Ya'ShalanVisual ArtistCultural Worker
I am a writer/director and producer based in Chicago. 
I’m an explorer of the visual media landscape. I carry with me stories of human connection and the strength of community.What encourages me are stories that explore the feminine gaze, afrofuturism, and the many faces of mortality. 
When away from typing a script, I'm a field producer for Chicago Moon, a project I founded that captures artist DJ sets in various locations. 
I also run an open journal titled Yaya Media, where I share insights, templates, and courses for independent media makers, so they can launch works-in-progress. 
Outside of video production, I'm a fan of third wave coffee culture, shopping local cooperatives + farmers markets, and talking hoops (specifically Steph Curry's latest stat).
I'm a Bay Area native that lives, loves and works in Chicago, IL.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA PARKS


SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

JULY 2022