When you talk to Mikeisha Kelly-Reilly, it's clear she has a gift for seeing beyond the surface. As a photographer, company owner, and former Division 1 track and field athlete, she understands the beauty of both movement and stillness. But what stands out most is her passion for storytelling and her ability to capture moments that say more than words ever could.

"I was a D1 track and field athlete, so I was ready to get rid of sports in general," she laughed. "Loved my athletic experience, I did my 10 years, I said, 'Wrap it up.'" Yet, as fate would have it, the world of sports wasn't quite done with her. While working for the Armory Foundation, a track and field facility in New York, Mikeisha found herself drawn back into that familiar space, but this time, from behind the lens.

"I really had light interests in some photography," she admitted. "I knew I wanted to be in the digital media marketing space. I really liked community." Her time at the Armory Foundation opened her eyes to the stories waiting to be told. "That's what kickstarted it," she said. "The more I did it, the more I fell in love with the stories of the kids we were serving and the communities we were building."

That spark led her to create Mikei Media, a company dedicated to branding, photography, and creative storytelling. But starting a business wasn't without its challenges.

From family parties to gatherings, Jojo VYBZ’s journey as a DJ started with the support of her family. Growing up immersed in the rhythms of Caribbean music, R&B, hip-hop, and more, Jojo saw the power of music. With her first turntable, she was shy and grieving the passing of her grandmother. Self-taught, Jojo found her momentum and her confidence in DJing.

Ariana Stewart didn’t always see herself behind the lens. She started her college career as a criminal justice major, but a photography class changed her course. Guided by her professor who noticed something special: an eye for detail and a natural creative instinct. That encouragement planted a seed, and Ariana made the leap from law to lens.

From a young age, Keanu Dos Santos, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was drawn to the world of pop culture. In 2018, he picked up his first camera and was immediately captivated by photography and the world of creativity.

Yasmeen Owens is a creative writer and poet whose work speaks authentically and deeply. From college poetry classes to crafting horror video game narratives, she uses words to express freedom and spark change. Her exploration of identity and experience makes her a compelling voice in contemporary literature.

Maryland-born and North Carolina-raised, Ronald’s talent became clear in the fifth grade when he began incorporating artistic principles like shading, into his sketches. As technology evolved throughout his childhood, he gravitated toward digital art in young adulthood, drawn to its convenience and ability to share his work on a larger scale. Today, Ronald creates digital artwork using his iPad, Apple Pencil, and software like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop.