We recently connected with Parisse Dawkins and have shared our conversation below.

Parisse, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was pitching and producing the Heart of the City Music Festival — an event created to spotlight Black and Brown talent — to the City of Rahway.

Growing up in a vibrant and diverse town that prided itself on the arts, I noticed a disconnect: city-sponsored events rarely reflected the community’s full cultural spectrum, especially its younger voices. There were few opportunities for people like me to shape the events we wanted to attend.

So I decided to change that. Tapping into my creativity and deep roots in the NJ music scene, I developed a vision for a festival that could serve as a platform for underrepresented artists and resonate with local youth. Getting the idea off the ground wasn’t easy — especially navigating city politics and proving the event’s value. But by the fourth year, I had built a team of coordinators, PR professionals, social media managers, and project leads who helped elevate the event into a staple of the local arts calendar.

What made it so meaningful was seeing how it transformed the community — not just by bringing in diverse talent, but by creating a space where people could dance, connect, laugh, and celebrate each other. It reminded me that with enough passion (and persistence), you can carve out space for people to truly be seen.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a multi-hyphenated creative and storyteller based in NJ. By day, I work as an Associate Creative Director, leading social and video campaigns for major brands in the sneaker and streetwear space. Outside of my 9–5, I pour into personal projects that build community and amplify underrepresented voices — from founding a hometown music festival to producing short films and running a hiking club.

My start in the industry has been through many sources. For my 9-5 in creative agencies, I started off interning and building my way up through different companies. Outside of work, I’ve worked with my friends and community members to take risks and start side endeavors that have lead to larger opportunities. For example, I used to interview creatives in my area on a platform I started called The Talent Project and would host events featuring those artists called The Talent Gala. That evolved into Heart of the City festival and has grown my connections ever since.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just live in one world. I’ve touched everything from global campaigns to grassroots events. I can write the headline, plan the shoot, model, act, and build a vibe. I’ve led teams of 20, pitched ideas to cities, and still find joy in editing a video with friends until late.

What I’m most proud of is using my creativity to open doors for others. Whether it’s putting new artists on stage, helping a brand platform feel more human, or giving people the space to be bold and try something new — that’s the work that matters to me.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn that everything needs to be perfect before sharing it with others. I come from an industry that you can’t share your final draft until all your i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed before sharing with client. But in reality, your personal work allows you to be more flexible and you can learn from your approach as you go. You know nothing until you do it and improve it each time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding part about being a creative is that you can see how showing up as your authentic self can have a positive impact on others. The more honest and raw you are in your work, the more other people will feel seen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wlcmtoparisse/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisse-dawkins/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayFactoryYT

Image Credits

(headshot) Rob X
(HOTC photo) Curtis Joseph