Ashley Edokpayi (right) is a multimedia professional, world traveler, and founder + owner of Bloom Creative, a soulful creative agency focused on the needs of BIPOC businesses, entrepreneurs and creators. As a Maryland native with Nigerian (Edo) roots who has lived and traveled across continents, she is energized and curious about the intersection of cultures and movements, the power of storytelling, and how our lived experiences across the diaspora connect us. She combines her diverse experiences to strategize and collaborate with local and global communities, share rich and compelling narratives, and fuel purpose-driven projects and missions. For her, co-creating DIASPORA magazine is a dream realized, and honors the history and culture of her family and ancestors from Benin City, Nigeria. Ashley is based in Brooklyn, NY and Washington, D.C.

Stephanie Kariuki (left) is an award-winning audio journalist and the founder of Earthtone Media, a production house whose mission is to elevate global stories. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, she came to the U.S. at six years old and is now settled in Brooklyn, NY. She has spent a majority of her career in audio documentary, most recently as an Executive Producer at VICE News. Previously, she led the team behind the series AUTHENTIC: The Story of Tablo, co-created the documentary unit at Stitcher and produced Unfinished: Deep South, which was nominated for a Peabody in 2020. She has also worked with dozens of companies like Marvel, Audible and OWN to develop and create podcasts. For her, DIASPORA is a labor of love where the best of her work as an international creator can shine.