STAFF
Photos by Kris Adams
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Jonathan 'Chaka' Mahone
is a storyteller through visual art, film/video (Uplifted), music (Riders Against the Storm), fashion (NefrFreshr), and events (Divine and Conjure Enterprises, Body Rock ATX). He believes in the power of art, and the importance of the artist as a community catalyst for social and cultural change, economic development, healing, planning, and collective conversation. Through life experience, Chaka has learned that the story we tell ourselves is one of the most significant determinants of: how we feel, when we find our purpose, what we consider possible, where we end up, and why we end up there.
DAWA is Chaka's offering and vision. It is a gentle hug, and reminder to all who walk this road: you are worthy, you are welcome, you are loved, you are necessary. Don't give up. We need your medicine. Take some of ours, so you can continue to share yours. Axé.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH/PROGRAM MANAGER
Daniela Julivic Marquez
is a Co-founder of Kalunga Collective, a de-colonial study abroad program in the Dominican Republic, Julivic leads efforts to: coordinate public events, outreach to the community members and volunteers, and develop organizational infrastructure. Julivic believes in rest as a form of resistance to the unrealistic expectations of a global society that treats living beings as machines, and sees DAWA as an opportunity to explore new possibilities.
DAWA STUDIOS MANAGER
Ever Calderon
is a self-taught audio and video systems engineer, specializes in livestream broadcasting and production. His expertise was critical to the technical direction of DAWA Studios, and has been utilized to produce multiple livestreams in partnership with SXSW, Love,Tito’s, Six Square, and The Pershing. Love for electronics, seeing new people and places, and community brought him to DAWA.
DIGITAL CONTENT
MANAGER
Kris Adams
is an interdisciplinary artist specializing in photography, videography, and music production. He started his creative path in turntablism and music at the age of twelve years old. In 2007, he won the Austin Beat Battle championship at sixteen years old. His broad style of photography include portrait, landscape, abstract and street. Kris aspires for his art to build open mindedness and self-exploration while bringing community together. Kris is excited to work with DAWA where he can utilize his creative skills to help support BIPOC artists while working for an organization that is aligned with his own personal values.