Awards & recognition
Children's literature
Winner — Lee & Low New Voices Award
2022
Carren is the New Voices Award winner for her picture book manuscript, “The Shape of Love,” which paints a vibrant, evocative portrait of a mother staying connected to her family by sending treats and supplies back to the Philippines through the tradition of balikbayan boxes. Publication forthcoming.
Winner — 2023 Mentee
PB Rising Stars
Selected as one of 25 mentees out of more than 2,500 applicants for the PB Rising Stars Picture Book program. This program pairs agented picture book creators with the next generation of children’s book authors and illustrators for an immersive, custom mentorship experience that is more than just a critique.
Journalism & content
Nominated — Best Feature Segment
2023 L.A. Area Emmy Awards
Nominated for a short video celebrating Black joy, community, and healing by telling the story of Bruce Talamon, then an aspiring photographer, whose life forever changed because of Wattstax. He has since then photographed R&B and funk royalty.
Winner — Best News Feature, Music/Culture/Performing Arts
2023 SoCal Journalism Awards
Recognized for a long-form arts feature on the work of Phung Huynh at the LAC + USC Medical Center entitled “Beautiful Strength: ‘Sobrevivir’ Pays Homage to the Women Coerced to Sterilization in 1960s and ’70s L.A.” The judges praised the “well-written and interesting history lesson” where the “story behind the artist and the installation is skillfully interwoven.”
1st Runner Up — Best Personality Profile
2023 SoCal Journalism Awards
Recognized for a long-form arts feature on Narsiso Martinez entitled “Oaxacan Farmworker Turned Artist Reveals Struggles in the Fields.” His mixed media installations juxtapose portraits of farmworkers and agricultural landscapes against cardboard produce boxes. Drawing from his own experience as a farmworker, his work amplifies the people who fill produce sections and restaurant kitchens around the country.
Winner — Outstanding Lifestyle Feature Award
American Society of Journalists and Authors
Recognized for an arts feature entitled “Beautiful Strength: ‘Sobrevivir’ Pays Homage to the Women Coerced to Sterilization in 1960s and ’70s L.A.” The judges “felt this piece was powerful, gut-wrenching, beautiful, and inspirational.”
Winner — Best Fine Arts Feature
2022 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards
Recognized for a feature story on “In Plain Sight,” a massive 80-artist collaboration in support of immigrant rights. Written with Mia Nakaji Monnier. Judges commented: “Interesting, articulate, understandable coverage of an impressive, massive collaboration.”
1st Runner Up — Best Online Culture News
2021 Southern California Journalism Awards
Recognized for a feature story called “‘In Plain Sight’: 80 Artists Take Over the Skies in Support of Immigrant Rights.”
2nd Runner Up — Best Music/Arts/Entertainment Feature
2021 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards
Recognized for a long-form arts feature published on a beloved L.A. landmark entitled “Riots, Love Fests, Buried Secrets: Griffith Park’s Hidden Histories.”
1st Runner Up — Best Individual Blog
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2015 Southern California Journalism Awards
Recognized for work done on KCET’s Confluence, a blog about issues and developments along the Los Angeles River.
Finalist — Best Online Journalist
2015 Southern California Journalism Awards
Recognized for work done on KCET’s Confluence, a blog about issues and developments along the Los Angeles River.