SGLAI TEAM

Nate Olison is a teaching artist and the founder of Optimist Comics, which he launched in 2020 as a platform to publish his work. Since then, Optimist Comics has evolved, reflecting Nate’s passion for creating, teaching, and talking about comics full-time. Originally from California, Nate now calls Chicago home, where he continues to inspire others through storytelling and art.

Mariah Balaban has over a decade of experience working with vulnerable youth and adults, specializing in program evaluation, grant writing, and advocacy. With a Master’s in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, she has worked with organizations including the Illinois Department of Human Services and Northwestern Law’s Children and Family Justice Center. Mariah also volunteers as a development consultant for youth-focused initiatives and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Elgin Bokari T. Smith is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and social activist from St. Louis, Missouri, with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He has collaborated with institutions like the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum and Northwestern University on youth justice projects and served as a teaching artist for numerous Chicago organizations. As co-creator of Pocket Con, Elgin is dedicated to empowering diverse communities through the arts.

Arnold Aprill is a consultant specializing in integrating the arts into education to promote student self-determination and community engagement. He co-authored Renaissance in the Classroom and Education, Arts and Sustainability and founded the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education. Arnold's work has earned recognition from the Chicago Community Trust, the Ford Foundation, and the Fulbright Scholars Program.

Katie Heard is an artist, educator, and environmental advocate with a BFA in ceramics and photography from Iowa State University. She apprenticed with renowned artist Theaster Gates and served as the founding Visual Arts Coordinator at the Gary Comer Youth Center. Katie also mentored youth nationwide through The Nature Conservancy’s LEAF program, promoting conservation and sustainable practices. As Director of Organizational Development, she combines her passion for art, education, and community empowerment to drive impactful initiatives.

Uran Kabashi is a hip-hop artist, activist, and marketing strategist based in Chicago. Born in Kosovo and resettled as a refugee in 1999, Uran’s creative and social justice work is deeply rooted in his lived experience of war, displacement, and resilience. He is a founding member of Elephant Rebellion, a socially engaged artist collective in Uptown, and currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative, where he supports youth and community storytelling through music, media, and education.

Uran is also a licensed real estate broker with Fulton Grace, helping individuals and families—especially first-time homebuyers—build stability and wealth. He previously held corporate marketing roles at Aprimo and Morningstar, and now brings that expertise into purpose-driven work and entrepreneurial ventures, including co-managing a family-owned vending machine business and supporting his wife’s company, Cobalt Extensions.

A Loyola University graduate with a degree in Marketing and Philosophy, Uran is also a dynamic educator and teaching artist. His workshops span topics from beat-making and video production to identity and Know Your Rights trainings. At his core, Uran believes in the transformative power of art, education, and collective action to create a more just and joyful world.