My name is Nala Aberra and I am a student and artist currently living in Toronto. I am a second-year Creative Industries student in the Faculty of Communication and Design at Ryerson University. I have always strived to combine my love for community-based work with my passion for art and filmmaking.

Growing up, I always struggled to find my creative voice in a way that was acceptable to my art teachers and instructors and I always felt othered as one of the only black children in my classroom. I challenged myself as I grew older to explore parts of my heritage as a daughter of East African immigrants through painting, drawing and sculpture. Through this process, I not only learned so much about myself and my culture but also the importance of arts education for Black youth and children so we can see ourselves moving towards careers in the arts industries.

Through my experience in working as an art instructor at the same community centre which I frequented as a child, I have found that engaging with youth through arts-based initiatives and programs is an effective way to give back to our communities while inspiring youth to pursue futures in various arts industries.

If you would like to see some of my artwork, check out my Instagram page down below!