Empowering Youth Through Creative Exploration
About Us
LaGuardia's Equitable Arts program is a student-led, citywide initiative with a team of over 75 members. Founded in 2023 by rising seniors Inis Chen and Zahrah Kaikini, it began as a chapter at Fiorello H LaGuardia High School and has since expanded to partner with nonprofits, schools, and community centers across New York City. In a city with some of the country's biggest inequities, where arts programs in underfunded schools are the first to be cut, we work toward empowering marginalized voices to make education and the ability to explore accessible for every student.
Founders
Inis Chen
Founder and Executive Director
"Having experienced how transformative creative expression can be at a young age, I am truly inspired by conversations with youth that remind me of younger versions of myself. My experiences painting with thick textures or drawing facial expressions to depict emotion, I have seen firsthand the impact of escapism and community building that creativity brings. The joyful faces and connections I have formed at workshops make me motivated to expand this initiative to reach even more students."
Zahrah Kaikini
Founder and Executive Director
“Art has always been a part of my life from an early age, giving me an outlet of expression. From collage journaling to making music, art has given me an escape when I have needed it the most. Starting LEAP has shown me how something as simple as giving out sketchbooks can brighten a student’s day and create new opportunities—helping them discover a sense of freedom through creativity. I’m grateful to be part of this initiative and want to continue to expand the impact, giving youth a voice through art.”