Passion Project Online
Co-Creator, Creative Director, Executive Director and Podcast Host
Multimedia editorial for college creatives
“Passion Project fills the creative culture gap on Ithaca College’s campus…We wanted to do something new.”
- Kylee Roberts for Ithaca Week
Cover art for three zine by Nicole Diacik
Audio: KINKS
Hosts April Carroll, Candace Cross and Kylee Roberts are three black girls trying to navigate life at a predominantly white school. We’ll be talking about higher education, representation in the media, and of course, our hair. So in the end, we’re just a couple of kinky girls trying to brighten your day...or ruin it.
Written: In Defense of Self Defense
“In the past on IC’s campus, the Rape Aggression Defense program has gotten a bad rep. However, self-defense courses are something I find important for our community. Here's why:”
Photography: Bless This Mess
This piece is entitled Bless This Mess was created with the idea in mind that although it is a bitch to stop and clean, taking time to do so reminds me that I have needs and I need to be taken care of too.
Video: Hairstories
“Inspired by the "Good Hair" episode of our very own KINKS podcast, our staff wanted to dive deeper into Hairstories and what they mean for others. This topic has been brought to light in recent years as people of color feel more empowered to embrace and talk about their natural hair.”
Watch Here (Video by Curtis Hosang)
Experiential: Book Club
What’s important and classic when it comes to reading? We partnered with Buffalo Street Books in Downtown Ithaca for students to purchase, read and discuss books with us in a virtual platform.
Events: The Red Party
Continuing to work and support local Ithaca business, the club needed money to keep the website running when IC wouldn’t give us any. We aimed to have two fundraisers a year, including this one at Silky Jones in Downtown Ithaca. We were the first school organization to host a fundraiser there and kept a great partnership with the owners.
Watch Here (Video Edited by Alyssa Mendelsohn)
Without this outlet, I would not have lasted…
The “Sophomore Slump” and the 2016 election hit me like a ton of bricks. Passion Project was an outlet I quickly learned was important for many people. By reaching beyond voices in the communications school and creating strong partnerships with local businesses in Downtown Ithaca, we ensured this platform would stay authentic and real on every level.
(R) Summer Beat was our /my first podcast and the first media venture outside of writing. I interviewed young musicians about their inspirations and drives.
First season (2017) in NYC is available on SoundCloud, second season (2018) based in Ithaca, NY and photoshoots available here.
Photo by Olivia Montalto for Passion Project