Leilani Salvador is a Bay-Area born and raised, 1st generation, Filipino-American mother. Her life’s work is centered on community building, collective healing and transformation, leadership developmen, and youth organizing, especially for those who are, like her, impacted by violence and the criminal (in)justice system. She has a double-Bachelors in Sociology and History of Art and Visual Culture, a minor in Dance, along with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art & Writing. Drawing from her roots as a Polynesian dancer and Theater of the Oppressed practitioner, she specializes in combining Community-Based Art practices with Somatic Experiencing as a vehicle for critical inquiry, trauma-healing, and the collective embodiment of transformative action.

Jordan is an activist born and raised in Richmond, CA currently attending the University Of California Los Angeles (UCLA). She uses her gifts from God such as singing, dancing, and poetry to help inspire and empower her community. Her work highlights the harsh realities of the educational system, sexual harassment, mental health, and the struggles of intersectionality. Jordan has led a variety of workshops and continues to explore themes of adultism and how educators can work with students to develop healthier learning environments through art and creativity. She has performed a myriad of Spoken Word pieces to advocate for students. She is a kind soul and a powerful performer that continues to uplift her community.

Devin Hunter is a loving son and brother, and can most frequently be found lost in a book or podcast. He is Bay Area-based educator, artist, and DEI consultant who firmly believes that the path to Liberation is rooted in a feminist, anti-capitalist, anti-racist experience. He has led teams in community-based organizations, on campuses serving TK - 8th grades and at the post-graduate level which has provided the tools and mindsets to bring this reality closer to existence. He is also the proud partner of our Executive Director.

Mikaela, a true Bay Area native, who thrives at the intersection of creativity and community. As a devoted single mother, artist, and advocate for justice, she has dedicated over 5 years to nonprofit work and currently channels her energy in her work within the philanthropic sector. Founder of "Simply Sinclaire," her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her creations such as graphic illustrations, handmade crafts, and painted artwork. Her are is a testament to her commitment to both creativity and community service. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Mikaela uses her gifts for the empowerment of Black women and mothers, believing fiercely in their strength and resilience. She has curated spaces for Black women and mothers to come together for care and bonding. Her impact extends beyond her artwork; as the former Co-lead on the Melanin and Mimosas Bay Area core team, she supported event planning, social media curation, and innovative graphic design. Mikaela brings charisma, passion, and her supportive skills to uplift the mission of Serving Melanin Collective.

Brandie was raised in the East Bay Area and has been devoted to fighting for education justice in San Francisco for years. Brandie holds a Master's Degree in Human Rights Education which led her to create various leadership development spaces for Black and Brown children to become organizers fighting for positive change in their schools and city early on. She now serves as Policy Director at Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth pursuing systemic change that uplifts the success of marginalized students.

Brandie believes that education is the way that we practice freedom and liberation, yet Black students continue to be pushed out of classrooms and into carceral systems. She is especially excited about the mission of Melanin & Milkshakes because it provides youth opportunities to practice freedom as they learn about themselves and embody self-determination within a loving community. In her most joyful moments, Brandie can be found painting, listening to soul music, and laughing under the sun with her family and friends.

Deysi is a Bay Area native with a passion for healing, self-advocacy, and storytelling. A healer who is still learning to heal, her work is centered on her personal reflections from being raised as a first-generation Latinx mujer in Richmond/San Pablo and dismantling the negative perspectives of her community as well as healing from intergenerational trauma rooted in white supremacy and patriarchy. She went on to receive a BS in Justice Studies and a minor in Human Rights from San Jose State University and has worked in the non-profit sector for over 9 years. As a mother and youth advocate, Deysi has been most energized to work in partnership with youth to learn about how to challenge the inequitable school system & become peer educators for other youth in our community.