About Us
Julissa Contreras
I carry the conventional titles that signal my validity to the world; creative director, writer, performer, podcaster, producer, educator, community manager, operations manager, social advocate, and consultant, among other things . Yes, I've helped develop start-ups through WeWork, Donorly, and NAYAH. Yes, I affirm artists and create art within spaces like INTAR, Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, MCC Theater, People’s Theater Project, Latinx Playwrights Circle, SOL Project, Rattlestick Theater, Atlantic Theater, to name a few. Absolutely; I have served and healed my community through organizations and spaces like Children’s Aid, Garden of Dreams, NYC DYCD, Hunter College, Kripalu Sacred Artists, and The Almighty Pineapple. So what’s the story here? In all of the spaces and beyond I’ve answered the same call: to hold sacred reverence for truth and the modalities that act as conduits for its impact. Truth holds a sacred story whose deferral causes deep cyclical harm. We have to reckon with the truth at some point and while it may challenge us, I am a container to facilitate us through the reckoning.
Catherine Connors
I’ve always believed that stories have the power to shape the world, and my journey has been dedicated to exploring just how far that power can go. I wrote my first novel in fourth grade (published by the esteemed house of Mom & Dad) and only got more serious from there. I’ve followed the thread of narrative from academia to non-profits, startups, and global entertainment companies, constantly seeking new ways to harness the art of storytelling for change. As an innovator in digital and social media, I’ve had the privilege of building platforms and strategies that help others tell their stories—whether that’s been girls learning to find their voice or global brands multiplying their audiences of millions. At Disney, where I served as Head of Content and Editor-in-Chief for the interactive media division, I led teams that crafted narratives to capture imaginations across the world. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with creatives and innovators—from mom bloggers to Yo-Yo Ma—and each partnership has reaffirmed what I’ve always known: the best stories are the ones that move us, challenge us, and push us toward something bigger.