About Us
Using art, connection, & storytelling to inspire healing in the global Black community
Our Mission
what we carry was founded to honor the Black community.
what we carry is a South Florida–based project using art, connection, and storytelling to inspire healing in the global Black community. Through workshops that center knowledge exchange and dialogue, a newsletter that keeps our community learning and connecte, and a social platform dedicated to unpacking themes across the diaspora, what we carry is building an ecosystem where Black individuals – and allies – can learn, reflect, and grow alongside one another.
Meet The Core Team
Iyo Aghedo
Creative and Executive Director
Iyo Aghedo is a Nigerian-American creative strategist, writer, and cultural curator based in Miami. With a background in psychology and youth mental health, Iyo blends research, creativity, and lived experience to design spaces where people feel seen. They are the visionary behind what we carry, an evolving platform that documents diaspora stories and invites people to examine their role in Black history through art, conversations, and oral history.
Jennée Crawford
Media Director
Hi, I’m Jennée, a young Jamaican American South Florida based photographer, director and overall creative. In my opinion I carry determination, curiosity, and energy. I also do my own nails, cook five star meals, and moonlight as ta freestyle legend. I strive to be a master at all of my talents and turn my joy into abundance. Stepping out of my comfort zone is something that what we carry pushes me to do, along with enjoying the perks of community and knowledge. That unstoppable mindset keeps our outreach, joy, and village growing stronger. From photos to videos and concepts, I dabble in the fun and expressive aspects and keep my cameras ready to catch all the life and beauty we all carry. Catch me on the flip side.
Giselle Lopez
Executive & Lead Production Assistant
Hello! I’m Giselle, the Production Assistant. I’m from Leon, Nicaragua. I’m currently a marketing student with hopes of being able to enter law school in the future.
Urie Durand
Fundraising Manager
Urie Durand, is a tech-focused professional based in South Florida, with
a background spanning IT, nonprofit operations, and youth-focused programs.
He currently works as an IT Technician at Nova Southeastern University and holds an ITIL certification. Alongside his technical work, he serves as a volunteer Grant Writer and Project Manager for what we carry, willing to support a strong vision and mission statement.
Across roles, Urie shows up consistently at the overlap of technology and people — whether building systems, supporting organizations, or contributing to programs that connect communities to resources.
Yasmeen Julemiste
Deputy Director
Yasmeen Julemiste is a Haitian-American hospitality professional with a focus in event planning and coordination. She received her Bachelors degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida State University. Additionally, she brings experience from community and volunteer activities held in the South Florida area. She has a strong passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a deep desire to leave a lasting impact within her community. As Event Coordinator, Yasmeen is responsible for coordinating and executing events for what we carry.
Tamarah-Ebi Ofia
Brand Ambassador, Nigeria
Tamarah-Ebi. Ofia, born and raised in Nigeria. Tamarah has dedicated herself to the entertainment industry, with a background of theatre and events management she has a unique partnership of content strategizing, and executive assisting to ensure the smooth flow of research and entertainment of What We Carry project.
Chandler Jules
Composer & Videographer
Chandler Jules is a writer, filmmaker & musician from Ives Dairy, Florida. Also, he is the composer for what we carry. With a strong interest in race, gender and humanities - Chandler aligns with what we carry in its mission to amplify Black voices through story.
Tamiel Mckee Bey
Archival Research Assistant
Tamiel is a writer, community educator, and herbal anthropologist at Maati’s Tea Time. Their work sits at the crossroads of creativity, ancestral memory, and cultural preservation. As the Archival Research Assistant and a interdisciplinary practitioner, Tamiel contributes to the what we carry series through research and narrative shaping that examines the cultural, emotional, and political weight carried within diasporic Black life.
Stehcey Germain
Administrative Assistant
Stehcey, is currently studying computer engineering at Florida International University. For what we carry, Stehcey mainly works on the website and takes any burdens he can, off of the team.