Current Titles:  Communications Director, Mothering Justice; Board Member, Unified: HIV Health & Beyond; Freelance Artist & Digital Media Producer Jayye.me

Career: I have over 7 years of experience in the art, media production, and communication industry. My passion for communication has always centered around the synergies between the ways we use technology to creatively express ourselves. I started my endeavors of exploring these synergies throughout my childhood and I have since been dedicated to developing my skills professionally. I started my career working as a video intern at Peckham Inc in Lansing and then went on to become a video intern at MSU’s student radio station Impact89FM. During my time at IMPACT89FM, I worked with the video team to film and edit videos for local,  national, and international music artists. (Check out one of the IMPACT89FM videos I worked on featuring International Artist Dan Croll).

After my undergraduate career I went on to work as a digital media producer at a video production company called Flow Video. During my time at Flow Video, I was a part of a team of amazing individuals who are passionate about video storytelling. I worked on editing and filming videos for organizations such as Kids Kicking Cancer, Level One Bank, UM-Flint, and Kettering University.

After my time at Flow Video, I moved on to Mothering Justice to follow my passion for non-profit and advocacy work. Mothering Justice is a grassroots social justice organization that advocates for policy change centered around empowering black women to take action on policy issues that aim to improve quality of life for families in Michigan and America. I began my role at Mothering Justice as a digital media producer by creating content, especially videos, for the organization. A couple of years later, I stepped up into the role of Communications Director, which is the position I currently hold today at the organization. Working at Mothering Justice has allowed me to use my skills to educate and empower black, brown, and indigenous women in America through the means of media and communications. Through my work at Mothering Justice, I have learned so much about the importance of organizing work and advocacy as the foundation of bringing justice to people who have been oppressed and marginalized for far too long in our society.  I also value philanthropy as an integral part of creating change. One of the key issues in our society, that I am a proponent of, is improved access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) resources for marginalized Youth and Adults. I believe that everyone has a right to access these resources so that they can have the tools and knowledge they need to creatively express themselves. Being an AWC member, I hope to collaborate with other members to advocate for positive change in our society.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree, Media Arts (Media & Information) College of Communication Arts & Sciences at  Michigan State University, 2016

Master’s Degree, Communication Research Methods, Wayne State University

What You Should Know:

  • I identify as a black, queer (pansexual), non-binary (gender non-conforming) person. My given name is Elishia Johnson, however, I go by the name “Jayye” as a means to reclaim my identity and to be an inspiration for others to accept themselves for who they are. 
  • The intersectionality of my identity reminds me to be persistent in my career endeavors. With the hope that I can inspire black and LGBTQ+ people to be persistent in following their dreams.
  • I have a passion for qualitative research in regards to the communications industry.

AWC Focus:  ADVOCACY,  Mentorship, Networking

Personal:

  • Family and hometown – I was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit, MI. My mom raised me as a single-parent with the support of my grandma and two aunts. Despite the hardships we may have faced, my family has always encouraged and supported me to succeed academically. I also extend gratitude to my dad who has been there to support me during my adulthood. Within my immediate family, I am the oldest. I have two brothers and one sister whom I love dearly, and 2 cousins whom I also love and consider to be like my siblings. I am proud of the accomplishments they have contributed to within their industries as teens and young adults. I consider myself to be a student of the universe. I enjoy learning new concepts, trying out new hobbies, and figuring out ways to practically incorporate them into my life. Currently my hobbies include learning the guitar, creating music, and studying philosophy and metaphysical concepts.
  • Causes/volunteer service
    • UNIFIED: HIV, Health & Beyond – Board Member
    • Birth Detroit – Engage Committee Member/Contractor 2018 – 2021
      • Website Design
    • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) – Advocacy & Liberation
    • LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Liberation
    • Access to STEAM Education/Resources for marginalized groups
    • Women Empowerment
    • Youth Empowerment