BUZZ
BUZZ
PAST collabs include
META
ZILLOW
ARITZIA
LUSH COSMETICS
TEDx
Northern California Grantmakers
CONSULATE GENERAL OF CANADA
muslim advocates
WATSON FOUNDATION
YALE LAW SCHOOL
DUKE UNIVERSITY
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RACE AND ETHNICITY
PEOPLE OF COLOR IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
NYU
DEPT OF CHILDREN YOUTH & FAMILIES
CRITICAL MIXED RACE STUDIES CONFERENCE
NORTHWEST ASSOC FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ROCK THE VOTE
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
National Center for Family Philanthropy
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTMAKERS ASSOC.
STOLTE FAMILY FOUNDATION
CENTER OF CULTURAL POWER
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GRANTMAKERS
THE SOLUTIONS PROJECT
more extensive list of past collaborations available upon request
TestimonialS
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“Aisha’s ability to weave arts, praxis and action is relevant and necessary to the work of education. Her intersectional work bridges and inspires the type of change needed in today’s complex and globalized world."
— Michael Benitez, Jr., Ph.D., Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, MSU Denver
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“Aisha Fukushima is the truth! A non-stop lyrically poetic powerhouse who can blow your mind, touch your heart, and rattle your bones all in one verse.”
— Tim Wise, author and speaker
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“It was such a joy to have Aisha's deep, powerful and exciting force join us at the Lush Showcase... She left everyone feeling hopeful and connected to one another and the higher issues we care about.”
— Carleen P., LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
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"Aisha was amazing to work with! She was very open and receptive to hearing about our learning objectives and the points we wanted to get across to the audience. She was extremely collaborative and asked the right questions, prompting us to additional considerations. The event itself was a HIT! Everyone really enjoyed it. She does a great job of making her events engaging and the audience appreciated opportunities to converse, dance and appreciate her work in the moment and afterwards."
— Brianna, Zillow
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"[Aisha Fukushima's] lyrics cut deep and many of us were able to relate to what she was talking about. Her authenticity and openness were invaluable to our members who all try to find belonging. Her energy and positive vibes also brought our audience to life! Mixed Googlers, Black Googler Network, and Asian Googler Network benefited greatly from her contribution and we would absolutely have her again."
— Jay, Founder and Global Chair of Mixed Googlers
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“I was moved by the love and energy [Aisha Fukushima] shared with us, through breathing, song, storytelling, reflection, and imagery. I've never felt so in touch and self-reflective with a presentation like this before. I am changed for the better, and am grateful for this collective experience. Muchisimas gracias/Maraming salamat po!
— Dr. Rudy Guevarra Jr., Associate Professor of Asian Pacific American Studies in the School of Social Transformation, Arizona State University
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“Aisha Fukushima’s visionary music and activism is exactly what our world needs to begin healing centuries of racism, sexism, and too many forms of stereotyping and divisiveness. For me as a scholar-activist focused on Black and Asian American relations, her RAPtivism connects people and issues in profound ways that can’t be accomplished solely by assigning books and articles. She is a pivotal voice of the new culture and society that is arising in the new millennium.”
— Scott Kurashige, co-author with Grace Lee Boggs of The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century
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"Aisha Fukushima forges in not just their amazing talent but brings their full self to the stage. Utilizing their artistry, poetic-lyrical skills and soulful vocals along with a RAPtivism praxis they approach the heartwork with deep wisdom, profound conviction, and intentionality. Aisha's ability to capture people with their critical sensibilities and truthful rigor brings people into the fold. She is able to rupture the sound, gravitate the vulnerability of one's soul and leverage the voices of not just their own but the beat of a thousand hearts waiting to be heard. Aisha is THAT kind of artist as well as THAT kind of teacher and speaker. Aisha is THAT person we've been waiting for.... lifetimes ago."
— Dr. DJ Kuttin Kandi, Executive Director of Asian Solidarity Collective (and Hip Hop Artist, Writer, Educator and Public Speaker)
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"It was moving to watch Aisha invigorate a room full of law students, legal professionals and scholars with her energy and vibrance. Workshop participants took risks and opened themselves up to become vulnerable through movement and sound. Aisha took everyone on a mesmerizing journey through her own personal story and the story of hip-hop's power to transcend social justice issues worldwide."
—Dianne Lake, J.D. Candidate, Yale Law School
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“I have been running a major campus-wide event on my liberal arts college campus for a nearly a decade and we have brought in hundreds of speakers. Aisha Fukushima is in the top 1% of speakers that we’ve had the honor of hosting. Aisha exudes a personality that resonates well with young and old. Her RAPtivism inspires social justice and change. Her voice and music are beautiful. She is one of the most important leaders we’ve brought to campus in my 25 years at Westminster College. I recommend her wholeheartedly and I hope to have her back on campus soon!”
— Dr. Kurt Jefferson, Assistant Dean for Global Initiatives and Director, Churchill Institute for Global Engagement/Professor of Transnational and International Studies, Westminster College
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“Aisha came to our campus during a critical time in our nation where people were so divided for various reasons. She was able to help participants focus on bridging the societal gap and begin a healing process toward unity.”
— Doug Thompson, Assistant Dean of Equity and Diversity, University of West Florida
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“Aisha presence has been a gift to our community. Her music, message, and methodology provided a transformational experience for our campus community. Aisha gift to our community has transcended time and space. Her work is still positively impacting our community long after the virtual visit.”
— Felix Braffith, Director of Student Equity, WSU-Vancouver
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"Aisha Fukushima is an activist because she is always present with whoever she is in front of. Presence takes work, compassion, and a deep love for self and others; Aisha has that. Her energy is captivating. Her artistry is inclusive and therefore she models for us the elements of liberation. Aisha's gift is teaching and healing, and it comes through in her voice and the voice she gives to others."
—Dr. Lumas Helaire, Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium Chair, University of Michigan
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"It was clear leading up to the event, as the RSVPs continued to roll in, that the space Aisha was already holding was desperately needed by many. Aisha's hopeful and reflective spirit is contagious; the joy, light, love, and community present in the event deeply touched all who attended and uplifted us during a very dark time. Thank you so much, Aisha!"
— Whitney, Stolte Family Foundation
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"Aisha gets it. Not only that we have collective work to do in breaking down mental and systemic barriers to equitable opportunity, empowerment, and healing, but that the most effective path to progress is through celebrating our common affinity for love, joy, and belonging."
—Kate Herrmann, Director of Business Development, Conscious Company Magazine
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"Aisha is a prime example of an educating artist. It was a pleasure to have Aisha on campus and share with us how to utilize the performing arts to transform ideologies and impact social change by creating a space that fosters critical thought and engagement."
— Johnny LaSalle – Program Coordinator DePaul University Center for Identity, Inclusion and Social Change
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"Aisha is likely the most powerful performer that I have ever seen. Her ability to weave together story, song, and profound narratives around social justice defines both beauty and power. Our entire group was blown away and felt so lucky to have had her with us."
—Meghan, CEO & Co-Founder, Conscious Company
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"Aisha Fukushima is an artist, activist, and educator to her core. Her presentation at UAB was stunning and inspiring. The audience was engaged and students left feeling empowered. It was an honor to have her here, her knowledge of hip hop and social justice created the perfect foundation for our event…Aisha is truly amazing. She has and will continue to change our world for the better using performance as her vehicle. She is welcome in Birmingham any time!"
— Cortney Johnson, Senior Coordinator of Multicultural and Diversity Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
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“Aisha Fukushima is an artist, activist, and educator to her core. Her presentation at UAB was stunning and inspiring. The audience was engaged and students left feeling empowered. It was an honor to have her here, her knowledge of hip hop and social justice created the perfect foundation for our event…Aisha is truly amazing. She has and will continue to change our world for the better using performance as her vehicle. She is welcome in Birmingham any time!”
— Cortney, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
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"Wow! Never have I experienced such an interactive and relevant presentation as Aisha’s where she spoke about the importance of intersectionality. It was so refreshing to have a multiracial woman speak about her own personal experience that I, as a multiracial person, can resonate with. I was blown away by Aisha’s music and RAPtivist work and looking forward to having her come back to Oxy soon!"
— Camille C., Student, Occidental College
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"Ms. Fukushima’s talent, energy, and stage presence are totally captivating! She is a must see and I highly recommend her. My students are still talking about her performance.“
— Dr. Bennyce E. Hamilton, Regional Director of Diversity & Multicultural Services, Miami University
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“Aisha is a breath of fresh air within this broken world. During her Diversity Monologues Artist-Scholar in Residency, she led our community through a process that was life-giving to all. Aisha's pedagogy and praxis are affirming of each person's existence, yet she engages individuals in reflexivity to examine what they can do to ensure that we improve our communities and this world.”
-David H. Garcia, Assistant Dean - Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Whitworth University
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"Aisha’s presentation was pivotal in making our conference a huge success. She shared a very powerful message through an amazing combination of song, discussion, videos, and more. She gently challenged others to think outside of the box and explore their own perspectives, all the while doing so in a highly engaging and energetic way. She was incredible!"
—Alicia Moore, Dean of Student and Enrollment Services, Central Oregon Community College
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“Aisha Fukushima is a talented, engaging, and knowledgeable individual who brings her all to the table whether there are 50 or 500 people in the room. Aisha’s performance was both entertaining and educational, which is exactly what we strive for in our programming. We would work with her again in a heartbeat!”
— Yvette Rodriguez, M.Ed, Assistant Director - Programming, Multicultural Student Programs and Services, University of Notre Dame
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“I can’t describe the power that you have had on me in processing an experience like Montgomery, AL. All I can say is thank you. Having you be a part of that weekend helped us to hold the pain and the joy altogether in a way that had a profound impact on me (and I’m sure others). It is a real gift and I will forever cherish that weekend and share this story with others.”
— Kelly Nowlin, Principal, KDN Philanthropy Consulting | Trustee, Surdna Foundation | Chair, Andrus Family Program
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“Aisha meets you with a huge smile. She is fearless, deep, motivating, inspiring, an artist, a truthteller. She built a ‘potluck poem’ from the day’s workshop participants’ comments and delivered it with her whole person, joyously, capturing ancestral pain, her faith never wavering. She led us in song, and in movement….until we gave ourselves over to her invitation to ‘BE.’"
— Susan Grant, retired CNN EVP and community activist
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"I can't think of a better way to kick off ‘Diversity Week’ at WVU than with the wonderful performance and session with Aisha. Her message and interaction with the audience is on point; she is able to connect with everyone, students, faculty and staff and we can't wait to have her back!"
— Ed A. Cole Jr., Sr. Special Events Coordinator/Diversity Specialist
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“Aisha is beaming with inspiration, kindness, humility and a grace that is palpable the moment she enters the room. 150 global female entrepreneurs were even more authentically motivated to create change and impact after experiencing Aisha's powerful, interactive evening performance. Such gratitude for the gift she brings on and off-stage.”
— Nicole Richards, Event Producer
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"Aisha’s positive energy is contagious! She created a space for students to be their most authentic self when engaging in social justice work. "
—Josephine, Residence Hall Assistant Director, NYU
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"Aisha was great! I enjoyed learning about her story and listening to her sing! It was pretty amazing. She provided me with confidence in myself to speak up against racism, discrimination, and equality within the sexes, while at the same time displaying her ability to sing, dance, and beatbox. For me that was the first time I had ever seen a performance like that. I also was able to relate to her as a woman of color who has experienced similar hardships. I wish nothing for the best for her and hope to see her again!"
— Stephanie B., Student
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"Aisha's control of the space and authentic caring for all of those inside the space created an environment where expressing your struggles and yourself became possible. In free writing and asking pointed questions, the audience was able to hear about other people's experiences and reflect on their own.”
—Amanda, Student, NYU
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“She so easily established a safe space for us to tell our stories… it opened [our] eyes to a new perspective.”
—Louise, Student, NYU
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"[Aisha Fukushima] is incredibly talented and has a magnetic energy of authenticity and positivity. Her focus on social justice through music is inspirational and transformative!”
—Yetty, Assistant Director, Residential Life, NYU
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“Thank you for creating a magical moment for students to breathe, be themselves and be inspired as they sang with you... Much joy and laughter!”
— Lulu Gonzalez, Assistant Director for International student services, Whitworth University
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“My campus organization was celebrating multicultural work and life, and Aisha brought life to the entire event! With her passion, Aisha inspired everyone in the room to reflect on and appreciate their own cultures.”
— Tyler AG, Student, Duke University
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“Aisha was just what our campus needed! She did her research on our university so she was aware of issues that impact our students, and personalized her performance accordingly. We laughed, cried, cheered, sang, snapped, rapped and hoped. Aisha truly epitomizes the type of artists we love to work with that students will consistently ask us to bring to campus.”
— Katie Stango, Assistant Director for Campus Programs, University of Vermont
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“Aisha's performance lecture is a powerful tool to bring home the message of inclusion and equity. She worked with us to create a program that would meet students 'where they're at', and bring them forward on their social justice journey. Aisha captivated the students' attention with her message and style.”
— Deb Ellis, Program Manager, Unity Multicultural Education Center, Gonzaga University
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“Aisha Fukushima is a powerful voice in our changing diverse world. She was able to get our crowd of students to be both reflective of the moment and spirit filled dancing in the aisles. She is a must have for all colleges and universities.”
— Mark Wilson, Director of Cultural Affairs,
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“Aisha performed with her whole heart at PGM ONE 2019. Aisha's style was so responsive to the energy in the room and as a result the audience was completely part of the performance. Working with Aisha was a dream and I hope to do so again in the future!”
— Grace Anderson, Director
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“Aisha Fukushima was our closing keynote for our 16th Annual Diversity Leadership Conference. She performed an amazing and uplifting performance. Her performance included her story, global reflection, and an overall bonding experience. At one point she had everyone in the audience standing up, clapping, and even having audience members add their own words to a song she created on the spot. In a conference where many of the workshops are heavy research-based and discussing the impact of social work, having Aisha perform was the perfect way to tie everything together. Also, all of our staff loved how easy she was to work with and the attending students, staff, and faculty all enjoyed her performance. I could not recommend her enough.”
— Edwin Cantu, Coordinator for the Center of Diversity & Intercultural Affairs. SHSU
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“[Aisha] opened our hearts. Forced them open in ways we didn't think we were ready for. And then gave us all the love and good vibes we needed to be whole. To be healed. [Aisha's] wisdom, jokes, LAUGH (the best), voice, and unyielding commitment to truth and justice was just a beautiful gift to all of us.”
— Sekita Grant, Climate Change Advocate & Consultant
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"Working with Aisha was a wonderful experience of collaboration, joy, and care. Though our audience was not able to gather together in person, Aisha's words, music, message, and presence brought us together as a community at a moment when we desperately needed it. Even through YouTube, Aisha inspired and filled us - we are so grateful for her work and her performance."
— Erin Aoyama, Doctoral Student, Brown University
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"Aisha keynoted and led workshops for the recent 2021 NWAIS Student Diversity Leadership Retreat for middle schoolers, a remote conference for students of all backgrounds to explore diversity, equity and inclusion in independent schools. Aisha created an enthusiasm and excitement form the first moments of the conference with an address full of music and passion. She also skillfully led virtual workshops for over a hundred students to rave reviews. For many students the time with her was the highlight of the event. On the planning side, Aisha was one of the most collaborative, professional, and enthusiastic speakers I have ever worked with. Her communication was fantastic, and she helped up see how a session would work, made sure it would be carried off without a hitch. We would not have been able to offer this experience with so many students without her skilled guidance and experience. We owe the success of the event to her. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Aisha for sharing your warm, kind, grounded work with our students!"
— Emily McGrath, Associate Director, NWAIS
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"The music, the mood, the beautiful guided meditation and thoughtfulness were a much-needed refresher to an especially tough work period. Even on ZOOM, she made you feel connected and alive! We all keep hearing how tough the current times are, how we need to be fully present with ourselves – but most of us don’t begin to know how to do that. Aisha made sure that every participant left the event a bit more settled and ready to get back to work in a better place. So amazing, inspiring and fulfilling!"
— Regina Jackson, Director, Office Services, The Nature Conservancy
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“Aisha completely blew me away! She approached facilitating a caucus of multiracial students for a virtual Anti-Racism Learning Day with warmth, adaptability, and a presence that brought students to life. She seamlessly transitioned between lecture, live performance, and facilitated conversation throughout the session. Even via Zoom, she was able to efficiently and effortlessly create an engaging, multidimensional space in which students voluntarily turned on their cameras and engaged with their peers. I am in awe of the transformation I saw in our participants, with many of them reported feeling ‘inspired,’ ‘hopeful,’ and ‘uplifted’ by Aisha's session. As a Pediatric Mental Health RN and graduate student, I've witnessed countless group discussions led by extremely skilled presenters. I can't quite pinpoint how she did it, but I have never seen a speaker inspire such dramatic transformation in participants as quickly as Aisha.” New List Item
— Mia S., BSN, RN | Doctor of Nursing Practice | Psychiatry & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student | University of Washington
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"Aisha met us where we were; she took us on a journey through breath, and song, and reflection that brought me out of the worry of tomorrow or the craziness of the past and into the present moment. She was attuned to what our crowd needed and delivered in a way that I did not expect. By the end of her time with us, I was overcome with emotion—a release of tension, joy, and hope that manifested in tears--cleansing tears. This was a transformational experience for me and I look forward to engaging with her again.”
— Rachel BK, Washington
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“Aisha was a joy to work with through the process of planning our event and went above and beyond what we thought was possible during her time with us. Her style is refreshing and energizing as her soul shines through, lifting others out of darkness. It was truly a blessing to spend time in song and movement with her and I know she left a lasting impression of love, justice and celebration of life that will grace us for a long while.”
— Ellen F. Zito, Coordinated Monitoring and Quality Improvement Specialist | Early Achievers|Eligibility and Provider Supports, DCYF
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“Our organization has been fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with Aisha on multiple occasions to bring powerful, uplifting and energizing experiences to our international group of diverse thought-leaders from the U.S. and Japan. Her vocal and mindfulness workshops instantly transform the room and shift the audience to a higher vibration, laying the groundwork for deep interpersonal connections to happen following these guided exercises. As anyone who has seen her TED talks can attest, Aisha is a profoundly talented storyteller, lyricist and vocalist. We feel blessed to not only be on the receiving end of her many talents, but to know her for the incredible person she is with much to give and teach to help bridge healing and understanding across global communities, and we could not be prouder to count Aisha as a Fellow of the US-Japan Leadership Program.”
— Kelly Nixon, Program Director, United States-Japan Foundation
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“Aisha’s participation in the GlobeMed Summit blew our audience away and greatly surpassed everyone’s expectations. It’s not every day that you get to see 300 of your program beneficiaries dancing together, singing, smiling, reflecting, and sharing their stories in the span of a couple hours, but Aisha brings out the best in everyone. I strongly recommend her for any type of event.“
— Alyssa S., Executive Director, GlobeMed
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“Aisha’s energy, talent and the values expressed in her presentation were a fantastic contribution to the success of ConnectSafely’s official U.S. Safer Internet Day celebration. She was a huge hit. […] The audience was engaged and energized. Of course they were entertained, but they also benefited from her wisdom and the values expressed in her music and spoken word. […] Our audience ranged from middle school students to corporate executives and everyone I spoke with was excited about Aisha’s performance. Her music was infectious and her message was inspiring and unifying!”
— Larry Magid, CEO, ConnectSafely.org
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“Aisha was definitely the highlight of the day for many members of the student body. Her passion and energy really brought the whole community together and opened the minds of some of the more closed-off audience members. Not only that, but it was so much fun!”
- Katie H., Student, Sacred Heart Schools - Atherton
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"Aisha brought light, rhythm, movement, love and togetherness to a virtual healing event during a painful and difficult time. Her story, creativity, commitment to healing and justice was the perfect combination to lead us through mindfulness activities. Her soul and power really soar through her music and voice, transporting you to a deeper level of consciousness, awareness and being. It was a gift to be led by her in reflection and the open writing portion brought me back to a place of feeling and expression that I hadn't visited in years."
— Kim Wright, Stolte Family Foundation
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"Aisha is a magnificent artist, strategist, storyteller and overall human. She weaves together her truth and her talent in a way that brings her audience along for a heart stirring experience. Her message and her presence are truly powerful, whether in person or virtually. Aisha’s work connected so deeply with me when I first saw her perform three years ago. The experience awakened in me a new commitment and understanding of the social justice and equity work that needs to be done. Three years later, I look back on that moment as a turning point in my commitment to social justice work. She is able to unite us all through song, poetry and story in a way that very few humans are capable of doing."
— Elaine, Founder, Kindred Lane
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"Aisha embodies clarity, wisdom, compassion and a supremely joyous consciousness, in her ways of being, speaking, singing, and expressing -- which inspired that in myself and the attendees. I am enlivened to bring more breath and movement throughout moments of the day, and to intentionally include more voices in our pure water work. Big thanks to Aisha for your stand for all people and our collective vitality and voice."
— Ryan V., Director, PureBlue