Theme park designer to share behind-the-scenes look at immersive attractions at AAUW Redlands meeting

The Redlands branch of the American Association of University Women will welcome international theme park designer Thelma Muro as guest speaker for its Tuesday, Sept. 9, evening meeting.

Muro, principal and founder of Thelma & Boom Inc., will present “Worlds Within Worlds: The Magic of Immersive Theme Park Design,” offering an inside look at the creative and logistical process behind bringing large-scale attractions to life.

Her career spans traditional architecture, public-private redevelopment projects, and major theme park developments. She has served as project director for teams of hundreds of designers, engineers and specialists, guiding multi-year projects from concept to completion.

Muro’s portfolio includes work on Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi — the world’s largest indoor theme park — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, Yokohama Oceanarium in Japan, and the Cirque du Soleil Theme and Water Park in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

She plans to share how she coordinates diverse creative teams, and her experience as a woman in the industry, which she describes as “challenging, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately very rewarding.”

“I’m honored to present in front of these amazing women who have remarkable life stories,” said Muro, an AAUW Redlands member. “We have so many pioneers in our AAUW group. I’m thrilled to share a little of what I have done.”

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands. Community members may attend at no cost. A social hour and dinner will precede the meeting at 5:30 p.m.; dinner is $35, and reservations are required by calling 909-362-4955 or emailing AAUWrsvp@AAUWRedlands.org.

AAUW is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through education, empowerment and advocacy. More information is available at AAUWredlands.org, and examples of Muro’s work can be viewed at thelmaboom.com.