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A panel discussion on the creative process with five leading Buffalo-born authors and artists.Alliah L. Agostini is the author of Junior Library Guild Selection Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince, Scarecited on the First Day of School, The Juneteenth Story, The Juneteenth Cookbook, Great Idea Malia!, and more joyful books for children. Alliah and her work have been featured on Essence.com, Oprah Daily, in The Washington Post, and more. The proud Buffalo native and Centaur now lives with her family in New Jersey.
Miguel Cardona is a Designer Advocate for Education at Figma. Prior to joining Figma, Miguel was an Assistant Professor at the College of Art and Design at RIT where he instructed courses in New Media Design and Visual Communications. At Figma, Miguel makes social media content, works on product marketing launches, and gives workshops and lectures to the education community. Outside of work, he enjoys sketching on coffee cups, collecting synthesizers, and producing zines.
Alexa Wajed is a Buffalo-born creative entrepreneur, visual artist, trained chef, and jewelry designer whose work bridges fine art, food, and community. A co-owner and Chief Strategy & Operations Officer of the creative agency Eat Off Art, she is passionate about helping others live well—whether through nourishing meals, bold abstract artwork, or mentoring youth through hands-on creativity. Alexa’s work reflects a deep respect for beauty, sustainability, and purpose across all her practices.
Edreys Wajed is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and entrepreneur from Buffalo whose creative journey spans music, visual art, jewelry design, and public art. Known for his signature linework and storytelling across mediums, he co-leads the creative agency Eat Off Art as Chief Creative Officer and is celebrated for contributions like the Freedom Wall mural. Rooted in curiosity and craftsmanship, Edreys’ work serves as both inspiration and artifact, aiming to uplift, provoke thought, and leave a lasting cultural imprint.
Moderator/Participant
Raina Lipsitz writes about politics and culture. She is the author of The Rise of a New Left: How Young Radicals Are Shaping the Future of American Politics. Her work has appeared in The Appeal, The Atlantic, The Metropolitan Review, The Nation, and The New Republic, among other publications. She has served on the advisory board of New York Focus, an independent nonprofit newsroom investigating power in New York State.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1462 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, United States, New York 14203
