Hello everyone,

My name is Kaily, and I’m helping my dear friend Dia Cordova raise funds to continue her education at Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD).

Dia is a 31-year-old artist currently living in Laguna Beach. She grew up in Acapulco, Mexico, and moved to the United States in 2015 to pursue her dream of becoming a professional skimboarder. That dream became a reality when she became the first woman from Mexico to be sponsored, working with Victoria Skimboards here in Laguna Beach. Through years of dedication, athletic discipline, and deep community involvement, Dia built a life rooted in creativity, movement, and connection.

Several years ago, Dia began feeling a strong pull back toward art. After taking a mandala workshop, she started painting again and experienced a profound creative reawakening. What began as personal healing quickly expanded into something bigger. Dia began teaching workshops, working in children’s and outdoor education, and creating spaces for women to reconnect with their creativity, their bodies, and their inner spark. Art became not just expression, but a way of bringing people together.

If you’ve ever attended one of Dia’s community art workshops, you know the love and intention she pours into everything she does. She truly uplifts and gives back to the community by offering others a safe, supportive space to explore their own creativity.

Two years ago, Dia made the courageous decision to formally pursue art education. She built a portfolio, applied, and was accepted to Laguna College of Art & Design, one of the top art colleges in the area. This milestone came after a long period of dedication and preparation—and during a time of significant life transition. Despite emotional and financial uncertainty, Dia chose to move forward, investing her own savings and trusting her inner knowing that this was the path she was meant to take.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions she has ever made.

Art school became a lifeline. Dia thrived creatively, built meaningful connections, and found purpose during a time that could have otherwise felt overwhelming and isolating. She performed well academically while navigating grief, transition, and rebuilding her life from the ground up. Around the same time, Dia also became a U.S. citizen—a milestone she is deeply proud of, and one that came with significant emotional and financial weight.

Tuition at LCAD is approximately $19,688 per semester before financial aid. After scholarships, FAFSA, and aid, Dia’s out-of-pocket cost is still about $9,000 per semester, with seven semesters remaining in her BFA program. She lives off campus in Laguna Beach, where rent and basic living expenses are high, and she does not have family nearby—her closest family members live in Mexico.

Despite everything, Dia continues to work, save, and create. On January 24th, she hosted her first solo art show, which was a beautiful success—bringing together 40+ people from the community to celebrate art, connection, and collective support. That night reaffirmed something powerful: Dia is deeply loved, and people truly believe in her and in what she is building.

This fundraiser is intended to help Dia cover the cost of her next two semesters of tuition (approximately $18,000 after aid), as well as a MacBook Pro needed for her classes and essential school supplies. The $22,000 goal reflects the real and immediate costs she is facing as she works to stay enrolled and continue building a sustainable future as an artist.

Dia is not asking for a handout—she is asking for a bridge. A bridge through this vulnerable chapter as she continues healing, rebuilding, and stepping fully into the life she is meant to live. Supporting her means supporting education, resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply send encouragement, it truly means the world. Thank you for helping our girl continue her journey and for believing in what’s possible when we support one another.

With gratitude,

Kaily