Celebrating our Dream in Color Finalists
Last time we shared our amazing Dream in Color winners, Doreen Pierre and Loisse Ledres. (Have you followed them yet!?) But we wanted to also show off some of our other finalists who deserve some shine, too.
Keep reading to check out some of incredible work our finalists are doing to better their communities. We are so inspired by their unique projects and creative journeys. Go follow on Instagram and take a look at their websites!!
Jenny Callaghan and Randi Matthews (creators)| The Luxury of Life — Because Black Birth Matters:
Tell us about your creative project/s you’re working on.
We are working on our documentary, tentatively titled “The Luxury of Life.”
The U.S. healthcare system is the most expensive in the industrialized world, yet the most deadly for new mothers. Within this broken system, Black mothers die at three times the rate of White and Hispanic mothers. In fact, a Black mother with a college education is at 60 percent greater risk for maternal death than a white or Hispanic woman with less than a high school education.
To shine a light on this crisis — and the solution — The Luxury of Life follows two pioneers who have taken the Black maternal crisis into their own hands. Midwives Kimberly Durdin and Allegra Hill have built the only Black-owned birthing center in Los Angeles, Kindred Space LA, and as clients begin to filter out of the hospital system and through their doors, we started filming.Why does representation and visibility matter to you?
I’ve often heard the phrase: “You can’t be what you can’t see.” While I don’t think that’s entirely true, many WOC are breaking the mold and being the “FOD: First, Only, Different” in many facets of business. I read about this idea of being the FOD in Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Representation and visibility matters for those of us working to make waves and effect change in media as well as for the next generations. I’m hopeful that our kid will see themselves, more and more…and in a positive light on TV and film.How has mentorship impacted your life?
Mentorship has really changed my life in many ways. Mentors have helped me gain the strength to leave work environments that didn’t serve me. They have given me knowledge, resources and insights to help move my career and projects forward.
Cierra Britton (creator)|: cierrabritton.com
Why does representation and visibility matter to you?
Representation and visibility are the foundation of why I started Cierra Britton Gallery. There are too many institutions in the arts that don’t hold space for womxn of color artists which creates a narrative that we don’t exist in this space. Cierra Britton Gallery is dedicated to representing WOC artists from all over the globe. These artists are creators and storytellers and I want to do my part to hold space for them.How has mentorship impacted your life?
I identify as a lifelong student so mentorship is always impacting my life for the best. I’m really young so I look up to people in my field who have been doing the work for longer than I have. Outside of learning from my mentors, I also have built amazing relationships with them as well where they genuinely support my work and mission. I am thankful to have a team of over 10 mentors who have all made it their business to help me get to where I’m trying to go.How can people stay in touch or learn more about your work?
You can learn more about my work at cierrabritton.com or follow me on Instagram at @vivalacie. Later in the year, you can visit us at Cierra Britton Gallery in NYC!
Miracle Olatunji (student)| Instagram (@herwalletmedia & @miracleolatunji):
Tell us about your creative project/s you’re working on.
I’m a content creator and author of Purpose: How To Live and Lead With Impact. I am working on Her Wallet Media and the Her Wallet Summit, with the goal to educate fellow young women of color on building our net worth, network, and self-worth. I believe that these three aspects are critical for helping fellow women and people of color to thrive both personally and professionally. My vision is to create a safe space to talk about building generational wealth and for this platform and event to be a celebration of women worldwide.Why does representation and visibility matter to you?
“You can’t be what you can’t see.” The first time I ever heard this statement was while I was researching and preparing to give a talk at the Wonder Women Tech Global Conference in Washington, DC two years ago. This powerful statement is a key reason why representation is important to me. I believe that it’s crucial to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. I am driven to keep going despite all and any odds. I feel proud to know that I have the power to inspire others and be a trailblazer.How has mentorship impacted your life?
My mom is one of my mentors; she taught me the importance of advocating for myself and for others. She is an incredible negotiator and negotiates everything from a family-size box of tomatoes at the farmer’s market to making sure that she is compensated fairly for her work in the real estate industry. My mom is also the oldest of three girls in her family and from an early age, she showed me the importance of being a positive role model for my sisters and supporting other women, my sisters around the world. It feels like these lessons my mom taught me have come full circle in my life as last year I had the opportunity to be part of Barbie’s #MoreRoleModels #YouCanBeAnything global campaign, inspiring women and girls who may have, like I had, not seen their worth. I’m also greatful for my mentor Amber Kizilbash who I met last year during an event with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and Chief. She is so inspiring and supportive! I admire and look up to her. I’ve grown so much personally and professionally, thanks to her mentorship.
Lauren Higa (student)| LinkedIn:
Why does representation and visibility matter to you?
I think in order to deliver the best user experiences, it’s important to design for everyone. Unfortunately, only 27% of the tech industry is female, and women of color make up an even smaller percentage of that number. We can’t possibly account for more inclusive user experiences unless we expand our knowledge and mindset, which means recruiting more women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups into these spaces.What are some of your personal/professional goals for the future?
I would love to have a career in UX Design, ideally within a tech space. I just started interning at a local company’s digital strategy team, and I’m already learning so much!How can people stay in touch or learn more about your work?
I’m active on several different platforms, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Creatively, and the Women Who Create Database! I also have a personal portfolio website as well with more information about my work and my practice.