FRESH 15: A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT
Role: Experimental Artist
Goal: Skill sharing and positive habit forming by making new friend every 30 days for 1 whole year.
One day I decided to put the age old industry saying of "it's not what you know but who you know" to the test. However, not everyone can afford to go to expensive Universities and Portfolio schools to showcase their talents and rub shoulders with other possible leaders of tomorrow. If one is to rely on their afforded habitats to open doors and present opportunities that push them forward. How can the talented but marginalized populations climb the professional ladder without that same push, disposable resources and fertile habitats? My tipping point: being tired of hearing people blame the lack of diversity and inclusion in the workplace on the faceless entity of corporate culture.
Culture is an experience. An experience that can feel rigged with skin like mine. Of course I could blame the poorly curated career fairs, boozy networking events and maybe even capitalism itself for the lack of authentic inclusion and retention of diverse talent in the workplace. But I don't believe it's a 9-to-5 issue.... it a 5-to-9 issue. It's who you are before using the "professional voice" on the phone and after you clock out. However, if it is our habits that can create habitats that'll foster the narratives that becomes culture; then to reshape the culture of Corporate America it would have to start with me.
So in 2014 I embarked on a quest to embody new habits. In hopes that I will form a habitat that will foster a breeding ground for amazing opportunities and a new network. Why? Because your network is your net worth.
How: Befriend 15 new people and hang out with each person for 1 month. Practicing transparency, learning their purpose/strengths, and cultivating community with only one constant variable: these people must be from 2 degrees of separation or more.
Results:
- Write-ups and video interviews on each individual
- Several Job and travel opportunities
- Mastering vulnerability and empathy
- Selected to create a staged performance called "Crown Heights: Anthology"
- Creation of a Lifestyle Enhance Collective
- Started A Blog
Meet some of the Fresh 15!
Derrick Davis
The first person I met and probably the one who truly gave me the best feedback in the concept of my journey is Derrick Davis. Derrick is a New York City based photographer and visual artist who has led, and collaborated with, teams to launch digital, social, TV and print campaigns for global brands. He has also worked as a retoucher, designer and art director for global advertising agencies including 360i, Grey Group, Radical Media and Geometry Global. Check out his Instagram
Chinisha SCott
There's always that one person in your area who you occasionally see but never cross direct paths. For me, it was Chinisha, the seasoned multi-media artist, producer, educator, and community organizer. We were both representatives for our respective NFP Organizations as recipients for Mozilla's HIVE NYC Grant. I'm even more happy to mention she helped edit some of the Fresh15 Recap Videos. (Like this one. ) Check out her latest project: soulofnewyork.com/
Laura Eve Linthicum
When I teamed up with this 2014 AAF Most Promising Minority Student winner I knew that I was taking a step in the "write direction". Living in NYC, it's always interesting to learn how people worm their way to the Big Apple and Laura's story is no exception. She is a copywriter who "isn't afraid to get weird" but definitely does not wastes time in doing so.
Joey Rodriguez
Born in NY, raised in the Dominican Republic, and living in New Jersey was a man with a heart of gold. Joey is the only participant from out of the state. He came to NYC just to build with me on most occasions and has strong work ethic too. He is a front end web development, graphic designer, and a loving Father/Husband.
Wendy Amengual Wark
CONNECTOR. LEADER. INNOVATOR. ADVOCATE. I now know what Peter Pan loves Wendy so much. She was not direct Fresh 15 member but she gets the honorable mention here for having the most impact on my life. Always supportive, insightful and the reason I'm in the Tri-State Diversity Counsel. She is also the founding partner of Inclusion Strategy Inc.