Armando Somoza is a NYC-based new media artist, social entrepreneur, and educator and has committed his life’s work to the empowerment of young people through the fusion of education and the creative arts. He is committed to the creative application of digital technologies as an agent of provocation, education, community empowerment, and change. Armando holds a MFA in Electronic Media, Art & Design. He serves as the Program Manager of The Academy at Urban Arts Partnership. The Academy is a program for high school students rooted in social-justice and designed as a space for advanced art programs, leadership development, and academic excellence. The Academy’s mission is to promote the intellectual, social and artistic development of underserved public school students and close the achievement gap by delivering cutting-edge arts programs designed to develop student voice, strengthen academic performance and position graduates as agents of change in their communities.