building the next generation of digital entrepreneurs across africa, the caribbean, and the diaspora.
the mmaadd institute for modern media, ai, animation, and digital design prepares creators to participate in the modern creative economy through practical training, ai-enabled creative tools, and real pathways into work. the program helps emerging creators develop the skills needed to produce digital media, build audiences, and generate income through creative work.
the institute operates through three connected efforts:
mmaadd academy — a fellowship that trains creators to launch digital creative businesses.
mmaadd library — a program that equips schools and learning environments with modern creative technology.
mmaadd co-creation cloud — a shared digital studio where creators collaborate, build projects, and access mentorship from global experts.
together these efforts expand both creative talent and creative infrastructure.
the idea
the global creative economy is expanding rapidly. design, animation, digital media, and ai-assisted production are opening new pathways for creators everywhere.
yet access to training and tools remains uneven.
many talented creators lack exposure to modern creative technologies. many schools also lack the infrastructure needed to teach digital production.
mmaadd helps close this gap by preparing creators to build digital businesses while strengthening the environments where new talent develops.
mmaadd academy
10-week fellowship
mmaadd academy is a focused 10-week fellowship designed to move creators from learning to production and entrepreneurship.
fellows develop real creative work while learning design, animation, storytelling, ai-assisted production, and the fundamentals of building a digital creative business.
the program blends technical training with practical instruction in pricing work, managing clients, building a portfolio, and launching a creative practice.
fellows receive mentorship from global designers, animators, and creative founders, along with access to industry-standard creative tools.
each fellow graduates with a completed portfolio project and the foundation for a digital creative business.
what fellows learn
training focuses on practical capabilities that support modern digital careers.
areas of focus include:
• digital design and visual storytelling
• animation and motion graphics
• ai-assisted creative production
• content creation and digital distribution
• brand building and creative entrepreneurship
• operating a digital creative business
as part of the program, fellows receive a creative entrepreneur starter toolkit with templates, resources, and guidance that help them launch their digital creative businesses immediately after graduation.
the outcome
each mmaadd fellow graduates prepared to:
• launch their own digital creative business
• produce design, animation, and digital media work
• work with clients globally
• build creative brands and studios
mmaadd fellows become digital entrepreneurs participating in the global creative economy.
sponsor a fellow
each mmaadd fellowship costs $1,000.
this support helps cover training, mentorship, creative tools, and the fellowship stipend.
partners and supporters can fund one fellow or thousands, helping expand access to creative entrepreneurship across africa, the caribbean, and the diaspora.
mmaadd library
creative tools for low-resourced schools
mmaadd library expands access to creative technology through schools, colleges, and community learning environments.
rather than creating new institutions, the library works within existing educational systems, helping equip classrooms and creative learning spaces with the tools needed to teach digital design, animation, and media production.
this includes creative workstations, software access, ai-assisted tools, and digital learning resources that allow students to develop relevant skills early.
in the mmaadd library
library spaces provide access to workstations, design software, animation tools, and ai-assisted creative platforms. these environments allow students to explore digital storytelling, media production, and creative problem-solving while developing the skills increasingly required in the global creative economy.
help fund a library
each mmaadd design desk costs $250.
this support helps equip schools and learning environments with the tools needed for digital design, animation, and media production.
partners and supporters can fund one desk or many, expanding access to modern creative tools across classrooms and community learning spaces.
mmaadd co-creation cloud
virtual creative lab
the mmaadd co-creation cloud connects academy fellows and partner schools into a shared creative ecosystem.
fellows continue building projects and launching creative businesses while students connected through mmaadd library can participate remotely through the same environment.
the cloud enables:
global mentorship from designers, animators, and creative founders
collaborative creative projects and studio sessions
access to professional creative tools and platforms
peer learning and feedback across countries and communities
the goal is to help creators move from learning to real work, real portfolios, and sustainable creative careers.
in the mmaadd cloud
through the cloud, creators gain access to collaborative studio sessions, feedback from experienced designers and animators, and opportunities to contribute to real projects. this environment helps creators transition from training into sustained creative practice while remaining connected to a wider global network of peers and mentors.
mmaadd institute builds the next generation of digital entrepreneurs across africa, the caribbean, and the diaspora.
together, mmaadd academy, mmaadd library, and the mmaadd co-creation cloud create a continuous pathway for creative talent to emerge, develop, and thrive.
students gain early access to modern creative tools through mmaadd library, creators refine their skills and launch ventures through mmaadd academy, and graduates continue building work and collaborating through the co-creation cloud.
this ecosystem helps expand a new generation of digital creators and entrepreneurs across africa, the caribbean, and the diaspora.
mmaadd tech stack
mmaadd creators learn and build using the same tools used across the global creative industry. the institute introduces platforms across design, animation, artificial intelligence, media production, collaboration, and digital entrepreneurship.
fellows and students develop practical workflows while building real projects, portfolios, and creative businesses.
the platforms below represent examples of the technologies creators may work with across the mmaadd ecosystem.
design + visual communication
tools used for brand identity, graphics, and digital illustration.
figma
adobe creative cloud (illustrator, photoshop)
canva
procreate
affinity designer
animation + motion design
tools used for animation, motion graphics, and visual storytelling.
after effects
blender
toon boom harmony
cinema 4d
autodesk maya
ai-assisted creative production
tools that support concept development and creative workflows.
chatgpt
claude
gemini
midjourney
runway
adobe firefly
stable diffusion
video production
tools used to create and edit digital media.
premiere pro
davinci resolve
final cut pro
capcut
filmora
collaboration + creative workflow
tools used to manage projects and collaborate across teams.
notion
miro
google workspace
slack
airtable
portfolio + creator websites
tools used to showcase creative work and build professional presence.
squarespace
webflow
wordpress
behance
dribbble
creator commerce
tools used to launch and run digital creative businesses.
shopify
gumroad
stripe
paypal
etsy
creator distribution platforms
tools used to publish work and build audiences.
instagram
youtube
tiktok
linkedin
substack
how the mmaadd tech stack is used
mmaadd academy introduces fellows to professional creative workflows and industry tools.
mmaadd library expands access to these technologies within partner schools and learning environments.
mmaadd co-creation cloud connects creators across the network, allowing fellows and students to collaborate, build projects, and continue developing their work.
connecting creators to opportunity
mmaadd works with creative studios, agencies, media companies, and corporate partners to create pathways for fellows.
these opportunities may include:
• internships
• entry-level creative roles
• freelance and project-based work
• studio and agency collaborations
these partnerships help companies access emerging talent while helping fellows gain early clients and industry experience.
get mmaadd with us.
the mmaadd institute is a birthright labs social impact experiment and a non-for-profit venture.
Our Team
alysha english
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
vice dean
kalu balogun
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.
vice dean
vice deanmax banjo
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.
provostfemi munis
Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.