Meet KPA's Thelma Herrera
Wilmington Waterfront
A recent design project
We’d like to introduce Thelma Herrera, Senior Project Manager and Creative Director for Katherine Padilla & Associates. Thelma’s work with KPA combines her communication and design skills with a desire to support important projects that make a lasting difference in community members’ lives.
Thelma, how many years have you been with KPA?
I’ve been with KPA 17 years. Times flies!
What are you most memorable projects and why? Gosh, there are several, but I will highlight just two of them for now: Wilmington Waterfront because it provided a place for families and children to enjoy. The result was a little oasis in the midst of an industrial area. We were proud when it won a prize too! East San Fernando Valley Light Rail is a project with many challenges since it touches several cities. It has been a dream to help advance the project from its infancy phase. Working hand-in-hand with the community throughout all these years to bring it to this point; the Valley’s first light rail! How awesome for the community, and I’m proud to have played a role.
Do you have a favorite graphic you’ve created?
I cannot say I have a favorite really. Every time I work on a new one, it represents a challenge to make it better than any of the ones before. My greatest satisfaction is to know that it meets the client’s vision.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working? I like to go for walks, perhaps explore a place, listen to music, meet with friends, go out to eat!
Could you please share with us a favorite inspirational quote?
I’ll share a quote that speaks to me personally and professionally:
“Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.” Henri Nouwen
Any fun facts about yourself that you’d like to share?
Hmmm, I like to eat different foods; it’s one of my greatest joys! I won’t say no to exploring foreign foods.