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The
B.U.R.N
Foundation
(Broadcasting. Uplifting. Resilient. Narratives.)
B.U.R.N | Vision
The B.U.R.N. Foundation is an 8-week program
for aspiring filmmakers and creatives aged 13-
17, focused on community impact through art.
No prior experience is required. Twice weekly,
mentors guide participants in creating a
documentary about a D.C. grassroots organization
of their choice, culminating in a curated showcase
event for friends and family.
Participants develop skills in video production,
editing, directing, cinematography, teamwork,
and budgeting while building their portfolios
and connecting with filmmakers, Howard
University affiliates, and local entrepreneurs.
The program provides a diverse, inclusive space for
young creatives to explore their passions and
connect with their community.
Our
Founder/President
Quaran is an Artist & Howard University
student (Senior Architecture major) from
Chicago, IL. Quaran was inspired to create
this program to dismantle stereotypes
associated with the young people of our
community through showcasing how their
innate creativity can be pivoted toward our
collective upliftment.
In His Words
“When my team and I created BURN in
college, we were blessed to receive
deep support and reverence from the
DMV creative community. This youth
program serves as my way of saying
“thank you” to the place that nurtured
me as I matured from a late adolescent
to a young adult over the past couple
of years.” Quaran Ahmad
Quaran Ahmad
“Keith is a Senior Television and Film Major
and History Minor at Howard University,
originally from Jacksonville, FL. He has a deep
passion for filmmaking and storytelling, and
hopes to inspire someone to create and
dream, just as other films did for him.
Eliana Lewis comes to us from Covington, GA to
serve as the foundation’s secretary She is a recent
graduate of Howard University with a degree In
English. Combining her passion for education and
storytelling, Lewis joined the foundation in order to
increase the opportunities for DMV youth to
immerse themselves in their creative endeavors.
Ayanna is a Senior Physics Major w/ a
concentration in Astrophysics Philosophy and
Math double minor at Howard University. She
is passionate about the youth’s pathway to
career fields in the arts. Ayanna looks forward
to ensuring that our students have access to
the resources to make their dreams a reality.
Maasia is a Senior Chemical Engineer at
Howard University from Minneapolis, MN.
Driven by the belief “it takes a village”, as a
garden nurtures its gardener, Maasia aims to
give back to his community by providing the
necessary resources needed for students to
pursue their dreams.
Keith Stokes
Strategic Advisor
Eliana Lewis
Secretary
Ayanna Mann
Treasurer
Massia Si-Asar Apet
Fundraising Chair
B.U.R.N | Team
Jassiah is a multidisciplinary artist from
Brooklyn, NY. Through his education at the
Peddie school and Howard University, he has
made strides in both scholarship and artistry.
He is developing skills in recording/ music
engineering, videography, photography,
creative direction, as well as acting/directing.
Jassaiah looks forward to helping the children
learn about themselves, creativity,
confidence, and scholarship.
Grace is a graduate of Bowie State University
and a Licensed Graduate Professional
Counselor (LGPC) from London, UK. She is
passionate about working with the youth and
has experience in teaching and engaging youth
based on their learning styles. Grace aims to
help increase youth access to enrichment
programming in Washington DC . Grace aims
to create a program that is in full alignment
with BURN’s goals and mission.
Isaiah is a multi-diciplinary creative from PG
County, MD and graduate of the University of
Miami. He is passionate about storytelling,
community empowerment, and education. In
his new role, Isaiah will collaborate with our
team to amplify the voices of young
visionaries through creating social media
content that engages and resonates with our
unique community.
Jassaiah Mcanuff
Program Coordinator
Grace Kolawole
Program Director
Isaiah Frazier
Marketing Coordinator
Alana Smith
Community Liaison
Alana is a recent graduate of Howard University
with a degree in Media, Journalism, and Film and
a Minor in Business Administration, earning a
Magna Cum Laude distinction. She wrote,
directed, and produced seven short films during
college, including award-winning projects.
Through B.U.R.N., Alana hopes to build a
resourceful organization for the new generation
to learn how filmmaking can make change as a
powerful medium through sponsorships and
community partnerships.
Ignite the Initiative!
B.U.R.N. is committed to increasing self
efficacy among youth and providing
community partners with resources needed to
further their impact within the community.
Contact Us
X (Twitter)
burndocumentary@gmail.com