WonderCon has released its highly anticipated 2025 programming schedule, featuring a diverse lineup of panels and events. Among the highlights is “From Fandoms to Community-Focused Projects,” a panel hosted by executives, journalists, and contributors from Temple of Geek, focusing on how to transform passion for fandom into impactful community-based projects.
WonderCon, Comic-Con’s sister show, continues to grow in its Anaheim location. Following a one-year move to Los Angeles in 2016, WonderCon returned to the expanded Anaheim Convention Center. This must-attend event celebrates all aspects of pop culture, including comics, movies, TV, animation, and the Masquerade. It will be held from Friday, March 28, 2025, to Sunday, March 30, 2025. For the latest updates, visit the official WonderCon website: comic-con.org/wc.
From Fandoms to Community-Focused Projects at WonderCon 2025
Pop culture transcends mere storytelling; it fosters vibrant communities. Anime, film, and television possess the unique ability to unite individuals in ways creators could never have imagined. But what happens when your passion for fandoms drives you to create live or online community events? Join Temple of Geek executives Monica Duarte and Madison Morrow, alongside Pop Umai (owner, UmaiGosh Entertainment), Nick Williams (content creator, journalist), Amanda Castrillo (social producer, writer, performer), and JPG (pop culture educator and consultant; InterMyth), as they delve into taking fandom passions to the next level. Topics will include practical community resource management, planning successful fandom events, and tailoring events to serve the most disenfranchised within our communities.
The panel will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM PDT in Room 300E at the Anaheim Convention Center.
About the Panelists
- Rocio Escobedo (Pop Umai): With three years of experience creating anime-inspired baked goods and hosting fan events, Pop Umai is on a mission to launch an anime café in Southern California. Find Pop Umai on Instagram: @pop_umai
- Maddie Morrow: Chief Creative Officer of Temple of Geek. Maddie’s passion for fandom drives her to cultivate thriving communities both online and in-person. You can find Maddie across social media as @maddie_whovian
- Nick Williams. A Star Wars content creator and Temple of Geek entertainment journalist. Nick’s expertise spans commentary, lore, conventions, interviews, skits, and cosplay, encompassing a wide range of fandoms including LOTR, Marvel, and Star Trek. Find him on TikTok: @codename_fulcrum.
- Amanda Castrillo. A self proclaimed “Spooky Latina,” Amanda has garnered an online following with her love of movies, TV, and fashion. She champions BIPOC creators in the entertainment industry. Follow her on all social media platforms: @amandajustvibin.
- Monica Duarte: As Editor-in-Chief of Temple of Geek, Monica has dedicated almost a decade to building a platform that amplifies the authentic voices of content creators, aspiring journalists, and enthusiastic fans in the world of entertainment journalism.
- Jason Patrick Galit (JPG): As the Chief Generalist Consultant at InterMyth, JPG crafts tailored strategies for pop culture content creation, live events, and brand management, empowering clients to thrive in their creative pursuits.
