As the Executive Director and CEO for the Advertising Photographers of America- Los Angeles Chapter (APA-LA), Raquel Castaneda acts as liaison and advocate to the 1,200 commercial photographers that make up APA-LA’s membership. Castaneda oversees the resources, networking socials and educational series designed to mentor and motivate advertising photographers, while continually supporting the industry. Creating savvy, non-traditional ways of adding value to APA-LA and its membership is Castaneda’s forte. She produces and promotes innovative programs and events, such as the progressive Digital Series – a favorite for those that like to be on the cutting edge of technology. Her highly successful inspirational series with Canon brings leading professionals to sold-out lectures at the Pacific Design Center.