Carey Peña launched her company, Inspired Media 360, her vision was to expand outside of her role as a television news reporter and anchor, and create multi-layered digital content.
“I also wanted to make more platforms for good to inspire others,” she says.
Part of her journey has included purchasing a building in Phoenix and creating her own studio location.
Her background, vision, and studio turned out to be fortuitous when COVID-19 hit. With nonprofits forced to cancel their usual in-person yearly fundraising events, Peña was ready to help them create a virtual option.
“It all began with Phoenix Children's Hospital,” she says. “I was the host of their in-person event, which had to be canceled as the pandemic approached. We turned their event into a virtual experience, and it was a big hit.
“Next came Valleywise Health alongside my friend, Letitia Frye, and after that, the floodgate of possibilities cracked wide open. We are already booking virtual fundraising shows and hybrids into next year.”
Peña’s specialty is creating TV shows and digital TV experiences.
“So, if an organization wishes to go virtual, I look at whether they seek a fully formed show. If so, I build a rundown and look at how to advance the storyline and reach new supporters and donors,” she explains. “It's also essential to me that each show is unique. We build out custom sets and write, or take part in writing, all of the scripts to be TV-friendly. Sometimes I host the event myself, but I have also enjoyed playing the role of executive producer.”
So far, Peña has also created virtual events for organizations ranging from Habitat For Humanity, Arizona Foundation for Women, and St. Jude, to HonorHealth, Phoenix Indian Center, and Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. She’s also hosting the American Heart Association’s national awards from her Phoenix studio.
Peña looks forward to helping organizations, in any way she can.
“I'm a creative person, and I look at every production, project, and show as a blank slate. So, every day is new. It's a bonus working alongside organizations that are making communities better on so many levels.”