Zeny M. Baduel is a professor in the Graphic Design Program. She teaches at the Center for Media and Design (CMD), Santa Monica College’s state-of-the-art satellite campus located in Silicon beach, the heart of the entertainment and tech industries in Los Angeles. Prior to joining the faculty in 2000, she was the Creative Director of McNear Creative Associates for 15 years, a design studio in Princeton, New Jersey.
As an Asian woman in technology, Prof. Baduel participates in meaningful discourses to increase diversity in technology and addresses challenges surrounding women in today’s creative fields. In addition to her interest in technology, she has a passion for history, particularly the different art movements that influence contemporary design.
Prof. Baduel believes that to be a successful designer, you need a wide visual vocabulary and traveling gives you that. She is a seasoned traveler and has visited 6 of the 7 continents. As a global citizen, she has participated in Study Abroad programs and has traveled with colleagues to Turkey, China, South Africa, Belize, Guatemala and Argentina. These experiences have provided her with a unique perspective of the different cultures in the world, fostering the belief of the oneness of mankind. Her other interests include languages and music. Prof. Baduel is multi-lingual and plays several musical instruments.