Biography
Mareo-Ahmir Lawson, better known as Doc Reo, grew up in South Central Los Angeles and had the privilege of being a part of LA County's Magnet School Program. He was one of the first in the performing arts programs at 32nd St. USC Magnet and Hamilton Music Academy. Reo has performed for Sarah Ferguson and has shared the stage with Ira Gershwin, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Doc Severinsen, Vernell Brown, John Daversa, Mike Elizando, Trevor Lawrence, Christina Lindhardt, and many more.
After high school, Mareo served in the Middle East for the U.S. Army. After returning to Los Angeles, Lawson attended Los Angeles City College and immediately started to work in film and television production. By 2003, Mareo had already gained special effects, film and video production, and casting experience. He then obtained certifications in film and television production while working in various crew positions and starting a local casting company called Audex Entertainment. He then started producing numerous shows, directing music videos and press kits with Universal Motown Music Group and Universal Republic Records.
Mareo has obtained several certificates and degrees in Journalism, Film, Television & Electronic Media from Pierce College. He has served as the host of a radio show called 'In The Hot Box,' as an assistant program director, as the program director, and as executive producer at KPCRadio.com. He graduated Cum Laude from California State University Northridge (CSUN) with a Cinema and Television degree in Electronic Media Management. Reo has worked with prior service and active-duty military at the CSUN Veterans Resource Center, where he received the Spirit Award. Later he worked as an Editorial Assistant and Anchor in the KCSN 88.5 Newsroom. He also joined Sigma Tau Alpha, the first co-ed Veterans fraternity in Los Angeles.
The Fraternity frequently receives awards for community service and academia, including the coveted Presidential Service Award. Now, Mareo is attending the University of Southern California for a Master's in Education focusing on Learning Design and Technology (LDT). Reo is the President of the USC Rossier School of Education LDT Society, a Cardinal and Gold mentor, and a USC Graduate Student Ambassador. He is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and volunteers as an active member of the Association for Talent and Development. His ability to coach and lead talent has lead to his consistent success in the entertainment industry.
