Today we’d like to introduce you to Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo.

Hi Naila Ansari Carbonell, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I grew up surrounded by a close-knit family and a strong circle of friends who always made me feel seen and supported. From a young age, the arts were my language, a place where I could explore, express, and imagine beyond the world I knew. I was blessed with incredible mentors along the way, teachers, elders, and community leaders — who saw something in me and nurtured it with intention and care.

Even with that support, the path wasn’t always clear. I worked hard, often twice as hard, navigating spaces that weren’t always built with people like me in mind. But I leaned on resilience, on the quiet voice that reminded me I could forge something new — something rooted in who I am, not who the world expects me to be.

I’ve never been one to follow a traditional path. I’ve chosen to build my own, one that blends creativity, purpose, and community. And while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been deeply meaningful. Everything I’ve built reflects the love I was raised with, the lessons I’ve learned, and the vision I hold for what’s possible.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being an artist is not always understood or valued in the ways it should be — especially when you’re building something outside of traditional norms. I’ve had to constantly advocate for the legitimacy of arts, often in spaces that didn’t fully recognize its depth or impact.

I quickly learned that talent alone wasn’t enough. I had to be nimble — developing not just my artistic craft, but also a whole set of other skills: scholarship, administration, business, and teaching. I had to learn how to write grants, produce events, manage budgets, and build community partnerships — all while staying rooted in the creative work that fuels me.

It’s been a balancing act, sometimes exhausting, but also deeply empowering. Every challenge has sharpened my vision and taught me how to move with strategy and purpose. I’m proud of the road I’ve taken, even with the bumps along the way — because it’s mine, and it’s made me who I am.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

At my core, I’m a storyteller. My work lives at the intersection of the arts, scholarship, and community. I’m an artist, educator, and founder who specializes in creating transformative experiences through performance, education, and cultural programming. Whether I’m producing a stage production, leading a workshop, writing, or curating events, my focus is always on centering joy, truth, and possibility.

I’m known for blending the creative and the academic — bringing deep cultural insight into spaces that often separate the two. I don’t just perform or teach — I build frameworks, nurture talent, and create spaces where others feel empowered to bring their whole selves forward. I’ve worked across disciplines, mentored countless students and emerging artists, and partnered with institutions to reimagine what inclusive, impactful programming can look like.

What I’m most proud of is staying rooted in authenticity. I’ve been able to forge a path that reflects who I am — without shrinking or compromising. I’ve taken risks, created my own opportunities, and invited others to do the same.

What sets me apart is the range and depth of my experience — and the way I lead with both heart and vision. I’m not just building projects. I’m building legacy.

What were you like growing up?

Growing up, I was curious about everything — always asking questions, always wanting to understand how the world worked. I was smart, witty, and definitely a little intense when it came to time and structure. I’ve always believed in showing up fully and being prepared. I wanted to be the best at whatever I did, not out of ego, but because I genuinely cared. I believed excellence was a form of respect — for myself, for others, and for the work.

I wasn’t afraid to take the helm, even as a kid. Leadership came naturally to me, whether it was organizing a project, speaking up for someone else, or stepping into spaces where a strong voice was needed. I was the one who rallied the group, saw the bigger picture, and made sure no one was left behind.

Even then, I knew I wanted to make a difference. I wasn’t just driven, I was grounded in something bigger. And looking back, all of those early qualities — that fire, that focus, that deep care are still with me today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.movementofjoyllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naila_moves_joy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naila.ansari.568847/

Image Credits

First Photo Orange Hat – Paolo Alejandro Carbonell Catilo
Second Photo Green Outfit – Jacob Vogan
Third photo – Mustafa Hussain
Fourth Photo – Arts Collaboratory University at Buffalo
Five picture in the studio _ Buffalo State University Theater Department