Meet Iymaani Aytes

We recently connected with Iymaani Aytes and have shared our conversation below.

Iymaani , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my grandmother, a powerful woman of faith whose wisdom is rooted in scripture and experience. She raised me and my brother in Brooklyn, New York, teaching us that God doesn’t promise a life without trials, but He does promise strength to overcome them. She often reminded me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship, it’s about trusting God’s plan, learning from every obstacle, and pressing forward with faith and purpose. To her, challenges weren’t roadblocks; they were God’s way of building character and preparing us for greater things. Growing up under her guidance, I learned early to stand firm in my faith, stay steadfast in my purpose, and keep moving forward, knowing that God was ordering my steps..

Studying psychology at Virginia State University, an HBCU, and later at Columbia University, deepened my understanding of resilience as both inherited and cultivated. At Virginia State, I was immersed in a community that deeply valued collective strength and mutual support. Resilience was not just an individual trait but something that was nurtured through shared experiences and the strength of the community. It became clear to me that the challenges faced by many in the Black community were not isolated but part of a larger narrative of survival, perseverance, and growth.

At Columbia University, I explored the complexities of human behavior, particularly how individuals and communities adapt to adversity. This deeper exploration of psychological theory and practice illuminated the fact that resilience is a dynamic process shaped not only by one’s environment but by the tools and coping mechanisms we develop along the way. I came to understand that while resilience can be inherited, especially from strong role models like my grandmother, it is also something that can be nurtured and strengthened over time through reflection, support, and purposeful action. This insight has shaped my work with The Aytes Agency, where I focus on fostering resilience by creating opportunities for community-building and using the arts as a powerful tool for engagement, empowerment, and growth..

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the Founder and Principal Consultant of The Aytes Agency, a consulting firm that focuses on creating meaningful connections and expanding access to the arts, culture, and community engagement. At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to helping organizations, institutions, and individuals maximize their impact through strategic partnerships and inclusive programming that foster creativity and social change.

What excites me most about my work is its ability to bring people together across different sectors and backgrounds, using the arts as a powerful tool for resilience, connection, and empowerment. One of the projects I’m most proud of is our work on “HBCU AccessFest”, hosted by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/ Woodruff Arts Center to connect students from historically Black colleges and universities with Black-owned businesses, resources, and career opportunities. This event encapsulates everything I believe in – access, community-building, and creating platforms for underrepresented voices.

In addition to HBCU AccessFest, we’ve had the privilege of working on projects like “ELEVATE” with Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, where we’ve helped bring dynamic arts programming to public spaces across the city. Also “Night of Ideas” with Villa Albertine, bringing the global event celebrating intellectual exchange and creative dialogue to the great city of Atlanta. Another standout for us has been working with the Center for Puppetry Arts, where we led efforts to promote inclusive practices and ensure broader community engagement. And of course, our ongoing work with Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre continues to inspire me as we support the arts and cultural landscape in Atlanta through patron support and fundraising initiatives.

What makes The Aytes Agency unique is our focus on collaboration and long-term impact. We’re not just about ideating and executing transformative events or programs – we’re about creating sustainable relationships that elevate communities, students, and organizations. Our work is a reflection of my belief that the arts are a vital part of building a thriving, inclusive society.

I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Sandee McClowry and the INSIGHTS Into Children’s Temperament program at NYU during its intervention phase many years ago, where puppetry arts was used as a creative method to teach children about problem solving and temperament. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of a full-circle moment as we now work together again to expand the program in its new digital format, bringing it to schools and communities in Atlanta, GA.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to integrate this evidence-based digital program into the local landscape. We’re also excited to partner NEW INSIGHTS with like-minded organizations here in Atlanta, building collaborative relationships that amplify our shared commitment to supporting social-emotional learning.

Ultimately, what I want people to know is that The Aytes Agency is about impact and innovation. Through the arts, we’re not just changing the way people engage with culture – we’re building communities that can heal, grow, and thrive together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.

1. Empathy has been a cornerstone of my work, particularly in community engagement and arts initiatives. Understanding people’s needs, feelings, and perspectives allows me to create programming that truly resonates and impacts lives. For those early in their journey, I would recommend developing empathy by actively listening to others, stepping outside your own experience, and engaging with diverse communities. The more you understand people, the more meaningful your work will become.

2. Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape of being an entrepreneur. The ability to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace change has kept me moving forward in the face of uncertainty. My advice is to cultivate flexibility and openness to change. Learn to view challenges as opportunities to grow and adapt rather than obstacles.

3. A strong sense of purpose has always driven me. Having a clear understanding of why I do the work I do has helped me stay focused. For those just starting out, my advice is to reflect on what truly matters to you. Identify your core values and let them guide your decisions, both big and small. When you know your purpose, it will fuel you through the tough times and keep you aligned with your mission.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, absolutely! The Aytes Agency is always seeking to build dynamic, out-of-the-box partnerships with companies that have a powerful reach and influence within their communities. We’re particularly excited about collaborating with those who leverage unique platforms, networks, and resources to make a real difference. Our ideal partners are those who think beyond the conventional, embracing social responsibility, community empowerment, and cultural engagement in bold, innovative ways.

If you’re part of an company or organization that’s committed to driving meaningful change through fresh, impactful initiatives, we’d love to explore how we can collaborate. Whether it’s through groundbreaking community programming, arts initiatives, or creative strategic partnerships, we believe in the power of collaboration to spark transformation and create lasting impact.

If you’re interested in partnering with us, reach out via email at [email protected],

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theaytesagency.com
• Instagram: theaytesagency
• Linkedin: the aytes agency