Create for Change with Dillon St. Bernard

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Michael Oloyede, an actor, producer, community builder, and former digital strategy lead for CultureCon, the world’s largest creative conference for creators of color. 

Michael is the founder of Scene & Heard, a community dedicated to amplifying voices in film, TV, and theater through live events, creative development programs, and a thriving network of creatives. 

We talk about all things community: what it looks like, how to build it, and how organizations like CultureCon and Scene & Heard can help foster our communities’ creativity and wellbeing. 

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Max Levy, a digital and political strategist with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit, government, and campaign space. 

Max has played key roles in digital fundraising for the Stacey Abrams campaign and public affairs at Democracy Forward. He continues his impact work today as an independent consultant helping changemakers break through online.

Max walks us through his career journey, discusses what makes a winning digital strategy, and talks about the lessons he’s learned from his experience about what works and what doesn’t in an ever-changing digital landscape.

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Alex Edgar, a Gen Z civic leader bridging generations to make room for intentional youth participation in American civic life. 

A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Alex co-founded Youth 250, a first-of-its-kind initiative to center young people as the United States celebrates its 250th year of existence. 

Alex discusses the journey that drove him to work towards increasing youth participation in civic service, his experiences in fostering intergenerational collaboration, and how crucial youth engagement is in building a better future for our country. 

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Eric Keith, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Quintessential Gentleman, a media platform for Black and Brown men that features thought-provoking content about everything from entrepreneurship and politics to lifestyle and entertainment. 

Eric discusses the evolution of The Quintessential Gentleman, from its inception in 2016 to its growth into the premier media platform.

Eric also walks us through his career journey, shares how he protects his peace as a Black man in journalism, and emphasizes the importance of supporting Black media in today’s political climate. 

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Gabriella Zutrau, a digital strategy advisor, organic social media expert, and content creator focused on leveraging social media engagement’s potential for real-world impact. 

Gabriella shares her takeaways from building out the digital operations for Zohran Mamdani’s campaign — which included a social media chatbot infrastructure that helped turn followers’ online energy into offline action, and a trial reels program that brought in over half a million followers during New York’s Democratic mayoral primary. 

Gabriella walks us through her digital strategy career journey, gives us her thoughts on what makes a good political campaign, and shares the unexpected testing ground that helps her hone her craft: her dog’s Instagram account. 

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, a psychologist, author, and former film executive who founded the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA — a groundbreaking organization that brings together researchers and creatives to build a more inclusive, authentic narrative for Gen Z.

Dr. Uhls talks about her unique professional journey bridging psychology and film, and her vision for the future of the film industry that includes young people as active parts of the filmmaking process. Our discussion emphasizes the value of youth-led creator research, and the impacts that the Center for Scholars & Storytellers has had on pushing forth diversity and authentic media representation. 

She closes off with her advice to young storytellers, especially those who aspire to work in the film industry: you have to persist. And if you find that you don’t like the path you’re going down, you can always pivot, and use your storytelling skills somewhere else. 

On this episode of Create for Change, we’re joined by Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, a White House correspondent, best-selling author, and powerhouse journalist who has spent his career operating at the absolute intersection of media and change. 

Dr. Quartey discusses his career journey, his professional return to journalism, and offers insights on our current media and political landscape.

We explore the unique challenges and changes Americans are facing in 2026: an oversaturation of mis- and disinformation, the affordability and housing crisis, and the rise of independent media as fewer people turn to broadcast and big names for information.

Dr. Quartey’s wide range of experiences informs his insights on our current moment, and his hopes for the future of leadership in our country. 

Learn more about Dr. Quartey on his website, drniiq.com.

Download the KBLA app to listen to A More Perfect Union, and buy Kamala, The Motherland, And Me on Mahogany Books. 

On this episode of Create for Change, host Dillon St. Bernard sits down with Kymon Warman, a dedicated content creator and activist. Kymon shares his journey of self-discovery, exploring his identity as a queer person of color while navigating life in a predominantly white suburb in Kansas City, Missouri. He discusses his impactful presence on TikTok, where his authentic and educational videos have inspired many individuals to embrace their true selves. Kymon opens up about the complexities of his coming-out story, his relationship with his family, and the power of community in fostering personal growth and empowerment.

On this episode of Create for Change, host Dillon St. Bernard delves deep into the power of storytelling and social impact with Jamira Burley, an internationally recognized speaker, activist, and Strategy Director at Amplify Pledge. Jamira shares her personal journey from youth activism to becoming a leading voice in social justice, youth engagement, and corporate social responsibility. They discuss the critical role that young people and brands play in creating meaningful change and how Amplify Pledge aims to bridge the gap between communities and corporations. 

Welcome to "Create for Change," hosted by Dillon St. Bernard, cultural strategist and founder of Amplify Pledge. In this series, Dillon will be joined by changemakers harnessing the power of art and storytelling to drive social impact. Subscribe and click here to take the Amplify Pledge today!