hernández-Kolski is a poet/comedian/educator committed to effecting positive social change while making people laugh. He performs his unique blend of comedy and spoken word poetry at colleges and high schools nationwide, combining the performance with a writing workshop. He currently works as the resident writer/comedian for UnidosUS, the country’s largest Latine civil rights organization. Born and raised in the city of Chicago, Joe now represents the tough streets of Mar Vista. He is a graduate of Princeton University where he studied under Dr. Cornel West and Toni Morrison. He is the proud host and co-founder of Downbeat 720, an open stage for teens now in its 24th year. TV credits include playing the Rapper on “Gilmore Girls” and Dr. Maurice Acevedo on “Law & Order.” For more info: pochojoe.com or follow @pochojoe
Local partners
Global Partner — Adobe
Adobe empowers everyone, everywhere to imagine, create, and bring any digital experience to life. From creators and students to small businesses, global enterprises, and nonprofit organizations — customers choose Adobe products to ideate, collaborate, be more productive, drive business growth, and build remarkable experiences.
CTRL Collective Pasadena is nestled in the heart of beautiful & historic Old Town - the business center of Pasadena. We are the hub for aspiring and established entrepreneurs who aim to create, mold, and shape the future – in an all inclusive environment designed to evoke innovation and propel new ideas. Our membership options range from part-time, full-time, Dedicated Desks, Private Offices, a Training room and our new Podcast studio.
Annie Choi always wanted to open a coffee shop in Los Angeles—a place where stories and community come together in a city that can often feel isolating. Inspired by her parents’ decades of small business ownership and after leaving a career in television post production, she built her experience as General Manager of Demitasse Santa Monica, advancing from intern to manager in four months. Annie launched Found Coffee in February 2015 to create the kind of community she values. Celebrating #FoundsBig10 in May 2025 was amazing – Annie would love to open a second location by the end of 2027.
Location
Hosted at
CTRL Collective Pasadena
45 S. Arroyo Parkway
Pasadena, California United States 91105
When
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