Lea is an artist and early childhood special and general educator, born and raised in UWS/Harlem, New York, alongside their mother, father, and older sister. They earned a BFA in Sculpture with a minor in Ceramics from Syracuse University, where they developed skills across a wide range of materials, from wood, clay, and metal to drawing, watercolor, and collage. Lea later earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education, blending artistry with pedagogy in ways that honor creativity, inclusion, and critical inquiry.

As an educator, Lea creates community-centered learning environments where children’s curiosity drives the work. One favorite curriculum began with questions about composting and grew into a rooftop garden, a community restaurant, and partnerships with local organizations addressing food access and sustainability. These experiences reflect Lea’s belief that open dialogue and collaborative projects empower learners to see themselves as thinkers, creators, and changemakers.

As an artist, Lea treats materials—fabricated, found, or rescued—as vessels for storytelling. Their portrait of Harriet Tubman, for example, drew inspiration from Tubman’s use of song, quilting, and color as coded forms of communication, honoring her legacy of activism and resourcefulness. Lea is also writing and illustrating children’s books using collage, watercolor, marker, and textured materials. This work is deeply personal: as a child, Lea struggled to see themselves represented in art and literature. Their mother stocked up on brown crayons to color people in greeting cards, while their parents filled their home with books featuring children of color, especially Black children. These experiences continue to inspire Lea’s commitment to representation, equity, and creative storytelling.

Across classrooms, studios, and community spaces, Lea strives to activate the senses, spark critical conversations, and cultivate belonging. Whether through clay, conversation, or children’s books, their goal is to nurture creativity and empower learners of all ages to imagine new ways of shaping a more inclusive future.