Founder, Executive and Artistic Director, Art as Mentorship, Making Movies

In 2017, Chi launched Art As Mentorship, a nonprofit organization created to expand the band’s community efforts. In 2018 Enrique Chi produced a documentary film titled Music is An Immigrant in partnership with KCPT. The film received an Emmy nomination.

Director of Virtual Programming, Art as Mentorship, Making Movies

Diego Chi is a singer, composer, and the bassist in the band Making Movies. He serves as the director of virtual programming for the nonprofit started by the group, Art As Mentorship.

Artist Ambassador, Art as Mentorship, Making Movies

Juan-Carlos Chaurand is a Kansas City-based percussionist and multi-instrumentalist for the band Making Movies and serves as an Artist Ambassador for nonprofit Art as Mentorship and Celebrate AMERI'KANA Music and Arts Festival 2024.

Artist Ambassador, Art as Mentorship, Making Movies

Duncan Burnett is a Kansas City-based percussionist for the band Making Movies and serves as an Artist Ambassador for nonprofit Art as Mentorship and Celebrate AMERI'KANA Music and Arts Festival 2024.

Program Manager, Mentor

Brandon Yangmi is a producer, multi-instrumentalist and Programming Director of Art as Mentorship. He was the lead guitarist and composer for the indie band, The Greeting Committee for eight years and now works as a producer and professional recording engineer.

Communications Strategist

Erika Noguera is an entrepreneur, community organizer, and artist who advocates to create safe, inclusive spaces through art, connection, and mutual aid. Erika is co-owner of Doña Fina Café with her dad; importing coffee directly from the family farm in Guatemala and roasting it weekly in KC.

Events & Administration Consultant

Gabby was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Her background includes Music Education and Clarinet Performance training at UMKC Conservatory, management of local political campaigns, and nonprofit work. In 2021 she founded Doyenne Collaborative, an events, marketing, and outreach firm with clients including local nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and political campaigns.

DrPH, CDP, Managing Principal Consultant, IvyMind Collaborative

Ashli Owen is a Kansas City-based federal scientific advisor and public health researcher and practitioner, integrative wellness coach, social change agent, DEI champion, disability advocate, and public speaker.

Event Coordinator and Community Sponsorship Liaison

Juliana is a Kansas City native born to Panamanian immigrants. She is a community organizer, and the Event Coordinator and Community Partnership Liaison for Celebrate AMERI’KANA. She also works as a multi-store manager for a KC based jewelry company, Nickel & Suede.

Marketing Architect

Creative partner and music advocate are best used to describe McKenzii Webster. She serves as the Marketing Architect for Art as Mentorship. The Memphis, TN, native uses her passion for music and connecting the dots between creativity and strategy to help creatives.

Experience Architect

Peter is a community-centric musician, content designer, and marketing strategist who puts people first. He’s a KC native and has been playing concerts around KC and the midwest since 201. In 2020 Peter founded a music and arts cooperative called Deep Space which served its community for two years. He’s also a part-time stained glass artist.

Art Fellow

Alejandro Arias is a young artist in the AM Mentorship program and plays the guitar and double bass. “I enjoy connecting with new people and learning from them to help me create new music! I create music for my own enjoyment and to connect with my listeners on an emotional level. My music is here to connect to my listeners on a level that most people will relate to and feel inside emotionally.”

Art Fellow

J Buch is 17 years old and has been playing music since kindergarten. “I create music because I want a place to put my thoughts and emotions in the form I know best and in ways that can hopefully connect with others.”

Art Fellow

Josue is a musician. “I create music and have fun. There is no past, there is no present, the only time you have is now. So have fun”

Art Fellow

Isabella Amhara sings, plays violin, and writes music. “I create music to express myself and to tell stories and perspectives to the world that need to be told. Depending on the songs I write, I want my music to connect with those who have similar experiences as I do or grab the attention of everyone to hear a message that needs awareness.”

Art Fellow

Miranda Serda is 17 years old and creates music to connect with others and have fun!! “I want to make people feel comforted and heard.”

Art Fellow

Noah Miller is from Kansas City, Missouri and plays guitar. “I create music because it’s my favorite form of art and I really enjoy making my own version of it. I want my music to reach people and touch their SOULS.”

Art Fellow

Art Fellow

Izzy Burch is a young singer-songwriter. “I create music to express my emotions and relate with others. I find music as a coping mechanism and would love to show others the beauty of it.”

Art Fellow

Alena Gaughan is a 17-year-old junior who's creative, adventurous, and has always had a special connection with music. “I've always found it fun and easy to play by ear, I got involved with piano at 5 and picked up on different instruments later on. I hope to express myself through my music, accurately portray myself through my work, and create songs that I feel the world needs more of.”

Art Fellow

Akilah Walker is 18 and creates music as a means to release. “I also want to serve as a source of inspiration for others and deliver messages and lessons that I have learned over time. I want my lyrics to be something more complex that causes people to think and really feel the meaning and emotions behind my songs.”

Art Fellow

Salem (artist name “Possibly Manic”) is 17 years old and a senior at Liberty Academy! “I create music because I want to be able to emotionally connect with people who have similar experiences and stories as myself. I also make music because it honestly just helps me express myself and how I’m feeling about certain situations.”