JJRArts Board Members

JJRARTS board members are a culturally diverse arrangement of artists and professionals that embody the communities we have a well-built, and enduring relationship with.

"WE ARE THE PEOPLE WE REPRESENT"

ARTIST

Rhia Bahraini

I am a visual artist, heavily influenced by the Australian landscape where I grew up. This was really the beginning of my attraction and interest in impressionism and abstract art.

I attended the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology- Photography, and the
National Art School in Sydney Australia.

Photography informed my understanding of composition, and the impact light has on a scene or subject. Without the play of light, there is no story.

business owner/entrepreneur

Kanichia Williams

Kanichia is the CEO of “Kandees Kitchen, LLC” her privately owned Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen (MHKO). She holds a Bachelor of Science, degree in Business Leadership from Trident University International, and an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Science emphasis in Behavioral Science. She’s worked with the City of Lynwood, CA as an Event Coordinator, and Recreational Specialist. She was on the community administrative team in Leimert Park, for the poetry venue called “Cypher House”. She is a writer, artist, and poet who at a young age developed, and understood the power of Art in her life. Her community activism is the driving force in her commitment to Social Justice work. She gets strength and inspiration from the love of her 2 adult children and 6 grandchildren. Kanichia is especially proud of her brief training in Ballet, and Tap, with plans to revisit the Bar some day! Kanichia is the proud recipient of a Kidney Transplant, February 1, 2016.

Realtor
R.S.Cooper & Associates Realty

Gwen ALlen

After dedicating 40 years to the Beauty/Fashion industry it was time for something new. Presently i work in Real Estate utilizing my energy, passion, and imagination to serving my community clients in selling and buying their dream homes. Building generational wealth and empowering my neighborhood has been a calling for me. Also, what gives me joy is Social Dancing and playing Pickleball, yes Pickleball! I live what I would call an unconventional life, filled with twists, turns and always the unexpected…I love it!

President/Founder, LAB Wealth Management, LLC

Leon Augustine Broiard

Owner, and CEO, Leon Augustine Boirard started LAB Wealth
Management LLC in 2016. His passion is assisting individuals and business owners build and maintain a strong financial foundation. Prior to starting his own firm, Leon practiced as a licensed
financial advisor with Edward D. Jones for nine years. He is a
Certified Financial Planner professional and Chartered Financial Consultant. He holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He lives in Oakland, California, and works with clients in many regions of the country.

Founder
Nia Fashions

Nia Ndewele Grant

In 1992, I officially changed my slave name to the Swahili name Nia Ndewele. I then became an Entrepeneur and launched Nia Fashions. I cornered the Fashion market with accents from Africa, the Motherland. I merged American Clothing designs with African fabrics that gradually, and successfully grew a manufacturing company. Francisco Osorio, my now business partner and good friend, merged and our business has flourished. My mastery of pattern making, and garment construction has elevated sales beyond our wildest expectation.

business owner
entrepreneur

Ifasola "Sola" Oguntunde

Fasola is Founder/Owner of eBook and Digital Media publishing company. His work supports artists in using powerful technology that
makes their creative experience simpler, and manageable. He’s a
metalsmith and graphic artist obsessed with Yoruba art. His skill set includes fiber optic, WAN/LAN installations and electro-mechanical system maintenance. Apple hardware repair, troubleshooting and
support for freelancers, small businesses, and personal clienteles. He has volunteered with, the Yoruba Cultural Institute, Caribbean Cultural
Center and African Diaspora Institute, Orisha Community Development Corporation, Urban League of Essex County, and Color of Change, New York Chapter.

Physician Assistant
Kaiser Permanente

Saloni A.
Swarup

Saloni A. Swarup is a certified practicing PA currently working in Neurosurgery and Urgent care. She graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2013 and has been in practice since. she is also the current President of the California Academy of PA’s and a chief delegate for the American Academy of PA’s house of delegates. She enjoys traditional Indian dancing including classical Bharatnatyam which she started training in since the age of 5. She also has a history of working as a professional Bollywood dancer in India.