Building Creative Futures: DMCT & LaunchPad Host 2025 Summit in Stamford
A day of creativity, collaboration, and career inspiration
On September 26th, LaunchPad once again joined forces with Digital Media Connecticut (DMCT) to co-host the 2025 DMCT Summit and competition at The Village in Stamford. The event brought together an incredible mix of college students, alumni, and industry leaders from across the creative economy — all united by a shared goal: to open doors for the next generation of storytellers, producers, and digital innovators.
Much like last year’s Summit, the energy in the room was electric. Students spent the day immersed in creative challenges, industry conversations, and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities designed to mirror the pace, collaboration, and problem-solving of a real creative agency. By day’s end, dozens of new connections had been made — and several students left with the confidence and clarity to take their next big step in the digital media world.
Real-World Creativity in Action
At the heart of the Summit were two team-based creative challenges. Working under tight deadlines, students had to concept, produce, and present digital campaigns that showcased their technical skills and storytelling abilities — all while collaborating in a simulated professional environment.
Guiding them through the process was an impressive roster of industry coaches and judges, including Caitlin Gray Stroll, Larry Settembrini, Ryan Newcomb, Mark Dixon, Jeff Fortmann, and Christina Chirona. Each expert played a hands-on role — pushing students to think bigger, refine their ideas, and communicate their visions effectively.
Congratulations to the winning team, whose creativity and collaboration shone through. Their pitch not only impressed the judges, but also demonstrated exactly what DMCT and LaunchPad are working to cultivate: readiness, resilience, and real-world skill.
Stories that Inspire
Two standout keynotes — Derek Ambrosi and Stephanie Leonard — anchored the day with stories of perseverance, growth, and success in the ever-evolving media industry.
Ambrosi, an editor behind Emmy Award–winning films, and Leonard, who rose to leadership roles at top companies like Netflix, each offered unique lessons on navigating career paths that don’t always follow a straight line. Their messages resonated deeply with students who are just beginning their own creative journeys.
Later in the day, the alumni panel brought the event’s message full circle. Sahil Laul, Christopher Orrico, and Noah Park, each recent graduates of DMCT programs, shared honest reflections on what it takes to build a career after college — from navigating first jobs to staying adaptable in an industry defined by rapid change.
For many students, hearing from people who were in their shoes not too long ago made the day’s lessons feel both real and achievable.
A Model for Collaboration and Opportunity
The DMCT Summit represents the very best of what happens when education, industry, and community come together with a shared purpose. Co-hosted by LaunchPad, the Connecticut Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media, and a powerful network of educators and employers, the event is more than just a competition — it’s a launchpad in every sense of the word.
The partnership between LaunchPad and DMCT has become a cornerstone of Connecticut’s growing creative ecosystem. Together, the two organizations are helping to retain and develop local talent, strengthen the pipeline between higher education and industry, and ensure that young adults from all backgrounds — including those facing socioeconomic barriers — can access meaningful opportunities in media, production, and design.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Summit underscored a simple but powerful truth: when talented young people are surrounded by mentors, given meaningful challenges, and placed in environments that mirror the real world, they rise to the occasion.
LaunchPad is proud to be part of that equation — helping students turn inspiration into action, and creativity into careers.
To all the speakers, judges, and partners who made the 2025 DMCT Summit a success — including Matthew Worwood, Brea T., George Norfleet, and the entire DMCT community — thank you. Events like this show what’s possible when organizations come together to open doors and reimagine the future of work.
The next generation of creatives is already here — and LaunchPad will be there to help them soar.
About Digital Media Connecticut
Digital Media Connecticut (DMCT) is a collaborative of CT higher education institutions working toward career development in film, television, and digital content creation. In close partnership with the Connecticut Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media, DMCT develops and works with educational programs that identify, nurture, and retain emerging talent for Connecticut's industry needs. Learn more at digitalmediact.com
About LaunchPad
LaunchPad creates access and opportunity for emerging, underrepresented talent in entertainment, sports, and media. Powered by Wheelhouse and the Village Community Foundation, LaunchPad helps young adults discover career paths, gain experience, and connect with internships and jobs that change their lives. Learn more at mylaunchpad.org.
