Legacy of Creative Impact: Vivian Le’s Journey to the Today Show

Written by Waukee APEX Associate Avery Gulliford

Vivian Le, a visual artist from the Midwest, has built an impressive career in photography, design, and production. Currently a photo editor and photographer for NBC Select and TODAY, Vivian credits much of her success to her formative experiences in the APEX program during high school. “Having someone believe in you is the biggest takeaway you can have from this program,” she reflects.

Vivian’s Experience in APEX

Vivian’s journey with APEX began during its early development, when the program was still known as CAPS. Introduced to the opportunity by Michelle Hill, now the director of work-based learning, Vivian joined the initiative eager to embrace real-world, hands-on learning experiences. “It was awesome that instructors and schools trusted us to make decisions, get out there, and work with real professionals on meaningful projects,” she says.

As one of the students in the program’s pioneering Designing Communication Solutions and Developing Web-Based Tech courses, Vivian played a key role in shaping the APEX program into what it is today. She and her peers brainstormed and pitched the name Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) to replace CAPS, presenting their vision to the school board. Their efforts helped define the program’s identity and leave a lasting mark on its evolution.

In addition to her work with APEX, Vivian was deeply involved in Waukee High School’s publications department, where she led the creation of the school’s first magazine-style edition of the Arrowhead Newspaper, a publication that remains a cornerstone of student journalism at Waukee High School.

Future Ready

The skills and confidence Vivian developed through APEX and her high school projects laid the foundation for her future success. At APEX, she honed her communication abilities, learning how to ask insightful questions and connect with professionals. “One of the biggest things I learned was that everyone’s path is different, and there’s no one right way to get where you want to be,” she shares. These lessons propelled her into college, where she attended the University of Iowa and became an integral part of the journalism program.

While in college, Vivian co-founded an art and culture magazine, bringing writers and artists together to collaborate on creative projects. This initiative, along with her APEX portfolio, opened doors to roles in graphic design and ultimately led her to NBC, where she now manages independent projects and collaborates with renowned professionals in the media industry.

Advice for Current APEX Students

Vivian encourages current students to seize opportunities like APEX to explore their passions. “There are so many opportunities you’re missing out on by only taking classroom-based classes,” she advises. “It’s fun to work on the things you want to explore. This isn’t a common experience, so take advantage of it.” Her story stands as a testament to the power of mentorship, real-world learning, and creative ambition. Vivian Le’s legacy at APEX and beyond continues to inspire the next generation of aspiring professionals.