Our team
Aliyah Carrion (she/her), editor in chief , co-web designer and founder
Why did you join SpeakEasy? "I started this sh*t!”
Tia Chawla (she/her), writer and content specialist
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “Love for the concept and mission!”
Kennedy Chester (she/her), project manager and editor
Why did you join SpeakEasy?
Olivia Chester (she/her), lead graphics and branding designer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “Because you (Aliyah) made me and I had no choice.”
Kendall Harris (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “An opportunity to not get lost in the everyday routine of a 9-5 post grad. Exercise my brain and put my thoughts down on paper/collaborate with some brilliant ass minds.”
Mackenzie Holland (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “Besides loving Aliyah, I wanted to be able to work with likeminded people on a creative project after college.”
Hayla Hurt (she/her), writer and editor
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “To write about things that are important to me with people that inspire me and share the same passion for expression and freedom.”
Liliana Ingham (they/them), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “To have somewhere to share writing and feel community in scary times.”
Nyah Johnson (she/her), co-graphic designer and content specialist
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “In times of turmoil, people reach out for community and a safe space. I wanted to help create that safe space.”
Isabella Larson (they/them), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “I joined SpeakEasy because I wanted my voice to be heard in a world where expression is frequently limited by algorithms, likes, and influence. SpeakEasy is a platform where voices are used and appreciated outside of the sphere of influence and censorship.”
Mia Meléndez-Ruiz (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “1. I love Aliyah 2. I believe in spaces especially right now where we can foster creativity, community, conversation, and art as a means of listening and understanding one another. I also wanted to do something new that I haven’t before and join more creatives spaces and communities. :,)”
Elikya Mwanda (they/them), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “I love Aliyah and I want to support her vision and be a part of a collective.”
Raouda Njimogna (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “The community is so supportive and aspirational! I feel like I can write about what matters and get great feedback on so.”
Elizabeth Nyamwange (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “I’ve always loved research and writing. I’m especially interested in how complex systems interact with one another, and interact with people.”
Lillian Propst (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “As a fun creative outlet and to be part of a larger organization that celebrates community, collaboration, and the joy of sharing ideas through writing!”
Johnetta Sarkorh (she/her), writer
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “To be with community and share my ideas.”
Christopher Williams (he/him), writer and editor
Why did you join SpeakEasy? “I’m figuring out my place in journalism as the landscape changes and I decide which way I want to take things.”
Letter from the editor
This project blossomed from the brilliant minds of my friends and colleagues who trusted me to share their vision and words. SpeakEasy offers a space for creatives to share their thoughts, ideas and philosophies through a supportive and inspiring platform. I thank each and every mind who contributed to this project with their talent and our audience who has supported us through engaging with our social media, and now our web platform. It is critical that we have spaces like these to share authentic and valuable ideas in times like now.
With an abundance of love and gratitude,
Aliyah Carrion (editor in chief, founder)