MEET THE TEAM

DEE-1

Artist | Educator | Activist

Dee-1 is a world-renowned "Mission Vision" artist and a pioneer in the "Righteous Rebellion" movement. A former middle school mathematics teacher turned Billboard-charting rapper, Dee-1 achieved international acclaim with his Billboard Top 10 album Slingshot David and has spent his career proving that mainstream success does not require compromising one’s message.

As a Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellow at Harvard University and the first-ever Artist-in-Residence at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life, and as a recipient of the NAACP Power of Influence Award, Dee-1 brings a rare level of academic and civic prestige to the ITC stage.

As the Ignite the Culture Music Talent Search Host, Dee-1 brings credibility, inspiration, and a clear connection between culture, education, and real-life growth.

Brawley

Founder, Above .500 Inc. & Ignite the Culture

Brawley is the strategic force behind Above .500 Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit focused on community empowerment through youth mentorship and cultural initiatives.

His work has built bridges between professional sports, mainstream media, and underserved communities, earning recognition from ESPN and other major outlets.

Through Ignite the Culture, he brings the leadership, relationships, and nonprofit foundation needed to grow the platform into a lasting institution with measurable community
impact.

MICHAEL OMMY

Social Entrepreneur | Talent Strategist

Michael Ommy Caraballo is a social entrepreneur and talent strategist specializing in talent development, youth engagement, and community mobilization.

As founder of the Talent Catalog and Talent4Change, he has created programs connecting culture, creativity, and grassroots empowerment, including work tied to Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp and Kenny Stills’ Still Growing Summit.

His role within Ignite the Culture helps ensure the platform resonates with authenticity, positive influence, and community value.

ALEXANDER STAR

Emmy-nominated Impact Artist | Anthem Architect

Alexander Star is an independent recording artist and creative force using music as a vehicle for social impact.

As the official Artist Ambassador for Visit Lauderdale and a Recording Academy voting member, he bridges government, tourism, and grassroots culture through music and storytelling.

Within Ignite the Culture, he serves as a creative anchor, helping shape an intentional experience that turns performance into purpose.

WENDY MORGAN

Founder, Beautiful People Management | Community Liason

Wendy Morgan is a Grammy-winning publicist, community strategist, and experienced leader in artist management, branding, and outreach.

With deep ties across South Florida, she specialized in stakeholder engagement, neighborhood outreach, and ensuring large-scale activations remain connected to the communities they serve.

For Ignite the Culture, she acts as the Primary Liaison, navigating the balance between government relations, vendor management, and community engagement.

EUGENA ANDERSON, PH. D

Founder, EAND4 Management | Operation Strategist

Eugena Anderson, is a high-performance operations specialist and the administrative lead for the Ignite the Culture and Above .500 team. Eugena specializes in logistics, vendor management, and internal structure required to execute complex events at a high level.

Through EAND4 Managment, she provides the infrastructure needed to align timelines, vendors, budgets, and day-to-day coordination.

At Ignite The Culture, she serves as the operational bridge between big vision and flawless execution.

GIOVANNI SAIRRAS

Founder, Re-Entry One Inc. | Reform Advocate

Giovanni Sairras is the founder of Re-Entry One Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Using lived experience as the foundation for systemic change, he has built strong networks around housing, employment, legal support, and second-chance advocacy.

His involvement adds an important layer of civic responsibility to Ignite the Culture, ensuring the platform creates opportunity not only through inspiration, but through direct community empowerment.