Yvette Modestin
Yvette Modestin- Lepolata Aduke Apoukissi- Empress Modest-I is a writer, activist, poet, storyteller born and raised in Colon, Panama. Ms. Modestin was named one of “30 Afro Latinas you should know.” She is the co-curator of The HairStory Project production ReRooted. She is the founder of #MyCrownSpeaks Street Stories. In 2021 Ms. Modestin testified before the Massachusetts Senate on behalf of the Crown Act. The Crown Act was passed in March 2022 in Mass. She was named an “Influeyentes” in Panama for her advocacy in bringing attention to the struggle of the black communities in Panama with a focus on her home province of Colon. Ms. Modestin received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from El Mundo Boston newspaper, one of the oldest Latino newspapers in New England in October 2021. In February 2021 she was named as one of the 6 Contemporary Panamanian Authors You Should Know by the Latino Book Review. In 2019 Ms. Modestin received the inaugural “Every Woman is an Activist '' Award from March Forward Massachusetts. Ms. Modestin is the narrator of the film ‘Cimarronaje en Panamá/Maroons in Panama’, a film by Toshi Sakai.
Michele Avery
Michele Avery is a writer, director and visual artist, born and raised in the Republic of Brooklyn, NY. She’s an experienced writer/producer & multi-platform marketing storyteller. With 20 years of experience in writing, copywriting, social media and creative marketing within the entertainment and media space. Michele has developed and produced creative for on-air, branded content, social, digital, and editorial content for well-known brands Discovery Network lifestyle brands, Food Network and Cooking Channel. She’s also a Supervising Producer for OWN Network’s YouTube series Own Your Health.
Ms. Avery brings her creative and visual skills to the ReRooted project as a Creative Director and Consultant for the HairyStory Project. She will also be involved in the production management and marketing for the ReRooted brand. Michele’s passion is the advocacy and empowerment of Black Women and is interested in partnering with organizations that engage with the Black community authentically and unapologetically.