Stacey L’Air Easiley is a visionary leader in the field of media communications. Holding a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives, Stacey has tirelessly pursued opportunities to create positive change, fueled by personal experiences and a deep sense of purpose. Stacey’s journey began in New Orleans, LA, a city renowned for its creativity, where the foundation for a lifelong passion in the arts was established. Attending Creative Arts Magnet Schools provided a diverse canvas for exploration, fostering a multifaceted understanding of photography, theater, film, creative writing, and communications. 

Rooted in the belief that storytelling is a powerful tool for both education and change, Stacey has successfully interwoven her passions into her professional life. As the former Director of Media for the Hip-Hop Association, where she helped facilitate the production of The Hip-Hop Odyssey (H2O) International Film Festival alongside Martha Diaz, the current Chief Visionary Officer of HHEC, Stacey played an instrumental role in bridging the gap between artistic expression and meaningful social impact. Additionally, she served as the Development Associate for New York Women in Film & TV (NYWIFT), orchestrating major events that celebrated women’s contributions to the industry for nearly a decade. 

Notably, Stacey also served as the Festival Associate Manager, Events for the esteemed Sundance Film Festival, as well as Labs Coordinator, Documentary Edit for the Sundance Institutes 2023 Documentary Edit & Story Lab, a testament to her versatility and expertise in orchestrating large-scale events of cultural significance. Also serving as Program Coordinator for The Level Up Cohort at The Black Film Festival of New Orleans (BFFNO), Stacey continues to be a driving force in promoting diverse voices and the development of up-and-coming filmmakers within the film industry.

In Stacey’s current role as the Fellow for the Rise Up Conference, she has found the perfect platform to amplify her passion for education, media communications, and justice reform. Stacey’s vision aligns seamlessly with the center’s mission. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and a desire to address educational disparities, she is committed to using multi-media outlets as a vehicle to illuminate untold stories and  effect positive change.