fokus’d kreatives 2026

Fokus’d Kreatives: Emerging Creatives in Action

In summer 2026, Fokus’d Kreatives welcomed 4 emerging digital storytellers to our six-week media arts apprenticeship led by Get Fokus’d Productions Founder and CEO Aitina Fareed-Cooke and managed by Jessica Stoddard, Assistant Professor of Digital Media and Communications at Villa Maria College.

From July 6 through August 14, participants developed their creative voices through project-based learning, professional development, collaborative work with GFP partners, and on- and off-site experiences. Our key ‘fokus’ was supporting the storytelling work that we are doing with the Oishei Foundation to promote joy, restoration and resilience on the East Side of Buffalo.

The program advanced Fokus’d Kreatives’ ongoing mission to help emerging creatives strengthen their artistic practice, build career-ready technical and interpersonal skills, and establish a meaningful presence in the creative arts industry.

Learn More

the apprentices

Amilkar Apointe

Kadynce Patton

Tamara Chambers

Zauria Robinson

the coaches

Aitina Fareed-Cooke

Jessica Stoddard

the work

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  • Dawn Martin Berry-Walker - Pappy Martin Jazz Collective

    Dawn Martin Berry-Walker leads the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective, using the Masten Jazz Festival and Love Supreme School of Music to cultivate joy, mentorship, and cultural connection on Buffalo’s East Side. 

    Fokus’d Kreatives Apprentices researched, prepared, and produced this feature, exploring how shared music strengthens social and community context.

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    Demetrius Garrett - 716 Elite Lawn Care

    Demetrius Garrett, owner of 716 Elite Lawn Care, helps restore pride, safety, and joy across Buffalo’s East Side through professional property maintenance.

    Fokus’d Kreatives Apprentices researched, prepared, and produced this feature, exploring how cleaner, safer outdoor spaces strengthen the health determinant of Neighborhood and Built Environment.

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    Donald "L-Biz" Foreman - iStayBizzy

    Donald “L-Biz” Foreman of iStayBizzy uses music-industry experience and financial-literacy coaching to help Buffalo creatives develop their careers and plan for the future.

    Fokus’d Kreatives Apprentices researched, prepared, and produced this feature, exploring how his East Side work builds joy, confidence, and economic stability through creative entrepreneurship.

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    Emma Brittian - Locust Street Art

    Emma Brittain and Locust Street Art expand creative opportunity on Buffalo’s East Side through free, individualized arts education.

    Fokus’d Kreatives Apprentices researched the organization, developed interview questions on education access, coordinated with Emma, prepared the interview, and assisted with filming. Together, the feature highlights how accessible arts learning can elevate joy, creative voice, and community well-being..

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    Kelly Dumas - Dumas Rise Providers

    Kelly Dumas, LCSW, founder of Dumas R.I.S.E. Providers, expands access to culturally responsive mental-health care while supporting Black clinicians in Buffalo.

    Fokus’d Kreatives Apprentices researched, prepared, and produced this feature, exploring how her work strengthens health care access and quality while creating pathways to healing, belonging, and joy.