Exploring kyoto + wearing a kimono for the first time!

Meet our 2026 Development & Communications Summer Intern, Olivia Lampel!

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi! My name is Olivia, and I’m VC’s Development and Communications intern this summer! I am a rising Junior at Occidental College, where I major in Sociology, and minor in Media Arts and Culture. I was born in Tokyo, Japan, but have lived in LA for the past 5 years, so I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in West coast communities. Apart from studying social work and media, I have also been training to become a professional dancer since I was eight years old, making the performing arts a big part of my identity and lifestyle. I have taught many classes, performed in big competitions and exhibitions (Anderson Paak’s music festival being my most recent), and even choreographed my own stage pieces in high school, and for Occidental’s biggest on-campus club, DancePro!

How did you hear about Visual Communications and what drew you to apply?

I learned about VC through Occidental’s InternLA program where students are given the opportunity to work with various non-profit organizations. As I browsed for exciting future opportunities, VC’s strong message towards preserving and sharing AAPI narratives through visual arts immediately caught my attention. Being devoted to social justice and the arts, I’ve always wanted to shed light on inequalities through the powerful medium art provides. Seeing how VC found a way to bridge those two fields, I knew this organization was one I wanted to be a part of. I’ve been fortunate to do similar work as Occidental’s Japanese Student Association’s Social Media Coordinator, where we prioritize building and strengthening our campus’ knowledge of Japanese culture through hosting community-bonding events, and capturing these moments to share on our social media platforms for everyone to see. Also, as a Japanese American who has learned about the hardships Nisei communities faced, VC’s films, such as Hito Hata and Stand For Justice, inspired me to continue sharing stories that might otherwise go unheard.

What do you hope to learn from this internship?

As this is my first intern experience, I am truly open to learning everything, from how to effectively support my fellow team members, to expanding my storytelling skills. I am also eager to further my historical understanding of AAPI narratives by exploring VC’s rich and detailed archival works. Given that I have some experience in media and marketing, I am also excited to further and deepen my skills through learning how to appropriately spread VC’s message!

MBTI: I/ENFJ-A

Artists on Repeat: Djo, Kaytranada, SZA

3 Favorite Films: Any Studio Ghibli Movie (Spirited Away being my fav!), Crazy Stupid Love, Barbie

Favorite Place in the World: Tokyo or Yogurtland;)

What do you like to do in your free time?: Apart from dancing, I love finding yummy food spots with my friends, having deep philosophical conversations at midnight, baking new sweet treat recipes I find online, traveling, dressing up just to take some cute pictures, and listening to as much music as possible (Djo is my current obsession)

Hidden Talent: Pitch memory/relativity! I can sing/hum songs in the exact key the artist sings it in without hearing it right away (not always perfect though…)

Hot Take: Overhead lighting is criminal.

Restaurant Recommendation: Ramen Tatsunoya in Old Town Pasadena has THE best ramen in SoCal! The Jun Tonkotsu Light (w/egg and corn additions) is my favorite, plus their gyoza is insane as well.

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Meet a VC Intern: Olivia Lampel