NO JUSTICE
NO PEACE
our mission
Our mission is to amplify BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) voices while fostering community, and facilitating accessible arts and professional education.
At CFJ, we see activism, education, and allyship as essential tools in the ongoing fight against systemic racism. We strive to make meaningful connections with every person in our community to build a stronger, louder, and broader coalition of people who are in this fight.
ABOUT CREATING FOR JUSTICE
We are inspired by the fundamental question, “what talents do you have that can set people free?” A coworker and friend, Gaïana Joseph, posed this beautiful and powerful question as the 2020 protests around the world demanded an end to police brutality. They seek to finally establish racial, socioeconomic, and civil justice for BIPOC people and communities. To join the fight, Creating for Justice was founded.
Creating for Justice is a growing network of activists/professionals who offer artistic and other professional services in exchange for donations, 100 percent of which benefit anti-racist organizations. Each team member volunteers his/her/their expertise to individuals who donate money to the anti-racist organizations of the volunteer’s choosing.
However, we realize that donating in and of itself is a privilege. That is why our services are available for donations of any size! Please, check out our services to learn more about what we offer!
CFJ works to center the narrative around the BIPOC voices that have been systemically marginalized. Still, to put some faces to names, CFJ was founded by husbands, Casey Neubauer and Taylor Masamitsu who live in New York City with their dog, Hastings.
Read more about our leadership team below!
LEADERSHIP TEAM
TAYLOR MASAMITSU
Co-Founder, Executive Director of Programs and Development
Taylor Masamitsu is a Japanese-American tenor, music director, and educator based in New York City. He is a champion of accessible arts education and is dedicated to using his skills for the amplification of BIPOC voices.
As an educator, Taylor has worked with leading schools and non-profits determined to provide meaningful, accessible arts education. He proudly serves on the faculties at Columbia University, The School of The New York Times, Metropolitan Elite Education, and Random Farms Kids' Theater. Taylor has previously been on faculties at the CalArts Community Arts Partnership, Broadway Training Center of Westchester, Inside Broadway, Plaza de la Raza, West Creek Academy, and Burbank Unified School District.
Taylor received his Master of Arts (MA) in Vocal Pedagogy at Columbia University. Previously, Taylor received his Professional Diploma (PD) in Opéra from École Normale de Musique de Paris and his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Vocal Performance from The California Institute of the Arts. Additionally, he was a Young Artist at the International Vocal Artists Academy of Payerbach.
The son of Robert "Chip" Masamitsu (Editor, Dances With Wolves, 1991) and Andrea Pugliese (Emmy Award Winner, The Doctors, 2010; The Ellen Degeneres Show, 2019; six-time nominee), Taylor was fortunate to have been inspired and raised by incredible artists in their Los Angeles home.
CASEY Masamitsu
Co-Founder, Executive Director of Operations
Casey is committed to using his financial, technical, and organizational skillset to combat the finance industry, which has systemically oppressed BIPOC communities.
Most recently, Casey received his Master of Science (MS) from Johns Hopkins University in Data Analytics & Policy. Previously, Casey received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Iowa State University and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Shortly after moving to New York City in 2017, Casey transitioned into the financial technology (FinTech) industry, managing online and mobile banking projects for credit unions nationwide. Since then, Casey has served as a Senior Program Manager, Risk and Compliance at The New York Times. Additionally, to fully utilize his passions, expertise, and experience, Casey proudly serves as Executive Director of Operations at Creating for Justice.
You can learn more about Casey on his website!
ANNE COCHRAN
Executive Director of Administration
Anne Cochran is a people-oriented project manager at Mercer. She frequently collaborates with friends and colleagues to promote healthy living, engage voters in local and national politics, and support marginalized communities.
Anne has a confluence of experience in accounting, health benefits, and human resources. Additionally, she has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Beacon of Life, a recovery center of women recently out of prison or recovering from addiction; and Ankeny Area Democrats as a volunteer for the Iowa Caucus.
While Anne does not describe herself as a singer, she is a huge advocate for the performing and visual arts, particularly music and photography. She also adores Broadway and is a season ticket holder for the Iowa Des Moines Performing Arts Center. Anne credits her father’s artistic skills and educational background for her innate love of the arts.
Anne is thrilled to serve as the Executive Director of Administration at Creating for Justice.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KHELSE DE PRADO
Secretary
Khelse de Prado is a life-long advocate for underserved individuals and communities. She examines where government and society fail to meet its people's needs, and Ms. de Prado works diligently to remedy these shortcomings.
Her passions led Ms. de Prado to study political science at the undergraduate level and, ultimately, nonprofit management at the graduate level. She currently serves as a member of the executive team and coronavirus response team at her alma mater, the University of Houston.
Ms. de Prado supports Creating for Justice because it benefits a myriad of communities. More specifically, CFJ provides a space where people can make a demonstrable impact doing what they love; it is equally beneficial for those who cultivate new and exciting skills, all while fostering a greater sense of humanism.
In her spare time, Ms. de Prado enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and boyfriend, and hanging out with her dog, Pepper Jack.
KELLI KIRKLAND
President
With experience in education, entrepreneurship, acting, and writing, Kelli Kirkland is a multifaceted powerhouse. She currently serves as Owner and CEO of Genius Kids Club, where Kelli's ten years of classroom experience, formal education from UCLA, and firm beliefs in anti-biased policies and pedagogy flourish. Further, her pedagogical expertise is the basis for Kelli's upcoming book, The Magnitude of Microaggressions: How Unintentional Missteps by Educators Derail Children of Color.
Kelli is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in over 50 television shows. Select career highlights include Ray Donovan, Dexter, Grey's Anatomy, Bosch, Brooklyn 99, Scandal, Shameless, Jane the Virgin, Superstore, and Criminal Minds.
Kelli is the proud mother of her 10-year-old son, whom Mensa, the international high IQ society, inducted at age 4.