Our Alumni
The Leaders of the Future.
At CRE8 Space, we work with Chicago youth who have the vision, creativity, and drive to succeed but have often faced systemic barriers limiting access to mentorship, resources, and pathways into sustainable careers and economic mobility.
Through a holistic, human-centered approach, we help young people develop both technical and leadership skills that create long-term opportunities for personal growth, financial stability, and systemic change.
Today, they are building businesses, pursuing careers, and enrolling in master’s programs while becoming living examples of what happens when underserved youth are given access, opportunity, and the right environment to thrive.
These are some of the young people who walked through the doors of CRE8 Space with ideas, dreams, and a vision for something greater. In industries like fashion, art, and the creative economy — where success is often seen as unrealistic or out of reach — they are proving that creativity can become a pathway to sustainable careers, economic mobility, and long-term impact.
FEATURED ALUMNI
Kiara
Incoming Master's Student — Fine Art in Fashion, Body & Garment · School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
"CRE8 Space has truly lived up to its name for me. Not only did I gain a safe space to create — I also gained a family that shows continued support and love, inside and outside the craft."
This fall, Kiara begins her master's at SAIC, one of the most rigorous fine art programs in fashion design in the country. SAIC's interdisciplinary approach challenges students to bridge artistic and theoretical practice in fashion, exactly the kind of work Kiara has been building since her time at CRE8 Space.
Johnnie
Graphic Design Graduate, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) · Youth Leader, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago & Community Advocate
Johnnie is graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he developed a strong foundation in branding, visual storytelling, and creative communication. His work combines modern design thinking with a passion for creating meaningful experiences that connect with people and culture.
Alongside his creative pursuits, Johnnie works as a Youth Leader at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, mentoring and guiding young people through leadership, creativity, and community engagement. His role reflects a growing commitment to empowering the next generation while using design as a tool for impact, representation, and positive change.
Michael
Fashion Design & Fashion Merchandising Graduate, Dominican University · Creative Brand Developer · Emerging Fashion Professional
Michael graduated from Dominican University with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising, combining creative direction with a strong understanding of brand strategy, consumer trends, and product development. His academic background bridges both the artistic and business sides of the fashion industry, allowing him to approach design with a well-rounded and market-conscious perspective.
His work focuses on developing fashion concepts that balance visual identity, functionality, and contemporary culture. With experience across design, styling, merchandising, and brand presentation, Michael continues to build a foundation in the fashion industry centered around innovation, storytelling, and modern creative expression.
Elijah
Founder, ONYX · First Cohort Member · Creative Entrepreneur
Elijah launched his streetwear brand ONYX as part of the program’s first cohort, turning an independent creative vision into a fully realized business. From concept development and branding to sourcing and production, he successfully completed the rollout of his first 100 fully produced t-shirts, establishing the foundation for the brand’s early growth and identity.
His work through ONYX blends streetwear culture with entrepreneurship, using fashion as a platform for creative expression and community connection. Through the cohort, Elijah developed hands-on experience in brand building, product development, and business execution, positioning ONYX as an emerging label with a strong independent voice.
Will
Neighborhood Retail Activation Program Director, Austin African American Business Networking Association · Board Member, Third City Studios · Independent Artist
"CRE8 Space is a catalytic organization that can shape the future of creative manufacturing, creative business, and creative workforce development. It changed my life by unlocking skills I'd long dreamed of and connecting me with special people."
Will leads the rollout of a new program activating long-vacant commercial spaces with new businesses on Chicago's West Side. He's secured over $1.5 million in grants, built organizational partnerships, and trained as a community and economic developer with a focus on affordable housing.
His creative work moves between commissions and exhibitions. Will recently showed custom tufted pieces at Third City Studios, and shortly after joined their board of directors, where he's helping shape the organization's art programming and community development.
This is what family looks like.
CRE8 Space isn't just a program, it's a community. Our alumni stay close, mentor the next class, and keep building together long after they leave. That's the difference. We raise leaders.
From Chicago, For Chicago
Built in Chicago. Built for Chicago.
CRE8 Space is rooted in this city, and so are our alumni. They're not leaving to find opportunity. They're creating it here, for the people who come after them. Every business started, every grant secured, every gallery show is a sign of what Chicago's young creators can build when they're finally given the room.