My name is Elisa Summiel and I am the owner and illustrator behind Illustrated Melanin. I create original stationery products with powerful messages of self acceptance for Black and Brown women. I also recently launched a Youtube Channel to shed light on issues around women's health and other lifetstyle changes that I have personally been affected by in hopes to give space for others to share their story.

See Elisa’s Work:

Illustrated Melanin | Blog

Hannah is a queer first-generation Cuban-American, Virgo, writer, and self-proclaimed "big fan" of You Belong Here. Hannah's work is built on the belief that storytelling can make the world a more inclusive, equitable, and empathetic place. As a contributor to You Belong Here's blog, Hannah writes mainly about inclusion in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and community building. Hannah also writes about identity, relationships, and internet culture from her personal experience. When Hannah isn't working, you can find them reading a book, trying new things in San Diego like making pottery or rock climbing, or spending time with friends and family.

Website | Medium | YBH Contributor Articles

Nic Roc is the founder and program director of You Belong Here. Skilled in product development and manufacturing, design and fabrication, brand strategy, branding and identity, and program development, she works with purpose-driven businesses in the professional consulting industry. She also has an extensive history in community program development—strongly focused on inclusion, diversity, and social infrastructure.

In fact, Nic Roc is certified in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and Entrepreneur Management Center development via the International Business Innovation Association.

Nic Roc is the recipient of the RISE ILIA 2020 Agent of Change award, which honors an individual who has shown dedication and action to make sustainable and systemic change by creation of innovative programs, platforms, and partnerships. It recognized her work in assisting the community’s ability to thrive in education, social enterprise, and advocacy.

Our approach recognizes the need for holistic and sustainable change in the creative industry and within our neighborhoods, which is why we focus on innovative programs in business and culture. In collaboration with local arts-based nonprofits, You Belong Here has consistently led successful microenterprise programs, and I have personally been sought after to lead these programs for my expertise and unique curriculum tailored to the creative industry. You Belong Here also collaborates with other businesses and community leaders to support marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+IA youth, Trans women of color, refugee youth, survivors of trafficking, and underserved communities. In 2020 I was recognized, for my hard work and dedication in developing innovative programs, with the Change Agent Award from the RISE San Diego Inclusive Leaders In Action award program.

There is a lack of support in business resources and training for the creative arts, which is exactly why You Belong Here continues to serve the underserved artist community in San Diego. We understand that an individual's well-being is multifaceted, so we offer programming that considers the whole person to provide artists with the tools to overcome intergenerational traumas, fears, and financial setbacks that impact their confidence and success. Our approach to business development supports our members' creative journeys and focuses on spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and social well-being.

You Belong Here members enjoy programs that cover a wide range of areas, from art showcases telling their story, to one-on-one consulting, financial readiness, trauma-informed yoga, town hall discussions, accessible group therapy, men's circles, and wellness groups. We also offer short-term artist residencies that help local talents expand their reach within their community by providing them with the spotlight they might not have been able to attain through traditional gallery and museum routes. Additionally, our #StartHere business program is designed to provide aspiring creative entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, mentorship, foundations, and access to sponsored space to develop their ideas from ideation to growth.

My work with You Belong Here is proof that a purpose-driven business can positively impact communities and the world. I have had the honor of helping over 350 creatives in the San Diego region launch their creative business, passion, and message. I am personally committed to transforming one creative enterprise at a time to show that business can be a force for good.