WHO WE ARE

Kyra Williams is a distinguished multimedia artist, social entrepreneur, and instructional designer recognized for her creation of immersive, culturally relevant learning experiences. With a diverse creative background that includes videography, photography, journalism, podcasting, DJing, and recorded music, Kyra possesses a unique talent for crafting narrative-driven educational content that’s captivating both visually and sonically. Her expertise is underscored by a deep understanding of learning theories, research, and cognitive science, ensuring the effectiveness of the learning experiences that she creates.

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As the visionary behind Stories In My Backyard (SIMBY), Kyra is committed to amplifying Black voices, fostering a sense of belonging among Black middle and high school students in Philadelphia that’s missing in their current learning experiences, and broadening access to media arts education within Black communities. Since the establishment of SIMBY, Kyra has spearheaded program development, co-instructed photography workshops tailored for Black girls, and created the exhibit SIMBY Presents: The Voices of Sisterly Affection, which illuminates Philadelphia's rich Black music herstory through photography.

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A Gates Millennium Scholar and two-time New York University (NYU) graduate, Kyra holds a BFA in Recorded Music and an MA in Digital Media Design for Learning. She is also the Social Media Administrator at NYU Steinhardt. To further prepare as an educational leader and scholar-practitioner, this fall she is pursuing her Ed.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education at The University of Pennsylvania. Kyra is also an alumna of NYU's Entrepreneurial Institute's Startup Bootcamp and Summer Startup Sprint, and she currently holds a Female Founders Fellowship. A passionate advocate for diversity and leadership in the social sector, Kyra shares her insights and experiences as a burgeoning public speaker, inspiring college and high school students interested in media arts, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

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Committed to service, Kyra contributes her expertise as a member of the Occupation Advisory Committee for Abraham Lincoln High School's Career Technical Education Film and Video Production class. She also serves on the Equity Task Force and Alumni Council of NYU Tisch's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Drawing from her own transformative experiences supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Kyra recognizes the profound impact of investing in the education of Black youth. Through SIMBY, she is extending that impact to the larger Black community for generations to come, beginning in her hometown of Philadelphia.

Shelley Wolfe is a nationally recognized executive, media practitioner, and experiential learning guide with over 25 years of experience in community media and the entertainment industry. As a passionate advocate for education, mentorship, and amplifying voices, Shelley empowers students and professionals alike, leaving a lasting impact on communities through her outreach, mentorship, and dedication to storytelling.

Shelley has spent over 20 years working in community television through management, program development, teaching, and building production studios in schools and individual production spaces. She currently serves as the executive director of PSTV, the education channel for the 8th largest United States school district, the School District of Philadelphia. In nine years, Shelley has transformed this organization into an industry-standard multimedia environment, impacting the lives of over 7,000 students. Working predominantly with students of color at PSTV, she has had the chance to directly train over 1,500 underrepresented students in studio production, both in-person and online.

With a background in Silicon Valley and a national and global footprint in the nonprofit and entertainment sectors, Shelley is a collaborative change agent dedicated to bridging industries through partnerships, technology, and media. Over the last 25 years, she has designed training programs, built innovative state-of-the-art media spaces, and provided training, coaching, and mentorship-led tours internationally. Her leadership extends to her role as CEO of Toolbox Entertainment & Strategic Consulting, where she connects individuals and businesses with valuable media opportunities, professional development, and coaching.

Shelley's expertise spans entertainment, nonprofits, and education, focusing on digital literacy; social and emotional learning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; accessibility; program development; and mentorship. She has been recognized for her innovative programs and leadership, receiving numerous awards and serving on several boards, including PhillyCam and the Jamar Jones Institute.

Melita Johnson is the Special Education Director at Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) Schools. Although she has many years of experience working in education, 16 years, she is quick to let it be known that it is not a job, but a passion that she just so happens to get paid to do. Being able to give Black children the tools needed to make an impact in this world is a lifelong dream of hers. 

Throughout the years, Melita has been a part of supporting the growth of many young talents through the arts. With a love for dance, music, photography, poetry and creative writing, she has had the opportunity to share experiences with her students and the many youth in which she has mentored over the years. Being a former athlete, running track since the age of 15, she started coaching as her children ran.  Her oldest daughter is an Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion. Her youngest is a former college athlete and a computer technology educator for middle school students.  Melita believes that, “the arts and sports create a common language that’s understood in the Black community.”

Some of her former students, many of which she considers her “children,” range from professional cameramen to mainstream signed artists. Melita taught dance herself and also currently provides creative outlets for recovering addicts and those suffering from mental health issues. “To be able to see the fruit of the seeds planted has been an amazing experience!”