James Roberts, a Tennessee native, spent the last 10 years in New York City studying and working as a performer in theatre, film and television. For the last four years, he’s also worked as a yoga and meditation teacher, leading classes and workshops in studios and offices around the city. He currently resides in Tennessee and continues to develop his creative passions for storytelling and yoga.
Maryam Washington, a native New Yorker, is a monologist for hire and a published author. She is a sketch writer for Novelty Comedy Mug, a circus artist and a Software Engineer. She is a true storyteller in many forms.
Nneka Carr was born and raised in Queens, NY. She is a corporate sales professional, public speaker and wellness trainer certified in Reiki and other healing modalities. She teaches mindful movement and meditation to community groups and schools. She has trained at The Open Center and Dahn Yogaschools in NY. Nneka has a passion for Diversity and Inclusion and is a Mental Health champion and a member of various affinity groups at work.
Hayden M. Greene is a spoken word poet who has been featured repeatedly on CBS. A veteran of the poetry slam circuit under the stage name The Blue Lion, Hayden’s work tackles the irony and uses vibrant imagery to draw attention to the sublime. He has hosted his own poetry house, Muses and is a frequent stand-in host for the Nuyorican Poet’s Café Open Slam. He can also be heard on his weekly podcast, The Greene House Effect.
Dr. Flora Luyando, DACM, DiplOM, MSTOM, LAc, LMT, is a traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who is a New York State and a Maryland State Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Massage Therapist. Dr. Flora is bilingual in English and Spanish, and her mission is to provide Eastern and Western treatments to all who seek to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Dr. Flora also works outside of U.S. She is the founder of a relief fund, in which she is very passionate about, “Healing Puerto Rico by Dr. Flora”, and a Co-Founder of Safari Tourism in Tanzania, Africa, dedicated to cultural & environmental habitats in East Africa.
Baron A. Carr is an entrepreneur who develops and produces documentaries, feature films, podcasts, branded content, events and retreats highlighting inspirational BIPOC stories. He is also a member of The Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Outside of storytelling, Baron is a wellness advocate, certified RYT – 500 yoga instructor, practices Vipassana meditation daily, hosts an annual wellness retreat, enjoys coaching and teaching others how to live healthy lifestyles through meditation and yoga.
Roopa Mahadevan is an NYC based, classical vocalist, crossover artist and dancer. She is grounded in the South Indian classical (Carnatic) tradition and also performs from a mix of genres. She is one of the leading American-born South Asian performers of Carnatic music in the diaspora – having performed in numerous venues which include: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl and the UN. Her group, Roopa In Flux, is an ensemble, which plays improvised music: Jazz/R&B Soul. Roopa also directs the versatile Carnatic choir, Navatman Music Collective; and performs with the Brooklyn Raga Massive and Women’s Raga Massive. She is also a soloist on several albums, including “Calling All Dawns” which won the 2011 Grammy for Best Crossover Classical Album. Mahadevan most recent release is a Carnatic album called, ‘Roopa in Six Yards’.
