I’m thrilled to share the release of a very special episode of the podcast BEATS WORKING: Winning the Game of Events — recorded with my friend and community-hero Olisa Enrico, Executive Director of The Residency Seattle.
It’s extra meaningful to me, because I’ve been supporting The Residency as a volunteer since 2018, and this conversation gave us the chance to dive deep into a decade of youth-driven creativity, community building, and event magic.
Why this episode matters
From the jump, The Residency has been more than just an event—it’s a movement. It brings together young artists, mentors, community partners, and bold spaces to create something that’s equal parts hip-hop, empowerment, and gathering. Over the past ten years under Olisa’s leadership, it’s grown into a force in Seattle’s cultural landscape.
On the BEATS WORKING podcast, which I co-host with my work wife for life, Libby Sundgren, we unpack that trajectory: how The Residency started, evolved, and continues to build meaningful connections through live experiences, collaboration, and authenticity.
What you’ll discover in the episode
- The origin story: How The Residency launched, the early vision, the risks, the pivots.
- Youth empowerment at the center: Olisa’s leadership philosophy and how youth-artists become co-creators—not just participants.
- Events as community catalysts: How a live show or hip-hop showcase becomes a vehicle for social change, identity expression, and belonging.
- Lessons for event professionals: Since BEATS WORKING is designed to explore “winning the game of events,” we roll up our sleeves and talk about how this model applies to any gathering—whether a hip-hop festival or corporate conference.
- Why it’s personal for me: As someone who has supported this organization since 2018, I share why The Residency resonates so deeply—how it aligns with my values around storytelling, recovery, inclusion, and culture.
A shout-out to you
If you’re an event professional, a community builder, a youth-arts advocate, or simply someone who believes in the power of gathering, this episode is for you. Tune in for inspiration, ideas you can apply to your own work, and the kind of conversation that makes you stop and say — “How can I do more of this in my world?”
I’d love for you to listen, share with your network, and maybe reflect on how your next event can invite more agency, more creativity, more community. Because after all: events aren’t just minutes on a calendar—they’re opportunities for transformation.
Thank you, Olisa, for showing up with heart and insight. Applause to the youth members Maya and Sonatta!! And thank you to you—reader, listener, friend—for being part of this journey. Let’s keep playing at the intersection of culture, connection and purpose.
🎧 Hit play, lean in, and let’s keep winning the game of events together.
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Celebrating 10 Years of The Residency: Join Me at the Showbox on November 20!
I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling—and no one does that quite like the youth at The Residency. Rooted in hip-hop, community, and creativity, The Residency is more than a music program. It’s a launchpad for young artists to tell their stories, step into leadership, and shape the culture of tomorrow.
That’s why I’m thrilled to support their annual fall fundraiser on Wednesday, November 20, at one of my favorite Seattle venues—The Showbox downtown. This night is going to be electric: live performances, lite bites, a live and silent auction, and a whole lot of heart. And did I mention we’re celebrating 10 years of The Residency, creating paid opportunities and creative space for local youth?
If you believe in lifting up young voices, creating access to the arts, and building community through music, this is the event to be at. Read more HERE.
