Rina Madhani of Start Lighthouse & Amira Mustapha of Art Defined Productions

In this episode, we find out all about constructing platforms and spaces—the kinds of platforms and spaces built to foster literacy, to create the opportunity to be seen, to nurture a sense of collectivity, to elevate the voices of those in the community. Rina Madhani is the founder of Start Lighthouse and Amira Mustapha is the founder of Art Defined. In this conversation with host Monique T. Marshall, these collaborators and thought partners discuss the reality checks that emerge when running a non-profit, the importance of building a strong board, and recognizing the potential of spaces and communities that can be revitalized through passion and love. How does one combat the loneliness of being an entrepreneur? What does it take to move forward in challenging times and how can having a collaborative thinking partner create a sense of fortitude? Join us to find out how these entrepreneurs are creating "riches in the niches." Visit our podcast page. Visit Start Lighthouse. Visit Art Defined Productions. Rina Madhani is a passionate educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to literacy and equity. Her journey began with AmeriCorps, where she discovered a love for service that led her to the classroom in the Bronx. Teaching across both public and charter schools, Rina witnessed the systemic challenges students faced—experiences that ultimately inspired her to take action.  In the midst of the pandemic, she founded Start Lighthouse, a literacy nonprofit dedicated to restoring access to books and culturally responsive reading experiences in historically underserved communities. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to eight school sites across New York City, secured significant federal funding, and built powerful partnerships with institutions and changemakers such as Columbia University's Center for Public Research and Leadership, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Assemblymember Amanda Septimo.  Rina holds a BA from New York University and an MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania. She serves as a founding board member of Arts Defined in the Bronx and has held leadership roles in both the Penn and NYU communities, including Chair of Community Engagement and Philanthropy, GSE Liaison, and mentor across multiple academic and service programs. Amira Mustapha is a Ghanaian-American Bronx-based artist, having founded Art Defined, because she wanted to create a platform for artists to explore, create, develop, and see their work come to life.  She has developed successful programs within her organization, like Poetic Affair, an open mic. In addition, Amira is looking to create a mentorship program where artists will be able to grow and prosper. Since 2013, Amira has received multiple Community Arts Fund Grants from the Bronx Council on the Art, and since 2014, she has garnered annual support from the "nation's largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers," Poets and Writers, Inc. In 2019, Amira was presented with the Bharati Foundation Leadership Award for her service, dedication, and commitment to the art community.

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