Steven Saldana
- Owner/Co Founder
- Studio Saldana and XLABS
School Information
School: George Mason University
College Major: Other
Years at College Works: 2000 to 2001
Career Information
Working For: Studio Saldana and XLABS
Title: Owner/Co Founder
Industry: Software
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
My studio is based in New York City. We photograph locally as well as internationally, featured in Vogue, New York Magazine among others. As Co Founder at XLABS some of my responsibilities include: Corporate Operations, Business Development, Human Resource Management, Negotiation, Financial Planning and Forecasting, Product Development Oversight, and Fundraising.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Quitting the corporate world and controlling my own destiny.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting is the reason why I am who I am today.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
Immensely, primarily with the foundation of learning I acquired while in the program.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Grit and Perseverance.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound re-invention.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Jumping out of a plane with Jed Albiston and Seth Bailey.
Last words of wisdom?
If you find something you could be passionate about, give it a shot. You will never know until you take that first step. Regret is your worst enemy. What will separate you from the rest is grit and perseverance. Don’t let the criticism hold you down. Instead, try to find a positive out of every situation you encounter. A positive mind will lead to positive outcomes.