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Hear From Our Students

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Our Mission

Our mission is to empower youth of color through literacy, arts education, and mentorship, nurturing their personal identity, well-being, and equitable access to educational opportunities.

Our Vision

LitiArts envisions a world where students of color thrive in education systems that honor their identities, nurture their well-being, and empower them to shape a just and creative future through the transformative power of literacy, arts, and mentorship.

A Message from Dr. Lakeya Afolalu

A Word from Our Founder

My life has been touched

 – Nnamdi O.

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Mary Scott , Founder & CEO
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John Borthwick , Founder & CEO
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Jane Bill , Founder & CEO
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David Anderson , Founder & CEO
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Susan O’Neill , Founder & CEO
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Ryan King , Founder & CEO

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Speaking Through The Arts

Speaking Through The Arts

Our Founder, Dr. Lakeya Afolalu discusses the power of the arts for youth who often become quiet in U.S. schools because their language 'sounds different' from their peers.

What We Value

Youth & Community Voice

We actively listen to, honor, and prioritize the voices of students and community members. By integrating their knowledge and perspectives into all aspects of our programming and partnerships, we ensure that our initiatives are truly reflective of their needs and aspirations.

Mutually Reciprocal Relationships

We are dedicated to building relationships based on mutual respect and reciprocity. These relationships empower us to collaboratively navigate challenges and make informed decisions alongside the youth and communities we serve.

Identity

We recognize, affirm, and honor the diverse identities of students within their educational experiences. Our programs and mentorship initiatives are designed to celebrate and sustain these identities, fostering an inclusive environment that nurtures personal growth and self-acceptance.

Equity & Access

We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers that hinder opportunities for marginalized youth. By advocating for equitable access to resources, education, and creative expression, we ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the tools and support to thrive.

Creative Expression & Empowerment

We believe in the transformative power of literacy and the arts as tools for self-expression, healing, and advocacy. By fostering creativity, we equip youth with the confidence to share their stories, challenge injustices, and shape the world around them.
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Our fingerprints on the lives we touch never fade

Our fingerprints on the lives we touch never fade

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Our Team

Meet our incredible team dedicated to supporting youth identities and well-being through equitable and accessible literacy and arts education.

Staff

Koleosho Olaoluwa
Operations & Development Coordinator
Sarah Chowdhury
Social Media Manager
Emma Adams
Teaching Artist

Advisory Board

Dr. Brianna Davis Johnson
Assistant Dean, The Ohio State University
Sarah Espinoza
Master of Arts in Teaching Candidate, University of Puget Sound
Tenaj Ferguson
Brand Marketing Director of L'Oréal & Founder of Black Girls at Target
Dr. Joel Walsh
AI Learning Technologies Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Southern California | Machine Learning Software Engineer, Privateer Space
Lauren Brown-Wellington
Interior Designer & Founder of Flowing West Interiors (Parent Representative)
Vera Schöpe
Seattle-based Artist, Educator & Climate-Community Justice Organizer
Faith Okoro
College Student, University of Texas at Austin (Student Representative)

Our Partners

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