Anthony Ricardo La Touche (He/Him)​​
Experiential Strategist
Instagram: @_mr.hat

Inspired by my late grandfather’s love of hats, I started Mr.Hat, a creative community that celebrates, educates, and empowers niche creatives. I've collaborated with Grammy-award-winning artist Erykah Badu, amongst others and everything I do as a niche Black creative is to continue to change perspectives, through connections, stories, and unique experiences. I am an Experiential Strategist, Celebrity Manager, Storyteller, Event Producer, and Father. I wear many hats, and I restore some too.

Bradley Valentin​ (He/Him/His)
Creative Production
Instagram: @itscolorme

I’m a Creative Producer, born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn — brought up in the Haitian culture and enriched by the Black American community. The work I create is a reflection of my experiences and background, mixed with the passion I have for people and art.

Cindy Rodriguez​ (She/Her/Hers)
Marketing & Strategy
LinkedIn: Cindy Rodriguez​

I want to use my knack for data-driven creativity to help industries grow into environments where everyone can feel seen. Like many, I grew up silencing the little voice in the back of my head that told me to do something creative. Eventually, I listened to her and while data points, creative strategy, and insights are all concepts that I’m still learning to navigate, I feel more inspired than ever to let that little voice dream. While I’m passionate about working with sports related clients, I'm excited to engage with any opportunity where I can compliment a team that’s eager to push boundaries and make cool work.

Dayshané Nickele Adorno​ (She/Her)
​Art Direction & Photography
LinkedIn: Dayshané Nickele Adorno

Photography and design are my preferred weapons of choice but a limit on me doesn’t exist. I’m on a personal mission to bring art to The Bronx, my hometown, and I’m looking for every experience or job that aligns with my passions to increase my skill set, my network, and my knowledge. Working with companies where I can seek mentorship, exercise what I’ve learned and continue to grow is my happy place. Creativity is a tool that can be used to change perspectives, educate, and heal. I'm excited to meet new folks and companies that align with this.

DeAndre Spencer​ (He/Him)
​Photography & Art Direction
Instagram: @24.framess

"Everyone has a story" is one of the first thoughts that crosses my mind when I'm meeting someone - and for the last ten years photography has been my main passion that I use to tell stories. It's been my therapy and my safe space. Being a creative saved my life and gave me a different perspective on how I view the world around me and how I view myself. With my mind running a mile a minute, there is peace in those mili-seconds between shutters. I love to capture my love for fashion, portraits and architecture on digital or film.

Desmond Allen​ (He/Him)
​Art Direction
Instagram: @all2gthr

I’m a music lover with big dreams, a DJ, a creative problem solver, and the Founder of ALL2GTHR: a digital tastemaker label and platform based in New York and California. Growing up with an African American mom and a Jamaican dad, I often sought to reconcile these two conflicting cultural values through art and music, but struggled to find a space that embraced my perspective. So I created that space for myself and a community of like minded individuals who aren’t bound by borders or tradition, but are instead united by their common passions.

Devante Washington​ (He/Him)
​Graphic Design
Instagram: @acediadesign.co

My main creative outlets through the years have been fashion and writing. I spent years writing poetry. At the end of 2020, as a creative challenge with a friend, I began to teach myself graphic design. Coming into the Shift program, I struggled with defining myself as a creative, but now I know I am more than just a guy who creates artwork for instagram. It’s shown me I possess a lot more skills than I was aware of. I have full confidence that I can transfer the skills I have learned working in management for years, and combine them with my creativity to one day land a role in strategy or creative direction.

Erinn Budd​ (She/Her/Hers)
​Creative Direction
Instagram: @erinnjbudd

I am a multi-hyphenate visionary, a Creative Producer and SNKRS grief counselor with a healthy obsession with vinyl and 90s R&B. I create and execute dope shit. My most recent projects include producing animation for Katy Perry’s Las Vegas Residency, the Anti-Eugenics Project, and POV: Points of View at Tribeca Film Festival immersive experience. In my free time, I am a skilled photographer, videographer and content creator. Currently residing in RVA, I spend my weekends supporting small local businesses and dodging calls about my car's extended warranty.

Grace McNally​ (She/Her)
​Photography
Instagram: @grmcn

I’ve learned that what makes you unique is your edge in a world where many would prefer for you to be a circle. Being sharp and being different scares people, and it's a scary thing to commit to. My edge is being vulnerable, being open. My creative background began in photography and poetry and has evolved into directing and testing out new forms of creativity. I have a passion for learning and experimenting, a combination that urges me to evolve as a creative with every project I touch. The point of my work is to create spaces for uncomfortable conversations that result in whole hearts and smiling faces.

Janay Gross​ (They/Them & He/Him)
​Musician, Creative Direction & Copywriting

My name is Janay (KUMBAYA if you’re lyrically nasty), a self-taught drummer, lyricist, music producer, and self-managed artist native to New York. Dropping out of college three times over (mom's proud), I held onto my love of words, creative camerawork, and a good pant. I was on my way to becoming a New York City Firefighter, when I decided to hang up the hose to answer my creative call. Now evolving my creative writing to stretch thickly, across various fields, I’m currently invested in the art of Copywriting.

Jazzmine Bustamante​ (She/Her)
​Art Direction
Instagram: @jazzminebustamante

My name is Jazzmine — Jazz, like the music and mine, like the possessive pronoun. My mom gave me this name because playing jazz was the only way to get me to move in the womb. In that dark place, jazz became mine and creative expression became my friend. Much like jazz music, I am not a monolith. I’m an eclectic fusion of talent, ideas, and experiences wrapped in a romantic who loves making everything feel like poetry. With that poetry, I aim to encourage, inspire, and empower. It’s quite simple, really. I don’t sell products, I create thoughtfully designed experiences that make you feel and hopefully think bigger.

Jessyca Clement (She/Her)
​Copywriter & Art Director
Instagram: @Jesswhyca.Marz

I'm a designer of words, an invisible disabilities activist, and a professional hippy from California. My drive to create does not exist without human connection. I never shy away from asking questions because we all need to be understood through compassion, and I have plenty to go around. I live to evoke emotions, disrupt societal norms and travel the world. I'm also gifted and cursed with the ability to make people laugh when I'm dead serious. 

Jorrell Peels (He/Him)
​Lyricist/Recording Artist
Instagram: @SupastarRell

I'm Jorrell aka Supastar Rell, a  Hip Hop artist from Queens, NY. I write lyrics, poems, skits and books, as well as producing beats, shooting and editing videos, all while navigating the daily matrix of life. Everything I've learned about my craft has been self-taught through hands-on experience. My goal is to get wealthy by mastering my writing talent and proving to the next generation that you are more than a job title. I've released albums and songs with Grammy nominated producers, been featured on podcasts, done voice-over work, played in live bands and more.

Kristina Erskine​ (She/Her)
​Multi-hyphenate
Instagram: @DUUUPPY

I am a multi-hyphenate creative with 11 years of experience in urban farming and food justice work. An alchemist, like my ancestors, I harness my rich identities and experiences to create thoughtful, timely responses. I proudly bring tireless empathy, curiosity and introspection to everything I do. Through my work, I bridge worlds, senses and people. Ultimately, I strive to create dynamic, interactive experiences that attach and relate people to this earth. If I’m not working, I am daydreaming, creating art and music or playing video games.

Leigh Schuyler​ (She/Her)
​Creative
Instagram: @knarlei

I’m a multi-hyphenate creative – a mental health advocate, textile artist and micro influencer – living in New Jersey. When I’m not flying the friendly skies as a flight attendant, I’m scrolling through TikTok, roller skating or trying out a new Brooklyn restaurant.

Leqwan Bumford (He/Him)
​Multidisciplinary Artist & Art Director
Instagram: @kassius.jpg

I learned that graphic design could be a viable educational path in high school, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to attend college. Instead, I took to freelancing and teaching myself about design. Drawing inspiration from everything around me, I started working with local musicians, content creators, and small businesses to make everything from posters to video content. My goal is to work as an Art Director at an agency, where I can take my love for storytelling and design to make impactful work with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

Mazharul Talukdar (He/His)
​Creative Director
Instagram: @talukdude

I love the art form of cinematography because it allows me to speak to my audience with visuals and storytelling. I have been able to make films that are inspiring, educational and entertaining. I want to continue making films and take my love for cinematography to the next level. Having gone to school for engineering, I want to contribute to help people realize that they too can follow their dream of being an artist if they are truly passionate. From where I come from, this form of art was not encouraged. And that’s the idea I want to change.

Natasha Padilla (She/Her)
​Marketing & Strategy
Instagram: @natashamariepadilla

I’m a Social Media Marketer, Event Planner and Content Creator dedicated to ensuring optimal engagement and satisfaction. I’ve worked with micro-influencers and small businesses to promote and execute social media and physical activations. When I’m not coming up with marketing strategies and event planning, you’ll find me either at home or at Chipotle. My passion for marketing grew because I like making everyone feel seen, valued and included. I know what it’s like to feel undervalued for the work you do so I’ve made it my mission to ensure the people I work with and know will never feel that way.

Nyaira Gibbs (She/Her/Hers)
Brand Designer & Art Director
Instagram: @ny__banks

I’m Nyaira (ny-air-a), a Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been an art child. I grew up seeing design in everything. I’ve been a creative professional for over 10 years, designing, directing, and editing for some awesome clients. I design for a variety of platforms including web, print, social media, and wearables. I’m interested in more things than I have time for, including digital art, photography and tennis. I want to write a book. Travel the world. Maybe even direct a few music videos. I hope to use all my passions and interests to influence some really dope work!

Paul Welch (He/Him)
Writer
LinkedIn: Paul Welch

I’m a Screenwriter, a Poet, a Singer, an Actor, and an Offbeat Dancer. Each of my talents provides me with a different perspective that allows me to navigate the subtle nuances of impactful storytelling. I am also a farming entrepreneur, who teaches people how to grow food in their NYC apartments. As a first-generation Guyanese- American, becoming a creative professional was out of the question, but my life has been a weird conglomeration of unique experiences that has helped prepare me for a career in Creative Direction.

Zane Durham​ (He/Him)
Music Strategist
Instagram: @Mixedby.Zane

I am a cultural innovator who understands the millennial consumer landscape. With experience in music production and digital marketing, I'm developing dynamic and unconventional campaigns that deeply resonate and influence millennial audiences, while offering greater consumer insight to clients. I’m adept in brand strategies, event production, digital marketing, influence, and content creation. Basically, I'm all about Beats, Briefs, and Beanies.