Meet our LEADERS
DeAngelo Moore (Founder & CEO)
Esther Kawesa (Co-Founder & COO)
Kayla Powers (Co-Founder & CAO)
Over the last decade, DeAngelo has built an impressive career in the digital creator space, with experience spanning real estate, sports commercials, weddings, music videos, and short films.
Along the way, he launched and operated his own production studio, where he discovered a passion for mentoring youth and young adults. Through hands-o
Over the last decade, DeAngelo has built an impressive career in the digital creator space, with experience spanning real estate, sports commercials, weddings, music videos, and short films.
Along the way, he launched and operated his own production studio, where he discovered a passion for mentoring youth and young adults. Through hands-on guidance in digital media, set design, and portfolio development, he has helped many aspiring creators grow their skills and confidence.
With years of experience managing multiple production companies and leading diverse teams, DeAngelo is now focused on trailblazing new ways to build community and inspire the next generation of creators.
Kayla Powers (Co-Founder & CAO)
Esther Kawesa (Co-Founder & COO)
Kayla Powers (Co-Founder & CAO)
Kayla Powers is the CAO and Co-Founder of Media Spark, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through storytelling and community-driven media.
With a diverse background in film, television, live production, and digital strategy, she has worked on major productions including STAR, P-Valley, and projects at Tyler Pe
Kayla Powers is the CAO and Co-Founder of Media Spark, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through storytelling and community-driven media.
With a diverse background in film, television, live production, and digital strategy, she has worked on major productions including STAR, P-Valley, and projects at Tyler Perry
Studios, as well as global tours for artists like Beyoncé, Travis Scott, and Elton John.
Kayla combines creative vision with operational expertise, leading digital campaigns and large-scale productions while driving Media Spark’s mission to empower emerging
creators and foster impactful, representative content.
Esther Kawesa (Co-Founder & COO)
Esther Kawesa (Co-Founder & COO)
Esther Kawesa (Co-Founder & COO)
With over a decade of experience driving impact at various nationally recognized nonprofits like United Way & Grads of Life, Esther is now channeling her passion and expertise into her newest adventure—
as Co-Founder & COO of Media Spark.
An operations enthusiast and systems nerd, Esther thrives on building the kind of behind-the-scenes ma
With over a decade of experience driving impact at various nationally recognized nonprofits like United Way & Grads of Life, Esther is now channeling her passion and expertise into her newest adventure—
as Co-Founder & COO of Media Spark.
An operations enthusiast and systems nerd, Esther thrives on building the kind of behind-the-scenes magic that makes bold, lasting change possible. Esther’s driving force is simple yet powerful: create sustainable systems that encourage and cultivate positive transformation in the lives and communities she serves.
When she’s not building frameworks or streamlining processes, you’ll find her feeding her creative side — exploring any offerings the city’s art scene provides.
meet our board
Jerjuan Howard (President)
Von Ellis (Vice President)
Von Ellis (Vice President)
Jerjuan Howard is a community builder dedicated to uplifting Detroit through education, empowerment, and revitalization. Jerjuan is also the founder and executive director of the
Umoja Debate League and Umoja Village, both rooted in
his childhood neighborhood. His vision is to create a pipeline for future lawyers, leaders, and community
chan
Jerjuan Howard is a community builder dedicated to uplifting Detroit through education, empowerment, and revitalization. Jerjuan is also the founder and executive director of the
Umoja Debate League and Umoja Village, both rooted in
his childhood neighborhood. His vision is to create a pipeline for future lawyers, leaders, and community
change makers who will drive progress in Detroit and beyond. He graduated from Western Michigan University in December 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, where he also served as President of the Black Student Union.
Von Ellis (Vice President)
Von Ellis (Vice President)
Von Ellis (Vice President)
As a 9th-grade science teacher at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, Von is deeply committed to youth development and community empowerment, serving as a debate coach at JRLA and a board member of the Umoja Debate League. Beyond the classroom, Von is an active member of Black Men Build (Detroit Chapter) and volunteers with organiza
As a 9th-grade science teacher at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, Von is deeply committed to youth development and community empowerment, serving as a debate coach at JRLA and a board member of the Umoja Debate League. Beyond the classroom, Von is an active member of Black Men Build (Detroit Chapter) and volunteers with organizations such as New Era Detroit and Umoja Village. A graduate of Jackson State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, he brings both educational expertise and a strong commitment to mentorship to every space he serves.
Prestine Pratt ( Secretary)
Von Ellis (Vice President)
Prestine Pratt ( Secretary)
Sidney Coleman (Board Member)
Von Ellis (Vice President)
Prestine Pratt ( Secretary)
Sidney brings a wealth of experience in sales, leadership, and youth sports development to the board. With a strong professional background in sales, he has built a reputation for driving growth, building meaningful partnerships, and leading teams to exceed their goals. Currently serving as the National Director for 7-on-7 at Michigan Eli
Sidney brings a wealth of experience in sales, leadership, and youth sports development to the board. With a strong professional background in sales, he has built a reputation for driving growth, building meaningful partnerships, and leading teams to exceed their goals. Currently serving as the National Director for 7-on-7 at Michigan Elite Football Club, Sidney oversees the program’s strategic growth and development on a national level. In this role, he is responsible for building opportunities for student-athletes to compete, grow their skills, and gain exposure both on and off the field.
Passionate about mentorship and community impact, Sidney is committed to creating pathways for young athletes to succeed academically, athletically, and personally. His combination of sales expertise and sports leadership provides valuable insight to the board, helping the organization strengthen its outreach and expand its impact.