Theorist, Writer, Organizer,,Storyteller, and Researcher
Hi! My name is Ileri Jaiyeoba (she/her/herself). I am an interdisciplinary storyteller, researcher, cooperative practitioner, and organizer who works across the intersections of art, culture, and technology. My praxis works to explore the connection between aesthetics and politics through decolonial aesthetics/aetheises. In my professional work, I am the Executive Director at Code Red Co, an organization promoting period wellness through literacy, aid, and advocacy.
I obtained my BA degree at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study where I created my own major called Reparations and Decoloniality in Practice and Theory. I also obtained a Masters degree in alternative ways of teaching and learning through a liberatory pedagogical framework at the Specialized Studies Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
I feel immensely grateful for the recognition my work has garnered over the years. Platforms such as Bumble (2023) , BBC, Essence, and HerCampus have highlighted my contributions and I have also been included in features from Sesi Magazine (2017), Day of The Girl (2017), Glam Salad (2017), Periods and Power Moves (2020), Real Diamonds, Real People: The Clear Cut (2020), and a 2020 Alumni Note from Gallatin. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in speaking engagements with notable organizations like the United Nations, Her Campus Media, and The Grapevine, among others.
In 2021, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Africa Center and The Harvard Radcliffe Center on an exploratory seminar which showcased wonderful speakers such as Angela Saini and Uzodinma Iweala. I later joined the New York Times R&D team as a strategist, contributing my unique perspectives and expertise to their innovative projects.
I like to think of my life as not necessarily aligned with a narrow career path but more project focused and expansive, as I like to attempt to try new things and explore new ideas. Overall, I find joy in being playful with my experiences through experimentation and tinkering.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my multifaceted journey!
