Art for Planetary Health Creative Catalyst Workshop Series

Jose Lopez | Facilitator | Chula Vista

Jose is a South Bay native born and raised in National City. Passionate about art, he holds a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University in Art History and has dedicated his academic career to the field completing an Associates Degree in Art History and a Certificate Museum Studies. Jose’s experience in the non-profit sector ranges across substance use disorder programs, mental and behavioral health agencies, and work in the medical field. Currently, Jose is advancing youth voice and vision for a resilient and more equitable National City through creativity as the Advancement Coordinator at A Reason To Survive.

Carly Topazio | Panelist | Barrio Logan

Carly Topazio is the Founder, Artistic Director, and CEO of The Rosin Box Project (TRBP), San Diego’s contemporary ballet company dedicated to reimagining how dance is created and experienced. Since founding TRBP in 2018, she has grown it from a $5,000 grassroots endeavor into a thriving $500K nonprofit, commissioning more than 50 world premieres from both emerging local voices and celebrated choreographers from around the world. Under her leadership, TRBP has earned national recognition, performing at prestigious festivals including Dance St. Louis’ Spring to Dance and as a finalist two years in a row at the Palm Desert Choreography Festival, as well as forging partnerships with institutions like La Jolla Playhouse, and MCASD. Topazio’s vision extends beyond the stage—she has designed and expanded innovative education programs that bring arts-integrated dance education to thousands of K–12 students across San Diego, outreach and community programs delivering dance to new, underserved, and nontraditional spaces, and creating approachable, immersive experiences for new and seasoned audiences alike. She has secured and stewarded significant support from funders including the Prebys Foundation, California Arts Council, San Diego Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and The Parker Foundation. Her leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to increasing accessibility to dance and the arts, advancing equity for artists, and elevating the cultural landscape by nurturing art through the care and sustainability of its creators.

Novien Yarber | Panelist | Barrio Logan

Novien Yarber, known as “Dr. Novi,” is a San Diego-based civic leader, educator, and creative artist who bridges the worlds of art, creativity, and community transformation. Launching his journey through a celebrated dance career — with early credits like Nike, BET, FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, Ciara and Kanye West—he later pursued a MA and PhD in Leadership Studies to deepen his impact through education and philanthropy. Now leading impact assessment and learning at the Prebys Foundation, Dr. Novi continues to blend his artistic talents with his commitment to community development, emphasizing the role of creativity and adaptive leadership in service of community transformation.

Desireé Clarke Miller | Panelist | Barrio Logan

Desireé Clarke Miller is a director, actor, producer and the Executive Artistic Director of MOXIE Theatre in San Diego, CA. She received her BFA in Acting from AMDA and is a graduate of the British American Drama Academy.  Desireé is also a 2024 Old Globe Theatre Classical Directing Fellow. Select directing credits include [Title of Show] (New Village Arts), The Counter, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, Man and Moon, and Mother of the Maid (MOXIE Theatre), Monsters Of The American Cinema (Diversionary Theatre), Powers New Voices Festival: Community Voices (The Old Globe), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Reading, Coyote StageWorks- Desert Theatre League Award). Desireé also specializes in devised theatre with an emphasis on vulnerable populations.