Brandon Willis Audio Production Manager of Elementz   "In order to actually find out which innovative programs will have a chance of succeeding in reaching youth, you have to allow young people to play a part in brainstorming and planning out how to establish these programs."

Brandon Willis also known as Brother Abdullah has played an active role in community development in Cincinnati, Oh through the management position which he has held at Elementz: The Hip Hop Youth Arts Center. Elementz inspires and engages inner city youth between the ages 14-24 in innovative arts programs, leadership development and community building. Abdullah began his community service at Elementz in its opening year and he has since became responsible for oversight of several arts based programs, the development of a youth leadership program and the management of several employees within Elementz.

Abdullah graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2006 with a degree in Electronic Media. In addition to his academic achievements at UC he also made efforts to cultivate leadership skills through involvement in the Racial Awareness Program (RAPP). RAPP is an experiential learning program for students to challenge, debate and educate one another on issues of social justice and social positioning. Abdullah is also an alumnus of the AmeriCorps program. In 2008 he completed a 2 year term with the Urban Appalachian Council, which is a local chapter of AmeriCorps in Cincinnati, Oh. During this term he attended various trainings on education, leadership development, family and human services, cultural celebration and access to employment. Through his experiences with electronic media, leadership development and non-profit sector work, Abdullah intends to facilitate the formation of innovative programs to enhance communities and the lives of underrepresented humanity.

 Meet the other 2009 Ohio Fellows