My name is Aaron, and I created the non profit GoBelieve with the mission of using apparel and entertainment to empower young adults. I first made an impact by creating a touring college-based stage play called "Karma 101," designed to boost college retention rates. Growing up in Public housing projects in the heart of Philadelphia, I witnessed many friends go to college after high school however being unprepared academically and socially, many of them ended up back in the streets of Philadelphia facing gun violence, working dead-end jobs and having children out of wedlock. Karma 101 was a staple in college readiness pre-pandemic by partnering with the school district of Philadelphia, being featured on various news/media outlets and being awarded the multicultural program award of the year by Penn State. As the creator, director and one of the main characters, struggles I have faced include keeping purpose above profits as team members were volunteers for years before we started generating income. Keeping a culture together among creatives is always a challenge. Post Pandemic I created the Just Believe Festival, the reigning #1 outdoor festival highlighting runway fashion and live music in the Philadelphia Region. This festival provides a platform for emerging music acts, models, fashion designers and visual artist.

I continue to do this work because my life purpose is to inspire people to make a living with the talents that God has given them. I personally gain the satisfaction of turning mentees into allies. As an American it is imperative for us to embrace our claim of being a melting pot, bringing culture and creativity from all parts of the world.